The brain likes patterns. That is why children thrive in predictable settings. Like “Routines”… getting up at the same time each day, going to school and having afterschool activities on specific days. And “Procedures”…having dinner, then bath, then story, then bed. These “Patterns” convince the brain that we are safe. And the brain, like any other organ, just wants to ensure our survival.
However, if we got up every morning and did the same thing each and everyday we would be more like robots than humans. The very definition of life is “…the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity and continual change preceding death”. Growth and change feel uncomfortable because our brain is asking us, “Are you sure you want to do this?” “What if…” “Why now?” “Can we do it tomorrow?” And setting off all the bells and whistles to make us unsure and hesitate. I love the quote, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear” by George Adair. Because change is scary.
But it was Dr. Nicole Lepera who taught me how to put this into practice. She talks about “Small Promises” that you keep to yourself that allow you to still feel safe but move you forward, often in a new or different direction in order to grow and evolve. One small step at a time. Examples include journaling, drinking more water, exercising and meditating. Each of which should be started one at a time, like building blocks, and take only between five and ten minutes a day. She states, “You don’t want to overwhelm your mind or body. You want to go slow, and make changes that are sustainable. It will feel uncomfortable at first because it’s unfamiliar, and that’s ok.” Because feeling uncomfortable is a great first step in the process of writing your own story.