Change

        "Everyone has the capacity for change, but not everyone is willing to change."

      Sometimes we are at a loss. We have these awesome, intricate, powerful, and frankly enigmatic brains in our heads, but yet most of the time we don't know how to use them. We oftentimes don't--or feel that we don't--have control over the only thing in this world in which we, in reality, have complete control. Our brains can integrate and respond so quickly to the environment because we fall into patterns of use based on past experiences and traits that are inherent to who we are. Another, more familiar word for these patterns is personality. All too often, people accept who they are as if they cannot change, or cannot grow. I'm not saying that everyone should psychoanalyze themselves, but I am saying that changing behavior is more possible than you think.

      Neuroplasticity is the concept that new synaptic connections can be made in the brain when performing new tasks or experiencing new things. Put simply, this means that neurons that weren't previously talking to each other are now in full conversation. This allows us to perform new exercises, learn a new song, or understand a new concept in school. This can be applied even to the most ingrained behaviors, it just takes a little extra effort and a good support system.

      The reason why people who want behavior change (for example, losing weight) have nutritionists, personal trainers, and training partners is not only because they need the advice and expertise, but also because they need to be surrounded by people who model the change that they want to see in themselves. Other people are our most powerful tool when it comes to change. For some reason, people are programmed to observe and learn from other people, perhaps sometimes because it is easier than deciphering a problem on our own. We all know this to be true. For example, when you are around one of those (rare) happy-go-lucky people, you start to feel that way too; even if you are in the midst of a terrible day. Attitude is contagious, and getting rid of a bad attitude isn't as simple as washing your hands.

     Of course, the aforementioned example is just in the time frame a a single day or moment. But what about chronic change? What about life shapes us into who we are in the present? That's right, it's the sum of those single moments and single situations that make us react and grow. But the only way we grow in change is through an intrinsic drive; an open door, if you will. Open-mindedness can be tough, especially when dealing with something as special as yourself. The effort that it takes to hold that heavy door open is worth it when there is something that you want but don't have.

   Nobody is perfect, and no one should want to be perfect. Imperfection is what makes the world go round and makes life fun. But if you want something of yours to change for the better, it is completely in your control. There is never a reason to believe that you aren't in the driver's seat of your life train. In the words of Dr. Seuss: "You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, and you can take them in any direction you choose."