New pathways

It only takes up to 90 seconds for your body to physiologically process the triggered chemical reaction from your brain.

After those 90 seconds, it's your choice how you react.

Her is one scenario as an example

0-3 seconds

You are walking down the street and you see a couple, looking lovingly at each other, holding hands as they turn into the jewelry store. It’s that time of year again. The loved and the dreaded, Valentine’s Day.

3-5 seconds

You notice your heart is beating faster. You feel a pit in your stomach. Your chest is tight. Your muscles are tense.

5-10 seconds

You roll your eyes. You feel heavy

10 seconds

Your face feels warm. Your throat is tight, it’s hard to swallow, your tongue is pressed against the roof of your mouth.

15 seconds

You take a deep breath and notice your clenched fists, and release them.

20 seconds

You look back up towards the couple.

25 seconds

You wonder if there is a chocolate shop anywhere close by. Or maybe a cold wine and beer store.

30 seconds

You remember the workout you did this morning.

35 seconds

You take another deep breath.

40 seconds

You see a street tree standing alone in its planter across the road.

45 seconds

The word alone seems to reverberate in your head.

50 seconds

You look back at the tree.

55 seconds

You take a deep breath.

60 seconds

You notice your heartbeat has slowed, your chest and throat loosen.

65 seconds

You take a deep breath, and another.

70 seconds

The knot in your stomach unties itself, your face relaxes. You blink.

75 seconds

You look at the tree and smile.

80 seconds

You look towards the jewelry store and smile.

85 seconds

You take a deep breath.

90 seconds

You wish the couple happiness in love and life, silently thank the tree for its support, and go on with your day.

You smile and are proud of how far you’ve come.

It get easier every year as you get stronger, wiser, heal and with practice. LOTS of practice.

You did not let your thoughts and emotions control you or “get the best of you”.

Acknowledge, witness, breathe, let go.

Again, and again and again.

Create new neuropathways just like how water creates new waterways. One drop at a time, one breath at a time. As you repeat it the new pathways become stronger, deeper, easier to follow.

Create new pathways in your mind to the places you wish to go

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