The Brain Can Change (But First, You Have to Want It To)
Change has been a recurring theme this week. In sessions, in conversations, in my own string of thoughts. What does it mean to change? What does it actually ask of us? And how come the only certainty we have in life is that we will change and encounter change?
The Brain Named Itself
One of my favorite parts about being a mental health therapist is that I get to study brains. Not just individual brains, but how our brains work in general. How we’re designed in the perfect complexity of these meat suits of ours. And here’s something fascinating: we can change the intricate structure of our brains. We can rewire our neural pathways through practice and repetition. This creates a chain reaction that leads to a new way of living.
Does this mean you could live a different life? Yes. Technically, what happens is how you show up in your life starts to look and feel different. Your patterns, your habits, the way you respond to things, it all begins to shift. If you really think about it, the brain named itself, so why wouldn’t we have the capacity to influence the direction it changes in?
Get Curious, Not Critical
Here’s the reality: it requires practice. Consistent, intentional practice. Your brain doesn’t rewire overnight. It rewires through repetition, through choosing differently again and again until the new pattern becomes familiar.
You start by observing yourself. What do you think about in your everyday life? What beliefs do you hold about other people or situations? With this work, it is important to learn how to notice your patterns without judgment. We must think like scientists gathering information to understand ourselves more. From there, you get to choose what you’d like to change. What thoughts are no longer serving you that you’d like to release? What would you like to think about? What beliefs do you want to hold about fulfillment, satisfaction, or love?
Progress Isn’t a Straight Line
This kind of mental work takes time. There can be a lot to explore in these complex brains of ours. Healing is rarely ever a linear journey. Some days you’ll backslide into old patterns and that’s okay, that’s just being human. It’s all part of the process and the progress. Change is a practice, not a destination. Being gentle with yourself on this journey is key.
So what’s the truth underneath all of this? Your brain is designed to change. Meaning, you can influence the direction of that change if you want to. Neuroplasticity isn’t theory, it’s biology. We can rewire through conscious, repeated practice. By choosing to show up for ourselves, again and again, even when uncomfortable, even when difficult.
What Do You Actually Want?
Here’s the secret: none of this matters if you don’t actually want to change. That’s the prerequisite. The magic isn’t in understanding that the brain can change and how neuroplasticity works. The magic lies in desire. Do you want to change? Do you know what you want beyond someone else’s expectations? What kind of life would you like to live? Because if you want to change and whole-heartedly believe in your ability to, you’ll find a way. Your way.
The best part is that you can take your time. There’s a lot to discover on this journey of understanding yourself. It’s all-encompassing, arduous, and gratifying work.
Learn to slow down and pause.
Take a moment.
Respira.
Always remember: Si no sana hoy, sanará mañana.
(If it doesn’t heal today, it will heal tomorrow.)
Con amor,
Hanna
P.S. While I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, this space isn’t professional advice or therapy. This is me sharing my personal journey, my mess, my learning. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest. And if something I share sparks curiosity or brings something up for you? Bring it to your own therapy sessions. That’s where the real work happens.
