Making Lemonade…
Years ago I walked into a yoga studio for the first time expecting a traditional yoga class with an instructor I knew. Turns out it was an aerial yoga class and I was panicked! I stayed and loved it.
This week I walked into another yoga class for the first time expecting another traditional yoga class. Nope! Hot yoga. I panicked. I stayed and loved it.
Have you heard that phrase, “Making lemonade?” or “Looking for the Silver Lining?”
These are phrases for what I call “creative solutions” or making the best out of things.
Making Lemonade rewires the brain to seek and or find solutions or the positive side to situations.
As a recipe for Silver Linings or Making Lemonade we have these very special ingredients:
Neuroplasticity
Empowerment
Gratitude
Creativity
Joy
Let’s talk about this Recipe.
Neuroplasticity. Each time we move into a new experience we are strengthening the process of neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This allows us to adapt to new situations and challenges. The brain is not static. It doesn’t stop strengthening after a certain age. For those of us ADHD and AuDHD’ers, new experiences are extremely beneficial. It releases dopamine which helps everyone feel pleasure, reward and satisfaction.
Empowerment. A psychological phrase for “Making Lemonade” is also called cognitive reframing. When choosing positive points of view a person is consciously or subconsciously identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. This allows for more confidence to build. Instead of moving into a victim energy when something doesn’t go our way, we choose a more creation energy and take responsibility for ourselves just by choosing our own thoughts, emotions, choices and actions. Cognitive reframing stimulates the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for decision making and problem solving. This is our executive functioning and it helps us to also manage emotional reactions (allowing a deeper ability to “See the Silver Lining”).
Gratitude. The science and benefits of gratitude continue to be explored and illuminated. Practicing gratitude activates the serotonin in our digestive system which helps us stabilize our mood, regulates our anxiety and promotes a general state of well-being. I write in my book that my mom broke her hip and femur in three places a couple years ago. In her 80’s, she had a long recovery and was challenged by negative thoughts and emotions. One evening she practiced simple thoughts of gratitude. She immediately felt better and continued to heal and strengthen herself.
Creativity. Creativity comes from our “Big Self.” We all have it and it expresses differently for everyone. When we are creative with our mind and heart we are drawing in more divinity. Channeling personal creativity also stimulates dopamine.
Joy. This may not show up as an explosive outward positive expression. Although this expressive joy is a possibility, it can also show up as a quiet peace, like a constant gentle smile of enjoyment. Again, cue the neurochemicals of serotonin and dopamine and let’s add some oxytocin and endorphins for an all-around great feeling.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Maybe Eleanor didn’t fully know all the ingredients behind this suggestion, maybe she did. Either way, she knew the benefits to stepping out of her own comfort zone.
Friends, right now I am oozing neuroplasticity, empowerment, gratitude, creativity and joy. I am allowing these neurochemicals to flood my system. My brain is REALLY strong right now! Ha! And, no, it’s not due to the wonderful “accidents” of various yoga classes.
Sharing my thoughts and creations has always been scary for me. With each share, I become more confident. I feel empowered and grateful for my courage and your en”courage”ing words. It is still scary and I still choose to move forward and “Make Lemonade.”
Let these ideas simmer for you.
You can do one scary thing every day, or
You can be more mindful when you feel nervous or afraid and know the benefits, or
You can be more open to the idea of scary or nerve-wracking situations, or
You can do one scary thing a week.
And, let’s circle back to the Law of Resonance, which I love to write and talk about. If I am feeling more courageous, this radiates outwardly to my family, my friends and my community.
My vulnerability allows for your vulnerability. Your vulnerability allows for others. And so on, and so on, and so on. Oh gosh, suddenly the Faberge Organics shampoo commercial comes to me from the 1980’s (let’s go GenXer’s!):
A woman tells two friends about the shampoo. They tell two friends and so on and so on and so on (anyone see the visual as well?)
And So On.
Signing off sending a Peaceful Joy to each of you,
Ellen x
