It turns out that as we reframe our inner monologue, we actually change the way our brain works.

Is It Time for You to Try Something New?

Posted on by Michele Morin

When the Apostle Paul urged believers in Rome to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, he was pre-figuring a field of neurological research that would appear on the scene (by natural means, anyway!) two thousand years later under the moniker of a “growth mindset.” It turns out that as we reframe our inner monologue, we actually change the way our brain works. Moving from negativity toward a “renewed mind” of trust is not only biblical. It’s good science! This neuroplasticity—or change in brain mapping—leads to new freedom of possibilities and learning.

Of course this is easier read than done, so I’m putting some of this good science to the test in my past middle-age, empty-ing nest life. We can pick up the conversation over at Meghan Weyerbacher’s place where I’m sharing some thoughts on overcoming my stick-in-the-mud ways and, by grace, leaning into a growth mindset. I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Click here to join the conversation…

Learning to delight in God’s transforming ways,

 

Photo by Olav Tvedt on Unsplash

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Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and six adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

51 thoughts on “Is It Time for You to Try Something New?”

  2. Loved your post and the examples you gave! As I think and pray about my future in writing (whether to write my next book for traditional publishing or embrace the indie entrepreneur model) this is good encouragement! I find I learn so much when I embrace the mindset you’re talking about here.

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    1. As we plow into adulthood (and especially as we age!), we need that extra little motivation to step outside our routines and our ruts. Glad this post lines up with something you are already reading.

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  5. I love this. Choose the path that causes us to lean further into God. About 2 yrs ago I was asked to head up women’s ministries at our rapidly growing suburban church. In my late 60s & almost retired from my “real” job, I jumped in with both feet. It’s been one huge stretching exercise but so worth it. No regrets. God has given me a crash course on dependence & trust. Now I’m retiring from that job & am looking forward to the next adventure.

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    1. I honor your “never too old” mentality, and wow… this is the kind of mindset I aspire to. I hope you will share your next adventure once you have discovered what it will be!

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  6. Just came back after reading your article on trying something new and must say I loved hearing all the newer things you have tried in recent months. I actually just got back from a solo trip to Disney earlier this month for work. I had never traveled by myself. So this experience alone was all new to me. Definitely was great to get to do and would highly recommend to anyone that hasn’t either. 🙂

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    1. What an interesting choice of destination for a solo trip! I did that in my 20’s, but decided to go to England and Germany. I am so glad I did it and we will never regret having stepped out and taken that risk!

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  8. This resonates with every fiber of my being because I’m all about trying something new; stepping out and finding out as I’ve written about over at my blog. Just read a post yesterday about new books to read, plays to see and art galleries to visit to keep my imagination sharp as an artist. Trying new things is exciting!

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  9. Great post over on Meghan’s blog!

    I love the framing of moving from “I can’t do that!” to “Let’s try!” – it really makes trying new things seem less scary. Thanks a lot for the inspo and tips 🙂

    – Laura | https://makeupscholar.com

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  12. I dearly love “the peacefulness of living a life with few surprises.” But when the unexpected comes up, I try to tell myself that not only will God give grace, but it’s good for my brain, too. As uncomfortable as it sometimes is, stepping out of our comfort zones does spark dependence on Him and personal growth that we wouldn’t experience otherwise.

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    1. Yes, and it’s so profitable for me to hear this good truth coming from your perspective, Barbara. It IS uncomfortable to shift our routines and to adjust to change, but we are enriched by the need for grace.

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  15. I have found the renewing of my mind is a process that needs to happen daily, sometimes even hourly! Through meditation on God’s Word and prayer, our minds are renewed. Daily or hourly, whatever the requirement. Thanks for this Michele and thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

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  16. Yesterday was my fifth day in a row taking care of my grandsons. It was a long day starting at 11:30 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. I hesitated because playing it safe was so much easier – especially in my tired state – but I loaded them in the car at 4:30 and drove them to the Thomas Hill standpipe open house. The little one protested but finally conceded he would try to do the stair climb. What I didn’t know was that he imagined climbing the structure without stairs when we talked about going to the top! Poor little guy! No wonder he didn’t want to do it. It turned out to be a glorious experience for all of us, and set us up for a very positive evening together while we ate dinner, played UNO, and hung out waiting for parents to come home. If I hadn’t done something different I would have totally missed out on so much! And so would my grandsons. I may even have a topic for my own blog post as I ramble on with this comment.

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    1. Hmmm… I seem to recall a certain Dawnweaver making heroic journeys in order to be present for her family, and if that’s not “trying something new” I don’t know what is?
      You are a blessing to so many!

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      1. I should perhaps pin down some details and keep track of NEW things. I tend not to see the obvious and to focus on the shortfall…a mental habit that needs a remake–to something NEW. BTW kudos to you for stepping out in every expanding ministry choices. And may your homelife ever be your center, even when the nest seems ’empty’.

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  19. oh, dear…. Reading over there was rather convicting to me in my current life situation. Terrifying and exhilarating things seem on the horizon! Thanks for this encouragement to try and try again and learn from what doesn’t work! Blessings!

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  20. Great question Michele,
    I have started to watch the night sky with my husband, we both plan & look forward to these spectacular nights. He has even bought his own telescope now, so we can look at two areas of the night sky at once to see God’s amazing creation!
    At the moment there’s a large Asteroid with its own moon passing earth, visible in the night sky with telescopes 😀 so exciting!
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

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  21. I love this, as the Biblical study of renewing the mind has been life changing for me and my favorite topic to teach. I love your idea of trying one new thing. Perhaps that would help us to keep a young mindset, no matter how old we get.

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  23. As I age, it seems more important to keep my mind engaged and on things new and busy. Sounds like an interesting task for trying something new, and I like that you’re starting out with doable, but fun and interesting tasks at first. Prayers that you accomplish your goals and find satisfaction in how God is renewing you. Have a great week.

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