Survive or Thrive: Assignment

Consider the concept that we discussed in this lesson, “neurons that fire together wire together.”

Part One:

Make a list of the ways in which this is true for you. What thoughts, behaviors, or actions have become patterns in your life? Of course, you have basic automated things like brusing your teeth before bed, but what other areas of your life act on auto-pilot? Be specific. Consider the ways in which you handle conflict, stress, and other emotionally-driven scenarios. 

Once you have your list, then go item-by-item, thinking inquisitively about the origin of those patterns.

Do you notice a common thread? Odds are, many of them can be traced back to your childhood, and the way that your neurons fired and wired during those most formative years of your life.

Part Two: 

Repeat this exercise on behalf of your child(ren). Make a list of the ways you observe this concept developing in them by considering the patterns that you see emerging in their disoposition. Try to understand the origin of these paths, and consider whether they are creating a healthy map for your child to carry into adulthood.