What's Possible?

Neuroplasticity

Photo by Enis Can Ceyhan on Unsplash

I’ve been absent from writing and sending out my newsletter over the past 3 weeks as I prepare to commit to a major shift in my life and develop plans for including anyone interested in learning about the concepts I will present. I needed a minute to reorganize, prepare and get into the mindset necessary. I don’t have all of the answers. Well, actually not many at all, as I embark upon a path for which very little information is known, but my hope is that you might want to follow along and maybe try some options on your own, while I work to figure this thing out. Maybe you’ll even have ideas or information to share with me as we plod along, inspired by hope and grit. Or “SISU” if you’re a Finn.

Many of you may or may not know, I am dealing with a progressive genetic disorder atrophying the Cerebellar part of my brain. It’s called Spinocerebellar Ataxia, or SCA for short. I went through my entire childhood and young adult years seemingly unaffected and “normal.” As I get older, this disease grabs a hold of me more-and-more, taking away my independence and mobility, as well as affecting my vision, speech and dexterity. It’s frustrating and exhausting, but apparently I’m neurotic enough to think I can change this.

I watched my Dad succumb to a wheelchair early on, and my younger brother desperately struggles. Neither of them want my input. Maybe you do. There is no cure for the condition at this time, but it is my belief that progression can be slowed, or possibly even halted, through personal effort and lifestyle choices.

This is possible by the miracle of brain plasticity (aka neuroplasticity), which currently is not a well known or accepted concept. This newsletter is to be my effort toward bringing more attention to the concept and potential of Neuroplasticity.

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For me, horses have been prevalent in my life since I was born. They are my passion, and through working with them, I have learned how to navigate life. Now their role is even more powerful, as I learn new ways to interact with them effectively and safely, and turn to them as part of my healing journey. I encourage anyone to find and/or utilize a passion of your own to inspire and navigate some healing of your own, rather than succumbing to the cries that you should give it up. NO, you should not! Use it as a challenge for learning a new, and maybe even a better, way to engage! Use it as a steppingstone for progress, instead of using the challenges as an excuse for giving up.

These words are for those looking for hope and are willing to put in the hard work of self-healing, especially in the face of disbelief and non-support. This is for those who have lost a sense of independence, but still desire to be independent thinkers! It is quite relevant to overcoming learning disabilities, mental illness or improving problem-solving skills. It’s also proven to overcome many physical limitations. That’s my focus – discovering more of the use of Neuroplasticy in benefiting the physical limitations we carry.

I am not a Doctor. I am a person who is affected, and surrounded by many with the same issue, and many other issues, whom I believe could benefit from understanding this information. I do have a degree in Biology and have been interested in the brain, central nervous system and Neuroplasticity for many years. I have personally found some success in incorporating it before I even knew it had a name! I wonder what I can do with focused effort, now that I know. And what can it do for others?

I will continue to read and learn and study and tweak as I go down this path; and share the results and actions each week. You can follow along by entering your email in the box below. There is no charge! Only progress and relevant information! More than just a journey of self-healing, it’s a journey of possibilities!

I invite you to answer in the comments whether or not you’ve heard of Neuroplasricity, and what is your take on it?