Changing neural pathways sounds impossible, and for a long time it was believed that we couldn’t change our brains. Most of us have negative pathways we have established that don’t serve us well. Mine was related to always thinking something bad was going to happen to my kids.

Sometimes these thoughts would produce significant anxiety, so during a therapy session we were working on this. To be honest, it has been slowly getting better, but I was doubting that it could completely end. Then she asked me to describe what this neural pathway looked like if I took it out of my brain.

I described these endless train tracks with a long train on it. She responded saying that makes so much sense. Train tracks are sturdy and long lasting, almost indestructible. That is exactly what these neural pathways had become – indestructible. She asked me how I would like to get rid of the these pathways. I imagined a bridge between me and the tracks and then blew up the bridge.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV).

Scripture confirms that we can transform, renew, restore our minds. It seems crazy to think that a simple visualization process to move it out of my mind would make any difference at all, however I have now gone three weeks without any issues. If my thoughts start to linger in that direction, I stop and remind myself that I’m not doing that anymore. And, it works! Previously, I would let those thoughts run up and down the tracks until worry and anxiety would take over.

Changing neural pathways is difficult work. It is easy to think it will never change. God has given us effective tools to make permanent change in our lives. This is one. For many of us, learning to feel safe and trust is a monumental undertaking. The more I trust God to lead me in the renewing of my mind, the more transformation occurs.

Are you willing to trust God’s leading in your transformation? Do you trust that your mind can be renewed? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.