Joy Jot #7 Poop Trails
24 April 2024
Dear Friend,
Last spring after 500 inches of snow had fallen upon Snowbasin ski resort we watched the snow melt in Ogden Valley. One day in late April my husband and I were walking on the newly melted trails throughout our subdivision. As we crested a hill I looked down the path and started laughing out loud. This is what I saw…
What are those black pellets lining the path you ask?
Deer poop.
And why was I laughing?
Because, it was a perfect example of brain patterns. One of my favorite podcasts is The Full Cup in which Craig Berthold shares his wisdom of helping people over his 40 year career as a counselor.
He teaches how our brains make patterns and describes these paths as “deer going down a trail”. The more repetitive thoughts we have, the more deer we send down the trail, making the pathway more direct, clear, and easy to travel on. Deer choose the same paths to their favorite grazing and watering places. These paths are created in the mountains just like hiking trails appear when thousands of people walk to their favorite peaks and waterfalls.
Here was an example of the deer walking down the same path over and over again. Look how many times the deer walked down that path? How did they even poop that much? Hahaha
Here’s the thing. Some brain trails a really great for you. Others are not — I call the the negative brain patterns poop trails. What thoughts or habits do you have that are laying down poop trails in your brain— and not bringing you happiness?
Did you know you can do something about these poop trails? Brains can actually rewire themselves. Sometimes after an accident and loss of ability, patients must re-learn basic skills like eating and walking. Their brains actually lay down new pathways.
We can also lay down new patterns by choosing new thoughts, creating new positive habits, or manifesting positive affirmations. I invite you to observe yourself. When you feel a negative or positive emotion, notice what thoughts brought you there. If you like your trail, keep it. If you find poop, choose a new trail!
With love always,
Amy
Books on Habits and Positive Thinking
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
