Recently, I had a visit from a patient who regularly comes in for anxiety treatment. She’s a waitress and has aspirations of becoming a manager at the restaurant where she works. During her acupuncture session, I asked how she was doing.
💥 “I’m extremely stressed out. My anxiety is really high,” she replied.
When I asked what was happening, she explained, “The restaurant fired one of the managers, and we’re finding all these mistakes he made.
“It’s very stressful because the owner has stepped in and changed all kinds of procedures. We still need a manager, and I really want the position, but there’s so much chaos.”
I suggested that while she couldn’t change the events unfolding around her, she could change her language about the situation. 🧐
“Instead of saying you’re ‘stressed or anxious,’ what would it feel like if you said,
🏆 ‘I feel excited and enthusiastic that we’re correcting mistakes to have a better operation . . . I am excited that there may be an opportunity now for me to move up’?
And instead of saying ‘chaos,’ what if you change the word to ‘challenges’? These are challenges that you know you can not only overcome but also excel at.”
By the time I placed the last acupuncture needle, her whole vibe had shifted. 🌈
Her body responded to her words. Her brain rerouted the story. And just like that?
The mess turned into a message. 🌀
🧠 Okay, brace for the science moment:
I challenge you to look at the language you use every day. Thanks to neuroplasticity, which is just a fancy word that means your brain can learn and adapt, you have the power to influence how your mind thinks.
When you speak differently → you think differently → your body reacts differently → new patterns form. Boom. 💥 Behavior change activated.
Words matter!
Here are some other ways you can leverage neuroplasticity to improve your thinking and, ultimately, your outcomes.
1. Catch + Reframe 📒
Keep a notebook or a notes app handy. For one week, jot down words you use when you’re spiraling (such as “I’m so behind.” or “This is impossible.”).
Then flip the script:
“I’m so behind.” → “I’m prioritizing what matters most.”
“This is impossible.” → “This is a challenge I’m growing through.”
You’ll start noticing how your body reacts—and how calm feels closer.
2. Word Swap Accountability Buddy 🍻🤜🤛
Pick someone who gets you—a friend, partner, even a coworker.
Together, pick three to five words or phrases that you each want to ditch (like “failure” or “I’m not good at . . .”).
Agree that whenever one of you says a forbidden phrase, the other offers a better version.
Bonus: This can turn into a bonding experience and a breakthrough habit.
3. Gratitude Blitz ☕
Every day, speak out loud at least three things for which you’re grateful. Do it while drinking your morning coffee (or, if you’re like me, tea) or while brushing your teeth.
Better yet? Write them down. Pen to paper makes your brain pay attention. ✍️
Gratitude is neuroplasticity’s secret weapon.
Here’s the truth: Your mess has something to teach you.
I’ve learned this over and over—through burnout, relationships, diagnoses… all of it.
🤮 The “ick” usually carries the insight.
And once I figured that out?
I took my mess, gave it a microphone, and turned it into my message.
🎁 Want help doing the same?
Download my Daily Loves Guide—my Cindy-fied gratitude journal that helps you speak a better story to yourself (complete with my favorite “isms” to nudge your brain toward joy).
It’s yours for free: 👉 Click here to grab it.
👢💬 So, tell me: From what mess is your message waiting to bloom?
Stay positively altered,
Dr. Cindy
P.S. Wanna hear from someone else who turned a huge mess into inspiration (and survived a Mexican prison—yes, seriously)?
🎧 Tune into my convo with Mr. America Chris Zaino on the podcast.
It’s full of wild stories, mindset tools, and zero fluff… well, maybe some fun fluff.