In our household, we have what is called the “More-So Rule.” This rule says that certain aspects of your character, especially if practiced, become more so. These practices become more evident under stress or as you age. For example, if you’ve always made breakfast following the same steps, you might become more focused on your making fried eggs the same way.

If you usually tend to speak directly, that email you send when you’re overly busy can be harsher than you intend. The rule can apply to a benign habit, like loading the dishwasher, or something negative, like bitterness and complaining. Our attitude, practices, or habits become something that is “more so.”

Hard-Wired for Happiness: The Science of Appreciation

When we respond to something, we create a path in our brain. Just like a path through the woods, the more we walk it, the more carved out it is. Areas to the side of the path become overgrown, while the path is worn smooth. Pretty soon it takes effort to deviate from the path; it’s much easier to have the same response that we’ve trained ourselves to take. The same is true of our brains. If we choose to respond to our circumstances with criticism, we are creating a critical path. If we choose to respond with appreciation, we are creating a path of appreciation.

Researchers have used MRIs to study the brain’s response to stimuli. They’ve discovered that thoughts of appreciation and gratitude light up certain sections of our brain. During these times, our brains release a chemical called dopamine, making us feel good inside. This feeling makes us want to forge a path that we may not have; the more we practice it, the deeper the groove of the path. Appreciation changes your brain chemistry!

God’s Intelligent Design: How Neuroplasticity Retrains Your Brain

God created our brains with neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change thought paths, responses, and the way we react in certain situations. It’s the same quality that helps repair a person’s brain after a stroke. The paths we’ve previously made don’t have to be the same paths we stay on. Neuroplasticity allows us to change our thinking to include those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.

5 Simple Ways to Boost Dopamine and Train Your Thoughts

Appreciation helps us in so many areas. Studies have shown it benefits our sleep quality, well-being, even our overall health. Training our brains to create a positive pathway improves our decision-making abilities and changes the work we accomplish.

These things release dopamine that can train our thoughts:

• Listening to music
• Meditating on scripture
• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Spending time in nature reflecting on God’s creation
• Giving time, service, or gifts to others

Retraining Our Brains

In a month when gratitude is a focus, let’s retrain our brains. We can appreciate God for His creation and what He’s done through His son, Jesus, even when our circumstances aren’t as we’d hoped. Hopefully then, our appreciation will become “more so.”