Skip to main content

Trending Now: What everyone's reading.

So… Is Your Higher Self the Same as Source?

  Not exactly. Think of it like this: Source is the origin —pure consciousness, God/Goddess/Divine Light, whatever you want to call it. It’s the everything-and-nothing energy from which all things come. Your Higher Self is your personal bridge to Source. It’s your soul in its purest form , untainted by fear, ego, or human distortion. Your Higher Self is you , just on the zoomed-out level —the version of you that remembers the full story, all lifetimes, all lessons, all missions. So: Source is the sun. Your Higher Self is the sunbeam that still holds its essence but is uniquely you . Is Your Higher Self Your Soul? Pretty much— but here's the nuance: Your soul is eternal. It’s the part of you that has lived countless lives. Your Higher Self is like the fully awakened version of your soul —the one not currently squeezed into a human body trying to pay bills and avoid family drama. When you're in human form, you're kind of like the tip of the i...

Rewiring My Brain After a Stroke: Turning Tragedy into Transformation

They say, "cells that fire together, wire together." This fundamental principle in neuroscience, known as Hebbian Learning, explains how our brains form connections and adapt. The more we repeat certain thoughts or actions, the stronger the neural pathways become—shaping our habits, skills, and even our recovery.

Turning Adversity Into an Opportunity for Growth

As tragic, terrifying, and excruciating as my stroke was, I made a conscious decision to turn it into a learning experience. I refused to take my second chance at life lightly. Instead of seeing my survival as just a stroke of luck, I saw it as a lifelong opportunity—a chance to grow, evolve, and dedicate myself to personal development.

During my recovery, I took every opportunity to engage my mind and rewire my brain in a positive way. I immersed myself in learning, becoming a:

I also studied techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to overcome procrastination and improve focus. But beyond these certifications, I committed to understanding how my mind and body work, how to reach higher spiritual awareness, and how to align myself with enlightenment and full awakening.

Reevaluating Relationships: From Superficial to Meaningful Connections

One of the most profound realizations I had during this journey was about relationships. I made a promise to myselfI would no longer choose relationships based on superficial attraction.

For too long, I had let physical appearance and chemistry dictate my choices, often leading to toxic connections. Having already mastered what I didn’t want, I decided it was time to master the relationships I did want—whether in love, friendships, community, or networking.

That’s why I became a Certified Master Relationship Coach. Not just to help others, but to transform my own life. I now understand what makes relationships fulfilling, healthy, and aligned with my higher purpose.

A Lifelong Commitment to Learning and Awakening

It’s unfortunate that it took a near-death experience for me to develop this hunger for knowledge, but I now embrace it fully. I am committed to constantly seeking, learning, and expanding—understanding the brain, the body, and the limitless power of spiritual connection.

But you don’t have to wait for a tragedy to push you toward growth.

Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call—Start Now

Start now. Invest in your purpose, your path, and your personal development before life forces you to. If you’re ready to take that step and need guidance, I would love to help.

👉 Contact me at ArtfulLivingCoaching.com to start your journey toward a more purposeful and enlightened life.


Understanding Hebbian Learning: The Science of Rewiring the Brain
What Is Hebbian Learning?

Hebbian Learning is the principle that explains how our brains form connections and learn.

How It Works

  • Neurons (Brain Cells): Our brains are made up of billions of neurons that communicate through electrical and chemical signals.
  • Firing: When a neuron is active, it fires an electrical signal.
  • Wiring: When two neurons fire together repeatedly, the connection between them strengthens.

Think of it like a path in the forest—the more you walk it, the clearer and easier it becomes to travel. The same happens in the brain. The more we associate two things, the stronger the connection between them becomes.

Why It’s Important

1. Learning and Memory

Every time we learn something new, it’s because neurons are firing and wiring together. The more we practice, the stronger these connections become, making it easier to recall or perform actions in the future.

2. Habit Formation

This principle explains how habits are formed. When we repeat a behavior, the neurons associated with that behavior fire together, strengthening the connection—whether it’s a positive or negative habit.

3. Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Ability to Change

Hebbian Learning is a key aspect of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new connections throughout life. This means our brains are not fixed—they can change and adapt based on our experiences.

4. Therapy and Rehabilitation

Understanding this principle is crucial in therapy and recovery:

  • Stroke Rehabilitation: Repetitive exercises can help rewire the brain and regain lost motor function.
  • Mental Health Therapy: Repeated exposure to positive thoughts and behaviors can weaken negative thought patterns and create healthier ones.

How It Relates to Personal Development

  • Positive Thinking: The more we focus on positive thoughts, the stronger those neural pathways become, making it easier to think positively in the future.
  • Habit Change: By consciously repeating desired behaviors, we can strengthen the neural connections associated with those behaviors, making them automatic.
  • Skill Development: "Practice makes perfect" because repeated practice strengthens neural pathways.

Final Thought

"Cells that fire together, wire together" is a powerful concept that explains how our brains learn, adapt, and change. It’s the foundation for everything from learning new skills to forming habits to healing from injury.

So, how will you rewire your brain today?

Comments

Popular Posts

Learning to Speak Again—from the Inside Out

There was a time I silenced myself— Not because I had nothing to say, But because I thought nobody cared. It all started when I became a photographer. I spent years capturing other people’s stories—their moments, their milestones, their memories. I poured myself into their light while quietly fading into the background. No one ever really asked about my story. Then I moved to a town where, oddly enough, that silence deepened. Coming from Orange County, I was used to people being curious—wanting to know me, connect with me. But after moving to Lake Elsinore, it felt like no one gave two shits about who I was or what I’d lived through. Even in my church community—despite showing up, attending events, trying to build relationships—no one asked. No one seemed to care. So, over time, I just stopped sharing. I stopped offering anything at all. For years, I silenced myself. Not because I had nothing to say— But because nobody asked. Then came the stroke. Afterward, I stuttered and stumb...

From Employee to Entrepreneur

You might wonder why I started a photography business.  After losing my career in the mortgage industry and struggling to find work in sales and marketing during the 2007 recession, I turned to landscape photography as a hobby. People who saw my photos started asking for headshots and family portraits. Initially, I resisted, insisting I didn't photograph people. But with gentle encouragement from friends, I eventually gave in, and lo and behold, I was really good at photographing people. So much so that it felt more like divine intervention. It was as if God were saying, "Stop trying to open doors to your past of dead-end jobs and oversold career promises when I'm trying to open doors to your future." This was a spiritual awakening, and with that, everything sort of just fell into line. After that, what truly motivated me to start my own business was a deep-seated frustration. I was tired of building other people's empires with my own sweat and effort. Whether it ...

Reclaiming Wholeness: From Survival to Soul-Aligned Success

There are two pivotal moments in my life that changed everything. The first was when I had my stroke. I was lying on the ground, unable to move, and I prayed to God, “Please don’t leave me like this.” I had no idea how I was going to provide for myself. I’ve been an unmarried woman my entire life—not necessarily by choice, but because I never met the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. So I’ve always had to pay my own bills and take care of myself. After my stroke, I was left with deep trauma and fear. It felt like my soul had disconnected—like I’d lost a piece of who I was, and I didn’t know how to get it back. The second was the pandemic. It left a lot of fear in me. I had my stroke during the pandemic, and in a strange way, it was both a blessing and a curse. The world stopped—and that pause gave me the time I needed to heal. In the beginning, I focused on my physical healing. I thought that was the most important thing. I needed to rebuild my strength, stamina, and endu...

From Paralysis to Progress

 One Step at a Time  After going up and then down hundreds of steps of stairs, on my way back up again I looked up at the steep steps and asked myself while out of breath why I do this? The answer came quickly: Because I can! Walking is a gift, and as a #strokesurvivor, it's also a #miracle that I am able to. Having been completely paralyzed on half my body, every step for me is a victory. On my way back up, I knew the higher I climbed, the harder I had to push myself.  With each step I take, the distance between me and a repeat stroke lessens. I push past what feels impossible and I #nevergiveup.