I want to share some information about love, but first I want to share with you some information about the brain. The human brain is the most complex three pounds of matter in the known universe. Scientists are still trying to figure out how it works. Not that long ago, it was thought that the brain was a blank slate at birth and that it took its shape and form during childhood. It was thought that our personality, thinking, feelings, behavior, etc., were set in stone for the rest of our lives. But that turned out to be wrong, thankfully. The brain is extremely plastic; it changes all the time. It’s constantly making new connections and pruning away old ones. That’s good news!
New neuronal connections that support health and happiness can be made, while the neuronal connections that plague us with negativity can be pruned. That means that we can walk away from benzo withdrawal and be even better than we were pre-benzos! (I’m living proof of that.)
There are three things that are important to know:
- At birth, every brain is hardwired to ask what is called The Big Brain Question. The brain scans the environment and people in it and “asks” “Are you there for me?” Meaning, am I safe and secure? If the brain receives more yes answers than no answers, the brain will make more connection to the regions of the brain that are responsible for good decisions, thoughts, feelings, etc. In other words, the brain will develop and organize optimally. If the brain receives too many no answers, (not enough safety and security) the brain won’t develop and organize optimally.
- A brain that hasn’t developed or organized optimally is driven by fear, and every aspect of life may be impacted: relationships, learning, career, finances, and health and well-being. etc.
- The best way to develop and organize our brain now as adults, (even if the answer to our Big Brain Question was often no) is to learn how to love. Love is vital for our health and happiness. What is love? It’s not the Hollywood idea of romantic love or even the unconditional love of a parent (although both are nice things). According to researchers, love is short micro-bursts of positivity. Researchers have discovered that love changes the brain (and central nervous system) for the better—our health and well-being improve when we love more. Love is the most powerful medicine on the planet!
If you are curious to learn how love can help you move towards more health and happiness (and rewire your brain!) I encourage you to enroll in the Healing With Love Workshop that begins next Monday, January 14th. For more information, please visit https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com/workshops-3
I’m excited to lead the workshop and help you find ways that you can tap into love, even in benzo withdrawal, so that you too, can go on to be the best you ever!
Hello dear old friend, I am now 25 months post cold turkey, and my health thank the lord is continuing to improve. The symptoms are just slowly fading away. I had to write to you one last time, and being your blog on love, I could never think of a better way to say to you, that the love, compassion and unwavering support you gave me, means more to me than you will ever know. Your words were my port, when it was oh so stormy, I used to sleep with a pile of your blog’s printed and safely tucked under my pillow, so I knew I had my Dr Jenn’s trunsted toolkit near me. Now I lead a normal life, just a couple of symptoms refuse to release me for now, but I’m sure given time, they will go. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, you were my shining light through this truly barbaric phase of my life. God love you Jenn, and for the final time love and hugs across the Pond. Xxx
Dearest, your message brought tears to my eyes! I am so happy that you are healing and out and about, enjoying your life!! Praise God. Please keep in touch. I hate to think that this is goodbye! Email me from time to time and let me know how you are doing. Sending my love to you, Jenn
This is so absolutely beautiful! You are such a polar Jen and I always look forward to your messages. I too, am on a healing path nearly 3 years off and not for a long time. I am able to lead a normal life except for some
DP/DR that will not leave . It’s just hindering my ability to fully be and feel for my husband and family. That’s the kicker.. any advice on this?
I am sorry if I didn’t reply to this question. The DP/DR can hang on a bit. BUt it fades away in time. I did my best to ignore it and to go about my life as if it wasn’t present. Not always easy to do, I know, but… we try. Do all the things that we know in the benzo community to help us heal, you know, diet, avoid stress, etc. and keep the faith. It will lift, in time.