Moving Beyond the Old Dirt Road: A Journey to Healthier Thinking

Letting Go of Unhealthy Thought Patterns

I have fond memories as a child of what we called "The Old Dirt Road." It was a place we explored as kids—on foot, bike, or horseback—and traveled for adventure, solitude, and the simple joy of the experience.

Later in life, a wise person shared with me that our minds can become like a well-worn path. We are conditioned to think, act, and respond a certain way. While it’s what we know, continuing to travel that Old Dirt Road in our minds over the long term is not helpful for moving forward with possibility, positivity, and progress. Traveling that Old Dirt Road in our minds can be paralyzing, self-sabotaging, and keep us stuck right where we are—until it feels like there’s no way out. Almost like our own self-inflicted prison sentence.

What are some signs we are traveling The Old Dirt Road in our minds?

• Overthinking and not taking steps forward; lack of peace

• Clinging to what was, instead of looking forward to what could be

• Low energy, losing interest in things we once enjoyed

• Fear of trying new things

• Focusing only on our own shortcomings (and even the shortcomings of others)

• All-or-nothing, black-and-white thinking

• Always assuming the worst will happen

• Avoiding things or people that are good for you

  
  

One of the best things we can do for ourselves when we recognize these patterns is to reflect on them, accept where we are, and remind ourselves: Feelings are not facts! Then, we can use questions like the below to help shift our minds away from negative thought patterns:

• What’s holding me back?

• What step could I take today to move forward?

• Can I take an imperfect action today?

• What am I afraid will happen—or won’t happen?

• What do I have control over today?

• Is what I am thinking helping or harming me?

• What am I grateful for today?

• How can I leverage friends, family, a therapist, coach, or support group to assist me?

  
  

When our minds are conditioned to travel the Old Dirt Road, we cannot change our thought patterns overnight. It takes time, patience, practice, and letting go of perfection. We must also admit that things are NEVER as terrible as our minds make them out to be.

Another very important thing to remember is that if we cannot move past old ways of thinking, asking for help is okay. It does not mean we are weak—it means we are human. Do not let pride keep you in a state of misery.

Hang in there. You’ve got this, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if the Old Dirt Roads are getting the best of you. Be kind to you!

Grace to you, Cindy

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