Like putty, we can reshape the brain. The mind is elastic, not stagnant. We can birth new neurons until the day we die.
Yet, we live on with the assumption of slow decay, where aging is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
While most of what happens in the world is a consequence of natural, universal laws, there’s no stopping the expectation for improvement. We have to demand progress in all realms of life (biological, personal, relational, etc.) even if it means we have to fake it.
There is, of course, no reason to brainwash ourselves with motivational quotes and self-help books that try to shut our eyes to reality.
Lest we dump problems on tomorrow, we can change today. Experience teaches us to move on with new knowledge.
Positive psychology demands a different mode of experience. Happiness shall not be forced, but knowing it’s up to us to foster satisfaction compels us to act with just a bit more hope.