You ever wonder what happens in your brain when you sit down with a book, or when you put pen to paper and start carving your thoughts into words? It’s like watching fireworks go off in the dark, neurons sparking, pathways connecting, new ideas stretching across the corners of your mind.

Reading and writing don’t just entertain us or pass the time; they do something deeper, something profoundly human. They rewire us, strengthen us, and, yes, make us smarter. Here’s what I mean. When you write whether it’s journaling, telling a story, or tackling a tough argument you engage in what scientists sometimes call “cognitive sculpting.”

At its simplest, writing forces your brain to process information on a deeper level. Instead of just floating ideas around passively, writing makes you choose. What words fit here? How do I explain this thought to someone who doesn’t live inside my head? Through that process, you’re creating not just sentences but entirely new pathways in your brain. And reading? Oh, that’s another superpower in itself.

When we lose ourselves in a book or wrestle with a tricky piece of writing, we’re doing more than absorbing information. We’re lighting up parts of the brain we rarely touch in this world of swipes and scrolling. Engaging with written words activates the visual cortex (seeing the words), the auditory system (hearing their rhythm in your head), and the parts of the brain responsible for empathy and imagination. It’s like a full-body workout except it’s for your mind. And then there’s this fascinating thing researchers have discovered about how reading and writing affect the brain: the creation of new neurological pathways. Think of it as a two-lane backroad evolving into a superhighway.

First, there’s the direct pathway—the one that strengthens your ability to think critically and process abstract ideas. This is the bridge-building—the making sense of complexity. But there’s also what they call the indirect pathway. This one is more subtle: it’s the ability to recognize patterns, to predict outcomes, and to imagine things beyond what you’ve ever seen or experienced. Together, these pathways make you sharper, more flexible, more creatively alive. But let me switch gears now, because we’re in a moment in history that calls for us to pay attention. The rise of AI has brought us tools that can mimic creativity, solve problems, and spit out answers faster than we could ever think them up ourselves.

Now, don’t get me wrong—AI is remarkable. It’s a tool, just like a hammer or a telescope, and used responsibly, it can help us reach incredible new heights. The danger? It’s when we let AI do the thinking for us instead of with us. When we rely too heavily on artificial intelligence—treating it like a shortcut for critical thought—we stop flexing our mental muscles. You know what happens to muscles you don’t use, right? They stiffen. They weaken. And soon enough, the same thing happens to our ability to analyze, to question, to imagine without a machine feeding us answers. Overuse of AI turns us into passive spectators rather than active participants. Sure, you can ask an algorithm for a summary of a great book—but if you never read that book for yourself, you miss out on the texture of the language, the spark of the ideas, the quiet moments that make you stop and think, What does this mean to me?So let me lay it out plain: AI doesn’t have to make us dumber, but it’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t. Instead of handing over all our thinking to machines, we should use AI like a mapmaker. Let it point us in a direction, but don’t let it walk the road for us. Let it inspire curiosity, not replace it.

Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep thinking for yourself. Because when you sit down with a book, or wrestle with the right way to frame an idea on the page, you’re creating not just thoughts, but a stronger mind. You’re carving out pathways in your brain that will let you notice what’s hidden, question what feels off, and dream with purpose and clarity. And those pathways? They’re yours. No algorithm can replicate that. So, pick up that pen. Crack open that novel sitting on your nightstand. Use AI when it fits, sure—but use it wisely, like the tool it was meant to be, not the crutch it’s easy to become. Your brain—your miraculous, infinitely creative brain—will thank you for it. —

Today, let’s explore the power of caring for ourselves and how to avoid getting tired of helping others. We all would like to positively impact the lives of people around us in one way or another. Still, we sometimes become overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations we allow others to place on us in the name of service. It’s important to remember that there is nothing wrong with feeling tired and bothered sometimes and that taking care of yourself is the precursor to providing appropriate service and care for others.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us to persevere in our acts of kindness and support: ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.’ This verse serves as a guiding light, reinforcing our belief in the significance of our efforts to uplift others while emphasizing the importance of taking care of ourselves.

But it’s important to take note, “We are not superheroes”; we can’t produce energy and enthusiasm on the spot at all times. Sometimes it seems that we attempt to pour milk from an empty carton, but when you’re out of energy, you are out of power, and we need to replenish. This is why taking care of yourself is so important. You must schedule time for activities that recharge your spirit. Also, remember that prioritizing self-care activities doesn’t mean we neglect responsibilities; what it means is replenishing our energy allows us to show up for others in a more sustainable and impactful way.

We can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Setting boundaries and asking for help when needed is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. Supporting others shouldn’t come at the expense of our well-being. In other words, the neighbors down the street that you are helping probably shouldn’t be enjoying your family’s steak dinner tonight while your family eats peanut butter and jelly. We must find a balance that allows us to be there for others while taking care of ourselves.

It’s also important to remember that we don’t have to bear the world’s weight alone. Building a support system of like-minded people who understand our challenges can be very helpful. Whether it’s friends, family, or others in the community that shares our positive aspirations, surrounding ourselves with uplifting and focused people provides a safe space to express our feelings and receive encouragement. We are not alone in our journey, and together, we can overcome the exhaustion and guilt that may arise from supporting others.

So, prioritizing our self-care will allow us to continue to support and uplift those around us. Feeling tired and bothered is normal, but acknowledging these emotions and taking steps to replenish our spirits is necessary. By nurturing ourselves, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others, we can make a positive impact while maintaining our positive aspirations.

Have you ever seen that classic Shell commercial from the 70s? The one where two cars started with only two gallons of gas and headed to the same destination? The car that drove at the speed limit reserved its energy and made it to the destination, while the other car, which rushed by exerting more energy, almost ran out of gas before reaching the destination. This commercial not only demonstrates the importance of fuel efficiency but also teaches us a valuable lesson about pacing ourselves in life.

Pacing ourselves means taking a steady and sustainable approach to achieve our goals instead of rushing and burning out quickly. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget about pacing ourselves. However, pacing ourselves is crucial for maintaining our energy reserve.

The Shell commercial highlights this point beautifully. The car that drove at the speed limit saved energy and had a consistent pace. On the other hand, the car that rushed exerted more energy, which led to it nearly running out of gas before reaching the destination.

This is a great metaphor for life. When we rush, we tend to exhaust ourselves and increase our stress levels. This can lead to burnout, which can be problematic to our health and productivity. On the other hand, when we pace ourselves, we give ourselves the time and space to work on our goals sustainably, which helps us avoid exhaustion and burnout.

Muhammad Ali is a great example of pacing oneself. He was known for his strategic approach to boxing, which involved pacing himself in the ring. He would often use his quick feet and agility to outmaneuver his opponents and strike with precision. Ali’s famous quote, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” embodies his ability to move gracefully and strike with power.

Ali realized that pacing himself was crucial for achieving his goals and becoming a champion. He knew that he couldn’t go all out in the early rounds and risk running out of energy later on. Instead, he took a steady and sustainable approach, gradually increasing his intensity as the fight progressed.

Pacing ourselves is a crucial aspect of achieving our goals and getting to where we need to be. The classic Shell commercial and Muhammad Ali’s boxing strategy remind us of the importance of pacing ourselves in life. So, next time you feel like rushing, take a step back and remember to pace yourself, just like Ali did in the ring.