I have noticed a recurring pattern in my work with patients over the past several months. While this pattern has likely existed for much longer, I have only recently begun to consciously explore it in more depth during conversations focused on overall wellbeing.
You may recognize a similar experience. A common scenario I encounter involves women, often between their 40s and mid-50s, who come in for a hormone reassessment. Many report that hormone support has helped improve sleep quality, energy levels, mood, and their ability to cope with stress compared to how they felt previously. From a hormonal perspective, things appear to be relatively stable.
However, despite these improvements, many still feel overwhelmed by life circumstances they perceive as being outside their control—most commonly related to work. Long hours, deadlines, heavy responsibilities, or challenging work environments can leave them feeling depleted, discouraged, or emotionally low. These stressors often impact overall quality of life and wellbeing.
When I ask, “Do you have an idea of what you would like to be doing instead?”, there is usually a clear answer. It often sounds like: “I would love to do [a meaningful idea or passion], but [here is why it’s not realistic].”
What I notice is that many people stop there. The idea itself is never explored further because it is quickly met with perceived obstacles. Once these mental barriers arise, the possibility is dismissed before it has a chance to develop.
Our brains tend to follow familiar patterns of thinking. Repeated thoughts reinforce existing neural pathways, making them more dominant over time. When we limit our thinking or avoid imagining alternatives, we also limit the formation of new neural pathways. Ideas that feel meaningful or inspiring cannot fully take shape if we do not allow ourselves the mental space to explore them.
Thinking about an idea allows it to exist as a pattern within the nervous system. From a neurological perspective, imagination plays an important role in forming new pathways associated with motivation, creativity, and problem-solving.
Before any idea can be acted upon, it must first exist as a concept in the mind. Our mindset influences how we perceive possibilities and how we engage with change. When an idea is given space to develop mentally, it becomes easier to explore how it might fit into real life over time.
For this reason, I sometimes suggest a simple reflective exercise to patients, framed intentionally as something light and pressure-free. The goal is not immediate action or belief, but gentle exploration.
I encourage them to imagine what life might look like if they were doing something they genuinely enjoyed—without immediately questioning how practical it seems. The focus is on visualizing fulfillment, balance, and alignment with personal values. Removing perceived limitations, even temporarily, can make this exercise more effective.
Imagination can be a valuable tool for self-reflection. When we allow ourselves to think creatively, we may begin to notice new perspectives or opportunities that were previously overlooked. While this process does not guarantee specific outcomes, it can support personal growth and a broader sense of possibility.