Tuesday, October 18, 2011

I've Got a Theory: Brain Dudes. Illustrated.

So you know that belief that we only use a portion of our brains? Do you ever wonder why the heck we have brains so large if we don't even use all of them?

I have a theory about that.

Spread out in those unused parts of your brain are miles of corridors. All curvy, of course, because that's just how brains are. And down those corridors are door after door of living quarters for brain dudes. (Don't believe me? Go into those parts of your brain you've never been in before, and you'll see.)



For the most part, the brain dudes live there peacefully. But sometimes they get restless, staring at gray walls and gray matter all day long. Sometimes the monotony gets to them. And, well... Some of them are bad. First the bad ones throw trash in the hallways and before you know it, they're ripping doors off their hinges and banging on the walls. (That's where headaches come from.)

Then there's this one dude. He's extremely charismatic and buff and well.... evil. He riles up all the bad brain dudes and feeds them propaganda for breakfast. He tells them they're in prison! And they shouldn't have to put up with that! They should be able to roam free throughout ALL of the brain, not forced to stay in the unused parts!

And the bad brain dudes are all like "Yeah, we should!"

So the evil leader leads them into battle, and they fight their way into the parts of the brain that you DO use, and THEY ATTACK.
You're all like, "AAAAAAAAAA!!" Because let's face it-- those guys are scary! They've got weapons, angry facial expressions, and a big ole flag they keep waving around like they're trying to spread discouragement and despair throughout your brain with it.

And it works. Those guys really know what they're doing. And they somehow seem to know EXACTLY when to attack. They know when you're most vulnerable.

But do you know what? Those scary dudes aren't the only ones living in those corridors. Miles of them, remember? There are other dudes. Stalwart ones. Brave ones. And they are at the ready anytime you need them. All you have to do is ask.


That is it. You ask, and they show up, flying the banner of Hope and Perseverance. You think the Despair and Discouragement guys are scary? Think of how scary it is to them to see the numberless army backing YOU.

(And when your numberless army shows up, they bang those spears on the ground in unison and rhythmically. To you, it goes in time to your heartbeat, making you feel invincible. (Plus it sounds cool.) To them, it's a deafening battle cry that makes them cower under their skinny little stick arms.)

Sometimes, though, when Despair and Discouragement shows up, it can petrify you. Sometimes it takes a family member, friend, or complete stranger to summon them for you. BUT THE UNBEATABLE ARMY OF HOPE AND PERSEVERANCE ARE THERE, AND THEY WILL COME.

Always.

You know... As long as you don't forget they're there, hanging out in the living quarters of the unused portions of your brain.



P.S. I know that most people will tell you that the we-only-use-part-of-our-brain theory is bunk, but I don't want to hear it because it doesn't support MY theory. And like the sign hanging in my dad's office says, "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts."

19 comments:

Jessie Humphries said...

Seriously Peggy, how long did it take you to draw those armies of stick figures??? You are amazing. Good timing on this post though. This morning has been a total discouragement battle!

Abby Fowers said...

Do you draw those pictures? Because seriously... they are AWESOME! I totally dig your theory! Once again you are filling my brain with awesomeness! Thanks so much for the wonderful new theory (that I totally believe!)

i'm erin. said...

Oh my gosh, peggy. Like you don't have a million other things to do than draw eleventy-billion stick people! I love it, but I'm starting to think my cause of despair is coming from thinking how long it took you to draw those.

Leigh Ann said...

First of all I really love your scientific method of ignoring the parts of science that don't support your theories. That is fabulous.

Second - I don't think my Stalwart brain dudes got the memo about being at the ready, or else they're on strike. Or maybe they're at the bottom of their class. But they ALL called in sick this month.

But I do appreciate the reminder. Maybe I'll convince them to show up one of these days.

<3

Tara Tyler said...

love the pics as usual!
and the positive brain waves =)

Unknown said...

I love the pics!! So awesome!! I like your theory better than any other theory out there! lol. :D

Writer Pat Newcombe said...

Love the drawings! You are soooo talented!

Shilpa Mudiganti said...

I felt like I was in school again with my favorite teacher giving me my pep talk...it was beautiful! thank you!

WilyBCool said...

I believe that a good portion of my brain cells took a vacation some time ago and never came back. This is why can't remember names to save my life! However, I am at peace with it as apparently there is less conflict now that part of myself has left me ;D

Iain said...

And they offered to represent you? lol ;o)

Jennie Bennett said...

What a lovely and inspiring post! Thank you!

Carrie Butler said...

I flippin' love this post and its awesome illustrations! Seriously, it made my day. :D

Peggy Eddleman said...

Jessie-- Idk. Not as long as you're imagining, I'd bet. And didn't you know? I always time my posts on you. ;)

Abby-- Yes I did. Thank you! It's a totally true theory. I swear by it.

Erin-- Actually, one of the million other things I needed to do was to spend some quality one-on-one time with my daughter. We chose drawing as the activity. Kinda worked. :)

Leigh Ann-- One of the most important things to do when forming a theory is to ignore all scientific evidence that disproves it, right? Secondly- THEY ARE THERE. Standing at the ready. I stick with my theory. (Although your stalwart leader could possibly have had hearing loss from a stun grenade or something. That other army can be ruthless.) Maybe you just need to use a louder voice. Or have someone else summon them.

Tara-- Aw, thanks! That's what I was hoping for- positive brain waves. :)

Ashley-- Thanks! And it's because my theory isn't weighed down by all those pesky facts. ;)

Pat-- I'm blushing. Thanks!

Shilpa-- Awww! And suddenly I'm sad that I never got a pep-talk teacher.

Wily-- Hahaha! That's HILARIOUS! I'm glad you're more at peace now.

Iain-- They're incredibly loyal. Plus, they can't get out of my brain to rep someone else, so what else are they gonna do? :)

J.A.-- Thanks! And you're welcome!

Carrie-- I flippin' love your comment! No, seriously. It made MY day.

Kristine said...

I love your drawings. Always do! And, your PS was rad! :)

Jenny S. Morris said...

Great post. And you have the best stick figures!

Kelley Lynn said...

Awesome post. I thought the same thing. How long did it take you to draw that? :)

You can tell you put a lot of time, effort and thought into each post. That's why we love you. :)

Peggy Eddleman said...

Kris-- Awww. Thanks! How many times have I read that sign in dad's office? About time I benefited from it. ;)

Jenny-- Thank you! Stick figures are the best kinds of figures to draw, imo. :)

Kelley-- It wasn't so bad, even though I had to do it first in pencil, then in sharpie. Seriously- it only felt daunting at first. It actually wasn't. And aw! Thank you! I love you!

Kyle said...

Love the stick army pics :)

Carla said...

I LOVE THIS! The army pictures are so perfect...this is my new favorite "theory!" It reminds me of Lord of the Rings and summoning all the dead soldiers, only these guys/gals are happy and smiling and oh-so-strong!