Jun
Shhhhhh…
After much prodding from an old elementary school buddy, I’ve finally begun reading THE SECRET. Like most of you, I’d heard about this book a few years ago yet never made an attempt to check it out. Until now. 
I’m still reading, but I’ve read enough to get a broad feel for what it’s teaching. And while it’s hard to imagine that the simple act of adjusting your mindset and having faith can sell millions and millions of books, it has.
There are some parts of this book that really make you think…about the way you sabotage your own success and dreams by hanging onto doubt. It points to Scripture and professors and all sort of sources to highlight the importance of believing in yourself.
And by believing, we mean no doubts, no second-guessing, no negativity.
Which got me thinking… Can attitude really make things happen (wealth, health, relationships, etc.)? If you start out having a “bad day” can it truly continue simply because you’ve dubbed it a “bad day” in your thoughts? Can you achieve great things by believing you can and imagining yourself already there?
I believe it/you can.
Does that mean everything I ever wish for comes true? No. But I also know I don’t always believe it will.
So how about you? What do you think? And for those interested in giving it a whirl, consider your wishes from yesterday. Try believing–really believing–they will happen. It can’t hurt, right?
~Elizabeth
June 8th, 2010 at 5:24 am
I believe if you have a positive take on life and what is happening around you, then something good will come out of it. Your day may start bad, but if take a step back, you may find something good along the way.
June 8th, 2010 at 5:25 am
I hit submit before I finished – take yesterday, I had a bad dining experience at a new restaurant, but the good news was I found another restaurant that I want to try. See a bad incident turned into a possible good experience.
June 8th, 2010 at 7:51 am
I think you can make a bad day worse, but the idea that thinking positive thoughts makes bad things NOT happen to you is ridiculous.
Here is a presentation from RSA using a white board to illustrate a speech given at TED this year. Even if you don’t agree with the premise of the speech, the use of the whiteboard is a very interesting (and funny) way to illustrate his points.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&feature=player_embedded
It talks specifically about “The Secret” about half way in.
June 8th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I think having a positive attitude can make a bad situation or day not so bad. I do believe wanting something a lot isn’t enough…you must work for it. I know that we are not in control of every aspect of our lives, but a positive attitude can contribute to good things happening.
Have a great day, Elizabeth!
June 8th, 2010 at 8:35 am
I do believe it….I go through phases where I am..well, I guess ready might be the right word…to read that kind of book. I actually haven’t heard of this one. Quite awhile ago I read the Celestine Phrophecy, and also a book called The Flow. Tony Robbins talks a lot about this kind of thing, and although he can be annoying to listen to on audiobooks at times, his message is exactly that—your life is what you make it.
June 8th, 2010 at 8:35 am
LOL, Chris!! I truly believe positive thoughts can help get you where you want to go. I never had any doubt I’d be a published writer one day. I also know that, when it comes to health, I believe I’m going to be good despite the M.S. I hope the attitude will assist me in accomplishing the latter. I figure it can’t hurt. And if it doesn’t work one day, I won’t regret the time spent bemoaning it.
June 8th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Dru, I think that’s a good way to live. Take a bad and, instead of letting it get you down, you find a positive instead.
Sharon, I think drive and action is a critical part, too!
Nikki, I’ll let you know what I think when I’m done reading it. It’s certainly not rocket science but some of it makes you think.
June 8th, 2010 at 9:15 am
In regards to the MS — there is some science behind that–it’s called psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoneuroimmunology
June 8th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Better minds than mine have tried to trace the lines that bind faith to outcome, and failed.
At the heart of it, I suppose believing hope can change the order of things is to believe there’s magic in the universe–be it God, Karma, the power of positive thinking, or wherever you put your faith.
On dark days, when I choose not to see the stars or the sun, I find it hard to believe that words like faith and hope matter. On days when I’m more open, when I notice the sunset and stars, I can’t believe they don’t.
What a dreary place the world would be without hope, without faith, without magic–and without their ability to hold back the tide, build the spirit, heal the sick, calm wind and wave and fears of men.
I’ve been noticing the stars a great deal lately, and the light of Friday’s sunset…it was magic.
For a God or Universe that can grant us that, making real a wish for a person who’s earned it seems a small thing indeed.
June 8th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Well said, Joe. Well said.
June 8th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I am reluctant to read this book. Hits to close to home, as it is endorsed by the man who allegedly killed my cousin, Kirby Brown. James Arthur Ray brainwashes thousands, luring them to buy books like these to bring one “A better, whealthier life” .These “self-help” aids and the “gurus” who tote them must be examined closely. Many gullible people buy into this stuff as a “cure-all”. Proceed with caution, folks!
June 8th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
A VERY worthy caution, Mary. Thank you!!!
June 8th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Do I believe that believing will heal me? Maybe. Do I believe that believing will heal me faster if I send a boat load of money to the self help guru? Nah… Although I am considering swimming in the healing pools of Owkawalla – but I get a swim out of my $10 and maybe a ghost or two…
I have to believe, that putting a positive spin on what we want can only help us to see the way we can achieve the goal. It’s like when you want a red car and then all you see are red cars. It’s the way we work as humans.
Take it as it’s offered, as one woman’s opinion. But this woman (me) will have a book length manuscript sold by 12/31/10… or you all can call me Nancy.
(Warning: This comment is written by a woman who read Illiusions by Richard Bach a minimum of 100 times and tried to evaporate clouds…)
Lynn
June 8th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Well said, Lynn. And LOL on the warning. Finally, as hard as you’ve been working…I have no doubt on your prediction.
June 8th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Lynn, you’re no Nancy. And I liked Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
June 9th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
I m a firm believer in The Secret, having read it a couple of years ago. The Optimist’s Creed is my favorite. We did put a vision board together and lo and behold realized 90% of it over time. What we wished for were material things. I am not sure yet that it would work to help my Mom or my friend feel better or for my nephew to get a good job. I think that we need to envision success by ourselves for ourselves because it is defined so individually. But I guess it doesn’t hurt to pull for someone or to have someone pulling for you whether it be through positive thinking or through the power of prayer.