An Enduring Classic

If you’re a student of positive thinking, the law of attraction, or any other similar schools of thought, I hope you’ve read the classic Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Published in 1937, this little gem of a book contains the wisdom Hill gleaned after 20 years of interviewing the most successful men of his day—men like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Alexander Graham Bell. Even if you have read it, it bears re-reading—and making notes in it and marking pages that catch your attention.

The table of contents gives a good synopsis of the book:

1. The Power of Thought
2. Desire: The Starting Point of All Achievement
3. Faith: Visualizing and believing in the Attainment of Desire
4. Autosuggestion: The Medium for Influencing the Subconscious Mind
5. Specialized Knowledge: Personal Experiences or Observations
6. Imagination: The Workshop of the Mind
7. Organized Planning: The Crystallization of Desire into Action
8. Decision: The Mastery of Procrastination
9. Persistence: The Sustained Effort Necessary to Induce Faith
10. Power of the Master Mind: The Driving Force
11. The Mystery of Sex Transmutation
12. The Subconscious Mind: The Connecting Link
13. The Brain: A Broadcasting and Receiving Station for Thought
14. The Sixth Sense: The Door to the Temple of Wisdom
15. How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear (Clearing the Brain for Riches)
16. The Devil’s Workshop

Interesting enough, right before I started to write this post, I checked my e-mail and found a message from our Twitter account (@YouRTheAnswer) that let me know I had what’s known as a “follow” from Bob Proctor—yes, the Bob Proctor featured on The Secret. I’m sure it wasn’t from Bob personally; many serious users have systems that automatically give anyone who follows their updates a “follow back,” and I had just signed up for his updates. (Almost every one of The Secret’s teachers are on Twitter, by the way.) As a thank-you, he had sent a link to one of his free videos. This is also a common strategy from high-level Twitter users—they send a link to a free video, a free e-book, or website. I’ve never clicked through to any of these offerings, but for some reason, I clicked on Bob’s. I almost fell out of my chair when he started talking about—you guessed it—Think and Grow Rich. Bob held up his well-read copy and explained exactly how he had put the book’s advice to use in his own life.

It’s difficult to find many modern self-transformation teachers who haven’t studied Hill’s classic. Read the author’s introduction to the original, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s an excerpt:

“Every chapter of this book mentions the money-making secret that has made fortunes for more than 500 exceedingly wealthy people whom I have carefully analyzed over a long period of years. The secret was brought to my attention more than a quarter of century ago by Andrew Carnegie…. When he saw that I had grasped the idea, he asked if I would be willing to spend 20 years or more preparing myself to take it to the world, to men and women who, without the secret, might go through life as failures.” The modern edition is updated and tells the story of some of our own modern giants, like Bill Gates and Steven Speilberg.

Hill tells us in Chapter 1, “A great many years ago I purchased a fine dictionary. The first thing I did was turn to the word ‘impossible,’ and neatly clip it out of the book. That would not be an unwise thing for you to do.”

It would be very wise, however, for you to pick up a copy of Think and Grow Rich.

Be Impeccable With Your Word

From the book: The Four Agreements – A Toltec Wisdom Book – A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom - by: Don Miguel Ruiz – Pages 25 – 26.

The First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word

THE FIRST AGREEMENT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE and also the most difficult one to honor. It is so important that with just this first agreement you will be able to transcend to the level of existence I call heaven on earth.

The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. It sounds very simple, but it is very, very powerful.

Why your word? Your word is the power that you have to create. Your word is the gift that comes directly from God. The Gospel of John in the Bible, speaking of the creation of the universe, says, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word is God.” Through the word you express your creative power. It is through the word that you manifest everything. Regardless of what language you speak, your intent manifests through the word.

The word is not just a sound or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. You can speak. What other animal on the planet can speak? The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you. One edge is the misuse of word, which creates a living hell. The other edge is the impeccability of the word, which will only create beauty, love, and heaven on earth. Depending upon how it is used, the word can set you free, or it can enslave you even more than you know. Your word is pure magic, and misuse of your word is black magic.

Are You Enough?

I’ve been journaling since I was nine years old. When I was younger, I wondered what the heck I was going to do with the diaries and journals I was accumulating, but I kept them anyway—and I kept writing. The first time I sat down and started re-reading old journals, I was shocked. The patterns that emerged from those entries (mostly lots of festering anger, at that point) gave me important information about how my logic was working (and not working). After that experience, I made it a point to periodically review big chunks of my journals. That’s how I discovered a disturbing trend: I was never good enough, or smart enough, or disciplined enough. I was never enough of anything, and when I couldn’t think of a specific area in which I was lacking, I was just not enough, whatever that meant. I wasn’t even sure myself.

A couple of years ago, when I was making this discovery, I noticed a book because its title spoke to my ill-defined problem: You Are More Than Enough by Judi Moreo, which also has an attractive companion journal. Apparently, I wasn’t the only person battling this “enough” issue. I like a self-help/inspirational book to give me something practical and immediately useful, and Moreo’s book gives readers both. The book is slightly slanted to women, although anyone can benefit from her advice. She covers everything from correcting a negative attitude to the importance of personal appearance (she cites a lack of concern for personal appearance as one of the symptoms of poverty mentality). Moreo calls upon her extensive background as a personal coach to help readers overcome self-imposed limitations, uncover goals, and pursue their dreams. “If you had all the money you would need, all the time it would take, and you knew you absolutely couldn’t fail, what would you do? Who would you do it with? Where would you go? What would you have? What would you want to be? In other words, what goals would you set for yourself, if you knew you couldn’t fail?” She encourages readers to develop an image of what they want their lives to look like, and to keep that picture in their minds.

Moreo advocates keeping a journal, which is why she designed one to complement her book. I loved the little star stickers that came with the journal she created. The inviting design encourages you to grab a pen and start writing. Remember, writing down your goals dramatically increases your chances of achieving what you desire. Write about what you want your life to look like, and you’ve taken the first step toward that life. Of course, journaling has many benefits, like helping you identify self-sabotaging, “not enough” mindsets.

What about you? Are you enough? I agree with Moreo—we’re all enough. Sometimes we just need help to see it.

Harmony Versus Balance

If you’ve seen The Secret, you might remember James Arthur Ray. He's the one who re-tells the story of Aladdin’s Lamp. Later in the film, he alludes to his principles of a harmonic life when he discusses people who are successful in some areas, but who are faring miserably in others, such as those with financial success whose personal lives “…stink. That’s a technical term, by the way.” Wealth, as we all know, isn’t just about money. In his new book, Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, he describes some of the theories beyond the Law of Attraction, like the Law of Polarity and the Law of Gestation, and he explains his theory of Harmonic Wealth®, which he developed after a lifetime devoted to studying science, religions, and spirituality, among a host of other things.

Ray describes the idea of balance as “bogus,” arguing that true balance isn't desirable because equilibrium across the board indicates stasis, not happiness or success. He describes his Five Pillars of Wealth: Financial, Relational, Mental, Physical, and Spiritual. “Without these five pillars, you might be rich, but you’ll never be wealthy,” he says, and he makes a good case for his theory. He encourages us to develop focus, open our eyes to our shortcomings, and to accept that sometimes we have to devote time to one area at the expense of another--temporarily. It's sound advice. Who can devote an equal amount of time or attention to each area of her life at all times? Huge numbers of people exhaust themselves trying. Ray’s theory calls for a more flexible, adaptable approach in a successful life. This is why he prefers the idea of harmony over balance; all the parts of our life must act together in concert, but in varying degrees at different times.

Ray cautions readers that while our attention may fluctuate between the pillars, they all need attention sooner or later. Letting one pillar collapse will bring the whole house down eventually. If one pillar is crumbling, how can you focus on the others? He points out, in several examples, how blindness to our weak spots and bad habits prevent us from moving forward in all areas. For instance, he challenges people to watch less television and use their time more constructively, pointing out that most people could invest that time into improving themselves or pursuing their dreams.

This is only a snippet of Ray’s overall theory. He discusses each pillar in depth, and he unifies his ideas with a practical spirituality that he has thoroughly explored. He’s not shy about revealing the personal experiences that shaped his life and ideas. I like Ray’s style. He comes across with an intelligent and friendly voice, but without any sugar coating. If you appreciate a direct, no-nonsense approach, you’ll like this book. His research into physics and other complex topics is impressive, as are his travels around the world to study the belief systems of every type of culture.

Naturally, as readers assume from the title, Ray addresses the financial pillar early in the book, but anyone who picks up Harmonic Wealth looking for a way to make quick money without any effort will be disappointed. Personal transformation is anything but effortless, and nothing short of transformation is what Ray advocates. Don’t wish for an easier life, he tells readers more than once. Wish to be a better person, one who can rise above the day-to-day dramas we inflict upon ourselves. Wise advice, indeed.

One With Life

Each new day brings more clarity of my direction in life. My goal: Time spent without ego increases each day.

As the day progresses life can take on many twists and turns. When I find myself being judgmental or in a bad mood, sometimes it is difficult to bring myself out of the negative thought process. The thought goes round and round in my head. I call this “mind screwing.” When I realize that I am mind screwing, I question myself, and the same answer always comes to the forefront. It’s a choice. I can choose to be in a good mood, or I can choose to remain in a bad mood.

During the times when it is more difficult to get out of a certain mood, I think to myself, “What makes one thought more important than another?” Out of all the hundreds and hundreds of thoughts that cross my mind in any given day, I am allowing this one negative thought to take over my mood and determine the outcome of my day.

Seems simple, doesn’t it? Just change your thoughts and you change your mood, thus changing your experience. Simple, maybe -- but not easy. The ego can be very strong and take your thoughts off into a direction where you are rationalizing with yourself, why your feelings are hurt, or why you need to be justified, or whatever is affecting you at the time and resulting in the negative emotions in the first place. Being aware of each moment as the moment happens -- opens your eyes to how to be happy throughout your day, letting go of issues or injustices and moving forward.

Not sure how to do this? Watch your pet. In one moment you may be scolding them for behavior that is not acceptable, and in the next moment they are off chasing a butterfly as if the scolding never happened. To them it didn’t because the scolding moment is over and in the Now moment, catching the butterfly is all that matters. Animals do not hold grudges or bad feelings towards others.

Each day I achieve a few moments when I have no ego. It is in the “no ego” moment I realize I do not have to be justified by anyone or anything. My judgments are not important without ego, I simply observe situations – not judge them. It is in that “one” moment that life is simple.

"There are three words that convey the secret of the art of living, the secret of all success and happiness. “One With Life.” Being one with life is being one with Now. You then realize that you don’t live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.”- Eckhart Tolle – A New Earth.

Take Back Your Power

In conversations with several friends throughout the years, it seems that one suggested piece of advice I gave them that really registered was, “Take back your power.” It is sad that we so eagerly give our power to someone else in any given situation. One good example: if we are having a disagreement with anyone and they are accusing us of something; as soon as we begin to defend ourselves, we have given them our power. We have fueled the situation to escalate.

I shared this information with a friend and a few days later she called me and said, “I can’t believe how easy it is to take back my power." She went on to explain that her husband was angry at her reaction to a situation and in his usual loud manner, started telling her what she had done and how he didn’t like it. Instead of her trying to defend herself, she just listened and when he was done, she simply said, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” He looked at her in disbelief. He didn’t even know what to say.

She continued to get ready for work. After a few grumblings under his breath, he left the room. He, then, came back into the room and started to list all the things he had done that week without being asked. She realized he was trying to get her to argue with him and didn’t know how to handle her unusual reaction. She replied calmly again, “Yes, you did, and it was a huge help to me. I greatly appreciated it.”

He looked at her as if something from outer space came down and snatched his wife and replaced her with an alien. He truly did not know how to react to her. As she left for work, she kissed him, told him she loved him and she’d talk to him later. His only reply was, “Love you, too,” as the confusion showed in his face.

Now, I’m not saying that it is easy to take back your power in situations all the time. Not so. It’s a work in progress, however; the more you take back your power, the easier life becomes.

I did not learn this on my own; I read a book years ago that shared this great wisdom. Take Back Your Power, by Yasmin Davidds. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to take back control of their life and no longer be a victim. When this idea is implemented in your life, you will totally change your life’s experience.

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Photo courtesy of Steve Woods at

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/727442

Do What It Takes

An excerpt from Conversations with God – Book 2 – By Neale Donald Walsch

Get close to God. Do what you can. Do what you have to. Do what it takes.
Say a rosary. Kiss a stone. Bow to the East. Chant a chant.

Swing a pendulum. Test a muscle. Or write a book. Do what it takes.

Each of you has your own construction. Each of you has understood Me (God) – Create Me (God) – in your own way.
To some of you I am a man. To some of you I am a woman. To some, I am both. To some, I am neither.

To some of you I am pure energy. To some, the ultimate feeling, which you call love. And some of you have no idea what I am. You simply know that I AM. (God) And so it is.

I AM.

I am the wind which rustles you hair. I am the sun which warms your body. I am the rain which dances on your face. I am the smell of flowers in the air, and I am the flowers which send their fragrance upward. I am the air which carries the fragrance.

I am the beginning of your first thought. I am the end of your last. I am the idea which sparked your most brilliant moment. I am the glory of its fulfillment. I am the feeling which fueled the most loving thing you ever did. I am the part of you which yearns for that feeling again and again.

Whatever works for you, whatever makes it happen – whatever ritual, ceremony, demonstration, meditation, thought, song, word, or action it takes for you to “reconnect” – do this.

Do this in remembrance of Me. (God)

A Precious Moment

"We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring, lightheartedness and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will have been worthwhile.” – Deepak Chopra – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Start Beating A Different Drum!

It is very interesting in today’s difficult and changing times how differently everyone reacts. Some say that life as we know it is coming to an end, while other’s think it is opportunity for growth. However you view today’s ever-changing times will determine your life experience of it. Some know this to be true while others think it is hogwash.

Whatever your view... stop beating the same drum... if you continue to tell the same “woe is me” story your life will continue to be a victim experience. This idea is shared by Abraham-Hicks who I have been an avid follower for several years.

One of their statements that truly helped to change the outcome of my life is, “If you don’t like what is going on in your life…change your story. Simply start telling a different story." Tell your story as you WANT your life to be and so shall it become. Believe when everyone else is telling you not too and you will create an amazing life experience. Don’t let naysayer’s dictate you life experience…BE the driving force in your life, believe your truths and you will experience amazing changes, and you’ll be awe-struck at how quickly this will happen.

Abraham-Hicks published several books, CD’s and DVD’s that explain how to apply their philosophy to your life. Ask and It Is Given was the first Abraham-Hicks book I read. It's written in easy to understand terms and is very simple to start implementing into your life immediately.

Do I hear the beating of new drums? I hope so. Let your new rhythm begin. I look forward to hearing about some of your life-changing experiences as they happen, so I, too, can share in your excitement.
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Photo courtesy of Laura Glover
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/148204

The Ego

One of my favorite pastimes is people-watching. Human behavior is so fascinating to me. There are those who react to situations by bullying and yelling louder and feeling they have shown the other who is in control. There are those who react by ignoring and quietly going away to avoid the situation and there are those who react by communicating and handling the situation with grace. Everyone has their style. Our society seems to have become so dramatic and very negative.

Our ego plays a huge part in how we respond to life. It’s because of our ego that we feel our way is the “right” way and therefore the only “correct” way of doing or responding or believing; instead of understanding that there is not a “right” way… but simply another way.

This understanding came to me while reading A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle. This book is so powerful that I have read it several times and will read it several more times, and listen to the audio version of the book again and again.

This book is filled with so much information, I guarantee if you read it, you will definitely think twice before you react to life and maybe start being proactive. I wonder how many times you will re-read it???

A Mindless Celebration

Inside of me is a feeling of knowing, an innate knowledge of things that I do not recall actually learning, but still “know” to be true. It is this feeling (soul) that I am learning to trust and live my life by. Whenever I let my mind change the direction of my original feeling (soul) it invariably has a negative outcome. My life challenge is learning to listen, follow, and honor these feelings (my soul) beyond a shadow of a doubt and take my mind out of the equation.

Hence the statement from the trilogy of Conversations With God - Book 2 - By Neale Donald Walsch: “Are you out of your mind?” and my response should be, “Yes, isn’t it wonderful? Your soul speaks to you in feelings. Listen to your feelings, follow your feelings, honor your feelings. Your feelings will never get you into trouble because your feelings are 'your' truth. True celebration is mindless.”

The Conversations With God trilogy by Neale Donald Walsch are wonderful. Visit the website and decide for yourself. And while you're there check out several of Walsch's other books. His books were truly a life saver for me.