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Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Secret

I just finished reading "The Secret." I've only had the book from my friend for the past 3 months! Has anyone else read it?

Basically it talks about how positive thoughts and affirmations have a dramatic effect on our lives. It's all about the Law of Attraction. For example, if you are constantly focused on things you DON'T want to happen to you, those things will happen. And vice versa.

I'm not sure I buy into all of it (especially because I don't believe material things make anyone happy, and a portion of the book talks about how it is possible to obtain "things" by willing them), but I love how it focuses on optimism. I've always considered myself to be somewhat of an optimist, but this gets clouded by all of my worries and anxieties.

A perfect example of this is all of my running injuries. I get soooooo stressed at every ache and pain, that I'm almost afraid to walk and feel pain somewhere (like right now...my knee). I do wonder if I focus on my knee (or whatever) getting better instead of worrying about it getting worse - will that really help?


Along the same lines, I've seen and heard that it's helpful for everyone to remind themselves everyday of things they are thankful for in their lives. I remember hearing this on Oprah yeeeeeears ago - pre-Dr. Phil days even! I think it's a wonderful idea, yet I've never actually tried it. So here goes....

Three Things I am Thankful For Today:

- Thursdays...they are my favorite day of the week!
- Getting to leave work an hour early today
- All of the rain we got yesterday and are getting today that helps my flowers outside look so darn pretty

What are you thankful for today? Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?


**Please say a prayer or send good thoughts for my dad today. He's having surgery to have a pacemaker put in. Basically his heart rate is extremely low - in the 30's! I always thought this was a good thing (I have a low HR, too), but the pacemaker will allow his heart to work more efficiently and give him more energy. He's just excited he'll be able to run afterwards and continue trashrunning. :-)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope your dad's surgery goes well, Holly!!

I used to be the eternal optimist but life showed me to be a little more cautious. Like just when I get too happy/confident/borderline cocky about something, Murphy's Law kicks in and my amazing streak at work turns into a flopped project, or I start fighting with loved ones. I think it's good to be on our toes and aware ... I try not to be negative but it's hard!

Amy said...

Hope your dad's surgery goes well. Good vibes sent his way!

Fitzalan said...

I have the Secret on my bedside table. I agree, I don't buy totally into it,but I don't think it can hurt.

Things I am thankful for from yesterday:
-Having health insurance
-Working for understanding and supportive people
-My loving husband for making me dinner


I think I am a pessimist and I am really trying to change that.

Best of luck to your dad!

Happiness Awaits

Anonymous said...

every person I've met who's an optimist has been happy, well balanced and content with their life.

Sounds like they're on something huh?


My dad had a pacemaker put in a few months ago. Anytime you're dealing with heart surgery it can be scary, but he bounced right back and is doing all the things he used to love!

Lisa said...

I started The Secret but never finished it because I was turned off by the part about people getting cancer got it because they thought bad thoughts or people who are overweight are that way for the same reason. I do belive in the power of positive thinking... I just need to remember to do it. Here's thinking that my ankle WILL get better and I can run again real soon!

Good thoughts for your dad!

Lisa said...

OMG, I just read your post from June 3rd. I messed my ankle tendon up from doing the 30 Day Shred. Jillian IS a bitch lol. But it is a great workout, as are her other DVDs. I haven't been able to run for over 2 months and am going to PT. Hope we heal soon.

HEAB said...

Holly,
Yes, focus your energy on your knee getting better. I'm a big fan of putting positive thoughts out there!

Praying for your dad my friend...right now. :)

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with your dad!

I tried reading The Secret and stopped because I didn't like it- I've always lived my life as "the secret" and I feel that it's destroying the point of it to commercialize it into a book. But that's just me.

- Sagan

Nicole said...

I'm praying for your Dad, Holly!

Things i'm thankful for while running:
*my lungs to help me breathe.
*my legs to carry me on a run
*my arms to help push me up a hill
*& for my heart to take over when my legs and arms can't keep going.

Things i'm thankful for:
My family
My boyfriend Brian
My Dog Koby
Being healthy
& getting to live every day of my life!

I always try to look at the glass as half full instead of half empty.

:)

Robin said...

I really hope your dad's surgery goes well. I'll put him in my prayers.

I've always been curious about that book but haven't read it. Still not sure you can 'will' certain things to happen.