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Across the Fence:  The Secret - UPDATE!  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 1:07:08 PM
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I'd like to hear experiences from those of you who practice "The Secret". I was in a cafe yesterday and the two ladies who own it noticed I was reading "The Secret" and they both came over and sat down with me and talked about how it had changed their life since they started practicing it. How about you?
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
Edited by - mikesgirl on Feb 07 2008 9:44:59 PM |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 1:31:54 PM
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I am lucky because I have always been a very optimistic woman and I have always been spiritual. Seeing the Secret was the key that I needed to unlock a beautiful door in my life. In general I am more happy, serene, prosperous and trusting in the knowledge that I am never given more than I can handle and that my attitude is the rutter that steers my life. I can choose, which is very powerful.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 1:39:32 PM
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From what I have heard, I have been practicing the secret for a few years now. I have never read the book. I always ask the universe for things that I need. For two + years after I left my ex husband I was very lonely. I used to think of how there was another man for me out there somewhere, who was feling the same as I was. when I felt very lonely, living in Portland, with no family near, and especially on holidays, I would send thoughts of love out into the universe to this man that I knew had to be there. Then I met Dave, after I moved to Seattle, and we went on a date, then he made dinner for me the next night, and well, I never left!!
I always thought that I was infertile, having a prior marriage, and never using birth control, resulting in zero pregnancies. I had accepted this. I knew that Dave would love children, and he had asked when I ovulate. I told him that I don't get pregnant, but told him when I ovulate anyway. I started thinking about my grandma when I meditated. She was the most fertile woman, nine kids. I was reading a book about Buddhism, and the idea that we all can draw what we need from our ancestors. I figured I must have some of Gramma's fertility in me somewhere, and started praying to Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion and patron saint to infertile women. About four months after Dave tried charting ovulations, I got pregnant.
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 2:19:56 PM
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Hi Sherri, It's so easy! Enjoy the show. I'm lucky enough to live close to the Agape Spiritual Center where the Rev. Beckwith of The secret's church is. Very inspirational and uplifting!
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 2:27:39 PM
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I know everyone says its easy but I'm really not clear. For example, my husband is facing a layoff right now. If I understand the concept correctly, I would believe and live as though what I want (him not getting laid off) has already happened. Well, I don't understand how you can really truly believe you have it -it wouldn't be prudent to spend like you had a job when you don't know if you do. Understand what I mean? I'm not being very clear, I don't think, maybe I can think of another example. How can you TRULY believe, when your conscious mind knows that something is not true? I want our debts paid off and I would live differently if they were, but they aren't, and I KNOW this, so how does the Secret apply here? I really, really, want to understand this because I know people swear by it. Thanks for your help.
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 3:20:03 PM
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As a Christian I believe it has more to do with faith in God. Faith that God will supply all of your needs and wants (within reason). I believe that God wants His children to have what they desire if they are faithful. I make a list of my needs and wants. I spend my money on my needs and wait for God to supply my wants- whether it is through a barter, a great price at the thrift store, from freecycle or a gift.
I also believe that if you walk around grumpy and depressed all the time you will attract that to yourself. If you are happy and joyful you will attract that to your life. The other day I had to drive my hubby all over town. He was the biggest grump ever. He is the worst back seat driver. He nit picked me the whole time. We ran into obstacle after obstacle- do to I believe- his grumpiness and anger. He now agrees.
The Bible says that if we bless others (whether in word or deed) that God will bless us in return and keep us from evil. I believe that is part of the secret- putting others ahead of ourselves- being willing to bless other people.. just my 2 cents
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 3:27:06 PM
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The fella and I are both big believers in the Secret. A lot of it is stuff that we have always done, as we are both pretty positive people, but it really focused us. It made us find out what we really wanted in life. Positive thinking and daily gratitude really changes your perspective on the world. For instance last year at work if a co-worker was driving me crazy I would focus on the positives aspects that I like about them. I would speak it and think it, and sure enough they became easier to work with or transfered away for the season!
I have a vision board that I put together, and it's slowly becoming reality. I don't fixate on it,
just keep it in my awareness.
We've attracted money (just think and repeat 'money comes easy and often').We didn't spend like we already had it, just truly believed that more money was coming to help us.
The best, most amazing attraction though - I have always secretly wanted to be a writer. I'm terribly shy about it though, but the past few years I've written more, and I made up a fake book of a novel I wrote and placed it beside my bed sometime last spring, and I visualized myself signing copies of a published book. After awhile I let it go and focused on other things, but I had it in the back of my mind. I move back east, and suddenly out of the blue my brother asks me to write a book with him about one of the new acquisitions at his museum. Next thing I know, I'm at a world-renown museum, being introduced as an author, and talking about a small print run of 5000 books! It was unreal.
Does anyone remember in the old Miracle on 34th street movie how the little girl wants a house for her family for christmas, but she didn't find it under her Christmas tree - her mum says she has to believe anyway - even when common sense tells her not to-
On her way home, she says to herself "I believe, I believe. It's silly, but I believe." And sure enough, they drive past the house she wanted and it's for sale!
So sometimes, on common sense days, I find I have to say "I believe, I believe, it's silly but I believe."
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 3:56:13 PM
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Hi Sherri
It is not saying that you want your husband to be laid off but rather you might see it as the universe is setting your husband up for something that is going to be better for him and your family. I understand that when fear sets in it is hard to believe there is good coming. When my husband passed and my world was crumbling I had to sit down and really talk with myself - to remind myself that during the hardest of times your life if you let it will bloom. Trust me I know that sounds stupid but I am living proof of it. The same week my husband passed my homeowners association gave me documents that they were changing their rules and I had two weeks to get rid of my two young sons llamas, chickens and bunnies. My boys and I talked, prayed and cried and then I call my realitor. With three days I found this farm. It was always our dream to have a farm and a log house on it. There was our dream and I purchased it at the end of two weeks. That was twelve years ago - not all of it has run smoothly but I live the best life I can dream every day. All you have to do is start to change the thoughts and words that you give to the universe. You can call it GOD, Spirit or whatever - but you have the creative ability for anything - why not for your best.
I am here to positively support everyone on their journey - I wish you all the best.....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 5:13:10 PM
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It's starting to make more sense to me - hearing it coming from all of you and from the ladies at the cafe the other day. I was raised by really negative, skeptical people - both my parents, so this is really hard for me to wrap my mind around - although I love the idea. My dh is a really positive person and I"ve always said that the only reason he could be that way was because he had me to do all of his worrying for him. Now, I see that I too could be positive - there doesn't have to be a negative, worrying person in the family. It's not required......
I think I will try to start making an effort to think this way - I'm going to visualize getting out of bed in the morning and going to the computer and finding orders from my website to fill. I'm going to visualize trying to decide what to do with the extra money that will be coming in when my dh gets laid off - sounds kind of crazy in my conscience mind, but I will try anyway. Thanks to all!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 5:28:42 PM
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The only thing I have trouble with is what to do when someone around you is very negative and you forgive them and try to be positive and it is not working...
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 5:37:25 PM
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On the Oprah show today they showed a clip of a woman who was practicing the secret- her dh got laid off. 2 weeks later got a better job. One of the ladies on the panel said when something like that happens you need to think of it as something else is waiting for you- the old saying "God doesn't close one door without opening another" so to speak..
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 5:44:07 PM
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Heather I can so understand your position. You might consider that those negative folks are teach you to stay your path. None of us are here to change others but rather to walk our path and maybe thru you actions (not words) they might find another way. I have had several friends and family members who find pleasure to see if they can drag down others - it is their purpose, I had to take a look at why did I need to have those people? The answer, it was my test to see if I really believe in my beliefs - when I could say with all heart and soul YES - those folks just fell away. Now, I make quicker choices as to when to wish someone all the best and walk away. Negative patterns are so easy to get stuck in - the T.V. shows, Movies, Governments etc. live to scare us and mold us - you are better then that - I believe in you.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 10:47:28 PM
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I had to laugh when the Secret came out. Some secret. It's been around as long as there have been people on this planet. It appears in every belief system, is taught by most religions in one way or another. It is the Law of Attraction, one of the Laws of the Universe that were put into practice at the beginning (this latest Beginning). I've been practicing it for many years and I've never been happier. I have everything I need (except for my Fibro, that's another story) and some things I just wanted. I've taught it for over 30 years to my clients. But it's not some gimmick by which you mumble magic words and what you want pops up. It is a change in your way of thinking, a committment to faith and a willingness to work to bring what you want into your life. It works for Christians, Hindus, Jews, Athiests and everyone else equally. Ask and you shall receive. It is done to you according to what you believe. And so on and so on.
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
Rusty Chicks Chapter
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Today I choose faith not fear. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2008 : 11:25:30 PM
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I had never heard of the law of attraction before I heard about it on Oprah. My parents scoffed at any kind of religion, so I was never taught about a higher power. Only in the last few years have I been able to talk openly about my desire to find the Lord. It actually coincided with my mom getting Alzheimers. I'm not sure what that means, but I did notice that there was a correlation. Maybe, being an only child, up until that point I still worried about pleasing my mom, but after she got sick, I was free to speak my own mind without fear of her making fun of what I was saying and feeling. Anyway, this whole concept is new to me - so indeed it really was "a secret" to me.
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 04:43:07 AM
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i'm adoring this life-enhancing, spiritual conversation gurlfrenz. i do believe these beliefs and principles have indeed been around since the beginning of time. but it is grande when another positive, upbeat book comes along to remind, enhance or actually introduce to some the principles of love .. and of 'happy thinking'.
i know for myself there have been books that i've discovered at different times in my own life that have led me to peace, understanding, awareness, and 'all the good words'.
remember the olde book: The Power of Positive Thinking? that's a good'un. I think that is where i read this:
OUR MINDS BELIEVE WHAT WE TELL IT .. now that pendulum surely swings both ways .. but i think that was the very 'message' i got from that statement.
And i do agree that what we are talking of is very definitely a 'universal' message .. works for all of us. I believe we each find our own 'nirvana' .. and the paths taken toward 'peace' are many ... but ALWAYS .. LOVE travels with us on those paths.
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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Edited by - CabinCreek-Kentucky on Feb 07 2008 04:45:22 AM |
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JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 06:22:55 AM
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Uh-oh. It appears I'm in the minority on this one. My MIL gave me a copy of the book - she says it's changed her life - but I thought it was too corny. Too much swami-new-age-heal-yourself mumbo-jumbo for me. Then again, I'm ridiculously practical and didn't have much need for life-changing, anyway.
Not criticizing anyone else's opinion - you're welcome to believe what you want - but just giving my own. |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 07:09:11 AM
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jessie .. those are my feelings about some of the 'enlightenment' books that come along .. but i do believe these self-help books do indeed sometimes touch the hearts of some people at different points in their lives. sometimes someone will tell me about a book .. i'll read it (or more honestly .. SKIM it) .. and get the feeling .. 'been-there done-that' .. or that i've read similar words .. but more 'my style' (WHATEVER THAT MIGHT BE) .. again .. i guess it usually depended on what i 'needed' at the time.
The Sarah Van Breathnacht (i think i spelled her name close) books are wonderful .. but .. i got the 'swarmy' feeling about them for me personally. i guess i picked them up after i'd pretty much already started practicing what she wrote of. my sister loves them .. and i'm glad they are on the market for her. i tried to get into the "jabez' books .. but they didn't do it for me either .. but LOTS of my friends adore them. i'm glad they are here for them. i do sometimes find that even though a book doesn't 'ring my chimes' .. i still might find a few passages that speak to my heart.
i think the fact that it changed your mom-in-love's life .. and she loves them .. kinda' shows what i'm trying to say.
tell us gurlfren .. do YOU have some favs that have helped you along life's path? please share the titles and authors .. they might be precisely someone's need.
i know that Gail Sheehy's PASSAGES sure came in handy for me a coupla' times long time ago .. and i find myself quoting her to friends from time to time who seem bewildered by their lives. (maybe if i re-read them today .. i might go: HUH? what was i thinkin'????) but "at the time" .. they came to me and helped me a lot.
OH .. years ago .. i liked the Dr. Dyer books too! and heard him recently on the tv .. he seems to have travelled down other roads than i thought he wrote of originally .. OR maybe he just travelled further than i went with him. but i LOVED his words, philosophy and journey .. he seems a very peaceful man.
love that you feel free to lovingly tell us your opinion. xo
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 07:29:40 AM
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I agree with Frannie. Sometimes an author or theory can speak to your heart at a time when you really need it. Then you can look back at it later and wonder what you really saw in it. I don't think the Secret is anything new. It's the same theory that's been around forever, just written in a different format. We all have the power within us to be positive or negative. When bad things happen, we can let it suffocate us or somehow make us stronger. I didn't find any life altering information in the book. But it was a simple reminder for me to focus on the positive, stop and smell the roses, and not worry about the things which I cannot change. If you only look for negative, that's what you are going to find. If you look for the positive, then that is what you will see.
I do wish my dh would read it or watch the show and hopefully see things from a different perspective. Negativity and worry are a refined skill in his life. Maybe I will suggest it to him, again. And this time.... I will start using the theory to get him to actually read it and apply it! =)
Firefighter Stairclimb March 2nd- Help me help others by donating on my fundraising page. https://www.active.com/donate/17thscottstairclimb/angieriggsby |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 09:20:13 AM
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Angie, nothing on earth will get your husband to do anything. All you can do is change your own thinking and live by your philosophy. Perhaps he will see that it works for you and want to give it a try. If not, maybe it's not for him.
I love Frannie's sharing of the books that have had meaning for her. Many of them are familiar to me (Frannie, you and I have been around long enough to remember them!) I've found that truth tends to offer itself in many forms and in harmony with the times. The Secret is another proof of that, the Law of Attraction offered to us in yet another form.
And of course you can read all day and not have anything work for you. You must put into practice (and I stress the word "practice" because these things don't happen overnight) what you learn before you see any results.
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
Rusty Chicks Chapter
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Today I choose faith not fear. |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 09:52:59 AM
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Beautifully put Patricia...I agree wholeheartedly!
Try the readings of Florence Scovil-Shinn "The Game of Life and How to Play it" and several others. All of her books are compiled into one and can purchased on Amazon.com for a song.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 2:58:26 PM
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I got a lot out of Simple Abundance. I liked that book . It gave me a peace reading it.I too remember Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking. My Aunt intoduced me to that a very long time ago. I do believe he was one of the ones who started this line of thinking , at least in my time. I also feel that these books can really mean something to you at different times in your life. When you are more open to digging a little deeper and a lot of times when you do reach certain ages of your life I think that we really can start taking this living your best life(borrowing Oprah's phrase!) a lot more seriously. Maybe a lot of it is that we have more time to actually focus on living the way we would really like too. Truthfully, I think Oprah has done a lot for women, especially her great attitudes about how wonderful women are and that we deserve to be happy and have fulfillment and joy and peace. For that I thank her a lot.
MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 5:07:27 PM
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| I like "Front Porch Tales," "Porch Talk," and "Hometown Tales" by Phillip Gulley. I wouldn't categorize them as self-help books, but I find them very inspiring nonetheless. He is a Quaker minister, and while he doesn't necessarily preach in his books, he reminds the reader of the importance of honesty, kindness, and community. From the back of "Hometown Tales:" "Part Mark Twain, part Garrison Keillor, Philip Gulley is a breath of fresh air in an over-sophisticated and often jaded world." - Gloria Gaither, singer and songwriter. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 9:44:29 PM
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Wellllll, take this for what it's worth, but here's my little story. Since I started asking about this a few days ago I've been talking with my friends at the cafe and I came home yesterday and made a vision board. I had been talking to my friends on Monday, telling them I was getting discouraged about my web store - I hadn't sold anything yet, and my dh getting laid off next week (no jobs on the horizon for his company). I have been trying to practice the Law of Attraction since it was explained to me. I have visualized specific things, such as getting out of bed in the morning and checking my web store and finding orders, dh working straight through with no break, getting an income tax refund, etc. - all concrete things. When I find myself getting down, I consciously turn it around in my head. Well, dh came home last night and said their company has another job in downtown Seattle starting up in two weeks - he doesn't know if he gets to be on it or not yet, but at least it's a possibility. And, the big news, I had my first sales tonight on my webstore. Coincidence? Maybe, but I'm choosing to believe that my visualization and positive thinking played a role. I asked and I received! I think I will put a picture of MJF on my board, because I so want to come over and play!
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
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Across the Fence: The Secret - UPDATE! |
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The Secret - UPDATE!
