Articles Menu >

Chapter Title: 2003 - Subtitle: (Your choice)
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2003

As we approach the beginning of a new year, I ask you to consider the following: Consider for a moment that you, as the creative, intelligent person that you are, have the ability to create exactly the kind of year that you would like to experience - by virtue of the power of your mind, and the thoughts you think.

No, this isn't new age psychobabble. It's the way that life works. And all the great masters tell us it's true. Jesus said, "It's done unto you as you believe." The Buddha said, "With your thoughts you create your world." And even that wise old sage, Garfield the Cat said, "It's amazing what one can accomplish when one doesn't know what one can't do."

Don't you know people who believe that everything is terrible and that they are simply powerless victims who have no ability to alter the circumstances of their lives? I think we all do. And here's the interesting thing. You or I could show them evidence of how people, who had far less attributes and resources than they, overcame their problems and created extremely successful lives...but they won't believe it. They can't see it because their belief system won't ALLOW them to see it.

Here's the important principle: Every creation or invention that someone has authored existed FIRST as an idea in their mind's eye. And then, after they came up with the idea, they didn't say something like, "Oh well, that will never work. I don't have the money, the talent, or the time. No one will go for it. They don't like me anyway. It's hopeless."

They do not allow themselves to go there! They simply continue to play with the idea. And here's the biggy: THEY BEGIN TO SEE THAT IDEA AS IF IT WERE ALREADY A REALITY!!! They can smell it, taste it, touch it and feel its existence. And from the engagement of all of their senses, emotions kick in, excitement builds and they begin to actually speak about this idea in ways that generate positive responses in others. Why, sometimes people actually offer to help with the creation of that idea, because they begin to see it and feel it too!

On January 1, 1995 I turned a page in the history of my life and began a new chapter. A fifteen-year relationship was over; I had no real job or career, no income, no assets and no savings. I was overweight, out of shape, scared and emotionally fragile. And somehow, in spite of my fear, I knew that I was standing at a major fork in the road.

The path to the left seemed shrouded in a thick fog. I couldn't make anything out. I didn't know where it went, how safe it was if it was even navigable. The path to the right was filled with blame, resentment, and self-pity. And yes, it also looked familiar, predictable and well trodden. The magnetic pull in that direction was undeniable. Maybe it wouldn't feel good - but at least I knew what I could expect.

And then something magical happened. A friend and mentor said to me, "Linda - YOU created the path on the right - and YOU can create the one on the left, too. You just have to get crystal clear on exactly what you want in your life, envision it daily, make it rich with detail and feel it with every fiber of your being. Call it prayer, call it focusing, call it the Power of God. But whatever you call it, know this: your subconscious knows how to make it happen. It all begins with the picture you create in your mind. Your life is an out-picturing of the thoughts, attitudes and beliefs that you are holding in your mind."

So, I decided to create, in glorious detail, that path to the left. I wrote the next chapter of my life before I ever set foot onto the road. I wrote an outstanding, amazing story of joy, passion, great health, abundance, love, self-expression and gratitude. I saw myself laughing and creating and empowering others with a message of hope and infinite possibilities. I saw myself in a relationship based on unconditional love, mutual respect and enormous fun. I immersed myself the images and resultant feelings until I was giddy with anticipation and excitement. Then I fairly leapt onto the road and began the journey.

Eight years later, I can tell you unequivocally that 98% of everything I envisioned has happened. Of course, I must continue to consciously examine my choices to make certain that they line up with what I want to manifest in my life. It is incredibly easy to slip back to an unconscious life of reactivity and powerlessness. Suffice it to say that I stand in awe and gratitude for this awareness.

I am inviting you to grab your pen and write the next chapter of your life. Focus, with delicious detail, on five specific areas. Write a page - or 10 pages on each one of them. They are:
1. Health (physical and mental)
2. Wealth (in all domains)
3. Love/relationships
4. Creative self-expression (personally or professionally)
5. Spiritual growth

You see, the title of this chapter is "2003", but YOU get to pick the subtitle. Will it read...

"2003 - Yet another year of pain and suffering."

"2003 - Another day, another dollar."

"2003 - The year from hell."

Or, how about something like...

"2003 - Joy, Passion and Love Everlasting!"

"2003 - The year I made my richest dreams come true."

"2003 - Creating my life by conscious, loving design."

What your mind can conceive...You know the rest.

Word count: 948

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

Back to top >