A Lesson From "The Day of The Dove"

Sorry it's been a while since I posted last. I'm slowly curing myself of the dis-ease of procrastination (more anon.)

Anyway, before you read the remainder of this post, I'm going to ask you to do two things.

First, go read this web page

Next, view this video

Go ahead. I'll wait. It'll take about an hour of your time. It is necessary so that you can grasp what I'm going to tell you here.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

So, you're back. Did you do as I instructed? If not, go back and do it!

So, this episode is a great metaphor for how I choose to handle negative energy & emotions. It helps me to picture my anger, frustration, irritation, hostility as energy feeding a malevolent beast that wants nothing more than to destroy me as it feeds.

As for me, I suspect these creatures are REAL and not just the stuff of sci-fi fantasy. Sure, I'm going to get upset from time to time, it's the Natural Stuff of being Human. But if I remember the slogan "Don't feed the Beast", I recover quickly and go back to feeling Good.

Really, that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Until Next Time,

TJS

P.S. I am discontinuing my series on Law of Attraction and will get back to that subject in early 2011.

Law of Attraction Part 3 of 5: James Arthur Ray

James Arthur Ray. He was one of teachers in The Secret and that really launched him into the upper levels of the self-help industry. He wrote 3 books that I know of (I was originally going to review them here but I'm not for reasons I'll get to in a moment) a dvd program of his Harmonic Wealth seminar and of course, pricey live events, one of which went horribly wrong.

On October 10 of last year, during a $9,000 a person "Spiritual Warrior" seminar held in Sedona, AZ, after going through intense holotropic breathing exercises, a 36-hour solitary "vision quest" in the desert with nothing but a notebook--no food or water, the participants took part in a sweat lodge ceremony which ultimately lead to the deaths of 3 people, two at the site and one later in hospital. Ray was arrested and charged with 3 counts of manslaughter. He plead not guilty and has maintained the deaths were a tragic accident.

Here's the Google results page for James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge

if you want to read more.

As for Ray, I'm going to be an agnostic about this for now. I do confess I spent $30.00 for his three books on Amazon and will say they're interesting. Nothing I haven't seen before in other self-help lit, but a few interesting bits come through.

On the cover of his last book Harmonic Wealth and in The Secret movie Ray asks: "When would NOW be a good time to start?" I like that one. I also like when he says "Balance is bogus." as to the idea one can have a perfectly "balanced" life. I for one, do not have one at the moment, I have virtually no family life to speak of, I'm in a long-distance relationship and I'm not working the number of hours I would like. And I confess, if I had the $ and the means to get there I probably would've been at one of Ray's seminars...but not now of course.

So the trial itself has been postponed, as both sides argue about what evidence can be introduced and the trial venue. I'm going to hold off on either defending Ray or condemning him as a snake-oil hustler, as many have already. In fact, there's a YouTube video I saw which showed two of Ray's books being placed in a fireplace and burned, alternating with interviews with anguished family members of those who died. I'd link to it here, but now I can't find it.

Anyway, I know enough that I don't need to be a seminar junkie (although going to 2-3 of them a year would be nice) to find the "Hidden Secret" of the Law of Attraction. I'll tell you now what it is:

It is chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the True Object of Worship, a Nichiren Shoshu Gohonzon, the True Object of Worship. There. Now you don't have to spend thousands of $$$ of dvds, seminars, audio programs and books. You can save yourselves thousands of hours and many years of effort when you practice this Buddhism.

Anyway, that's it for this installment.

Have a Great Week everyone and will write again on Friday.

TJS

Next Week Part 4: Lynn Grabhorn

Why Rehab & Alcoholics Anonymous Failed Me

For about 29 years alcohol was a major force in my life. I won't tell my long story here, but here's a quick view of my alcohol abuse and "recovery" history:

1972: Had first drink

1980-1988: Alcohol abuse escalated until found myself homeless

1988: First 90-day residential rehab, completed, stayed sober 3 years, went to lots of AA meetings and was secretary at several "fellowships"

1991: Relapsed, drank in secret

1995: Homeless again, spent Xmas in detox unit.

1996: Second 90-day residential rehab, completed, stayed sober 10 months

1999: Went through EAP through my employer for alcohol treatment, failed at that, was dismissed from work

Mid-2000: Got job as a clerk at a liquor store, of course drank on the job

2000: Homeless again, in and out of various halfway houses

Early 2001: Third 90-day residential rehab, fled after 17 days, holed up in a cheap motel and drank until money ran out

Mid-2001: Went through my fourth residential rehab, this time 6 months, completed and relapsed a week after I left.

2002-2008: Stopped going to AA for good, drank only intermittently

Late 2008-Early 2009: Suddenly and abruptly began heavy binge drinking, hardly eating. Wound up in the hospital detoxing with Doctor telling me if I don't stop I'll die.

I haven't consumed any more alcohol since Thursday, February 12, 2009.

What's different this time? Where I work is a big factor, as my employer and co-workers have been very supportive and were I to die a miserable lonely death it would affect many people I have come to care about.

And my age. I'm in my 50s now and I'm just tired of abusing my body and living in a mental fog. I don't want to be senile before I reach 60. And I find I don't miss the "buzz" I had always craved. And I look back at all the insane things I did to obtain alcohol, consume alcohol and hide my consumption from the world, I wonder now "What were you THINKING?"

And I've learned about real recovery. Thanks to these websites:

Orange Papers

Smart Recovery

I know that more options are available now than there were 15-20 years ago.

However, the point of to-day's post is to call attention to this article that was published in a mainstream newspaper:

We're addicted to rehab. It doesn't even work.

Life is much better when you're fully conscious.

Enjoy your week-end.

TJS

Law of Attraction Part 2 of 5: Esther and Jerry Hicks

Esther Hicks has joined the ranks of those who "channel" messages from what is called a "non-physical" realm. The two other famous ones are Seth (Jane Roberts) and Ramtha (Judy Zebra Knight). I'm just reading Seth Speaks now and so I'll comment on it soon as I'm done and "Ramtha's School of Enlightenment" appears to be a money-making cult. Funny thing, in the movie "What The Bleep: Down the Rabbit Hole" "Ramtha" made some really goofy comments and Knight, as herself, seemed very sensible.

Anyway, on to "Abraham" which is the collective entity that Esther channels. The original first version of "The Secret" (reviewed in Part 1) featured Abraham. Since the movie came out, Hay House has had a successful series of books and videos by Jerry and Esther. What I'll review briefly to-day is:

_The Teachings of Abraham: the Master Course Video_ Hay House, 2008, ISBN 978-1-4019-2174-3, 5 DVD discs, approx. 10 hours.

This was filmed aboard an Alaskan cruise ship and was also where Rhonda Byrne and her production company met with the Hicks' and did their own filming as well.

Abraham, on disc 5, boils down the whole philosophy this way "You're good. Be happy."

Now, the Hicks have made a LOT of money doing what they're doing. But they don't appear to have built a cult the way Knight did with Ramtha. And Jane Roberts pretty much stayed at home channeling Seth.

Now, do I recommend one make a mental diet of Abraham-Hicks? No. They're interesting to watch and read, and there's a few good ideas here and there. The One Idea I got out of them is to become a vibrational match to whatever it is you're desiring. And Abraham doesn't recommend it, but I do, the best way to get there is chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and have specific Goals to work for. Abraham-Hicks are NOT my main teachers.

Anyway, that's it for now. Next week I'll take on one of the more controversial of the Secret Teachers, James Arthur Ray.

Peace and Blessings to You All.

TJS

Law of Attraction Part 1 of 5: The Secret

Hello, I apologize for not posting in a LONG while, I allowed myself to get too lazy regarding my writing, but one of my NEW Goals is to become more visible through media. No, I don't think this blog will reach the Technorati Top 100 any time soon, but with hard work I'll be able to reach enough of the people I respect.

Anyway, that said, time for media review:

_The Secret_ Prime Time Productions, 2006, current version is available here, earlier version with Esther Hicks channeling "non-physical" collective being known as "Abraham" can be viewed online here

_The Secret_ by Rhonda Byrne, et al. Atria Books/Beyond Words Publishing, 2006, xvi + 199 pgs., ISBN-10 1-58270-170-7

_The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne, et al. Atria Books, 2008, 365 pgs., ISBN-10 1-4391-3083-3

When one sees this stuff for the first time, they might get the idea that all you need do is visualize what you desire, or put an intention out to the Universe and it will come to you. In the movie, a woman is shown looking at a necklace in a store window and she puts a vibration out there and lo and behold a man gives her that very necklace. Another example, a boy is shown seeing a chopper bicycle in a magazine he'd like to have. So he cuts out the picture, puts the vibration out there, and after waiting for it and getting disappointed that it's not coming fast enough, lo and behold his dad gives him the very bike.

That easy? Well hold on a moment here.

As they say, it "only happens in the movies." HOWEVER, Law of Attraction (hereafter referred to as LOA) DOES work, BUT _YOU_ have work to do.

My own example. In 2007 I had been living in a roominghouse for 5 years after my fourth failed attempt at residential rehab. I figured that with my non-existent credit history, lack of financial resources I figured where I was, living where I didn't want to live with other men I didn't want to be around, was the best I was going to do.

Well, _The Secret_ galvanized my into action. I wrote out in exact detail exactly where I wanted to live. I figured that shared housing was good enough for me, so I put it all on paper, and intensely prayed to the Gohonzon with the concluding words "This or something better."

Four months later one of my bosses at work told me about an apartment for rent that he knew about. So I took a look at one of the units, filled out the application and I figured it would take a few days for them to look at my credit history, contact the owner, etc. TWO HOURS later I get the call, congratulations you've been approved.

Things then happened that still astonish me, I got help with paying for the deposit & funds were made available for me to purchase furniture. All the right doors opened for me because I used LOA intelligently. That's the key.

A small detail about the movie. In the opening scene Rhonda Byrne opens a book given to her which is _The Secret of the Ages_ but in interviews given by Byrne she says that book was actually _The Science of Getting Rich_ by Wallace Wattles. I do recommend both books, BTW, they're both available in either inexpensive paperbacks, or the Wattles book is available online for free, as it is in the public domain.

TO-MORROW: PART 2: Jerry & Esther Hicks

No More A Slave

It is time to stop living in FEAR and start living from a place of Love and Courage.

Let me say just two things here:

1.) What people think of me is none of my business

and

2.) I don't need other people's approval.

When I declare Freedom, I also call for True Liberation. I do not need Holy Books, Priests or any authority external to me to tell me how to live my life. I'm going to make my share of mistakes, blunders, sometimes say the wrong thing, and yes, even upset or offend people.

Well, so be it. It's called living as a Human Being.

Heresy? Perhaps:

"A heretic is a man who sees with his own eyes."
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1721-1781)

To encourage you to attain this Freedom for Yourself, I strongly encourage you to view this important documentary:

Richard Dawkins Root of All Evil Part 1

Richard Dawkins Root of All Evil Part 2

Like that famous flag proclaims, Don't Tread on Me.

TJS

Failing Forward

Recovery Happens
Failing Forward
by Tim J. Swank

I attended the Central Valley Regional Conference of the California Network of Mental Health Clients (CNMHC) last month. It was on the second day of this 2-day event when an extraordinary thing happened. I had spoken up during several workshops held on my view of recovery. During a break in the proceedings, a leader of CNMHC told me that I would be a good candidate for a position on the Board of Directors, an election which would be held that day.

Well, when I had woken up that morning and prepared to go, being elected a Board member was not on my mind, let alone an idea I had considered. So I had decided at that moment, "Why not?" So I was nominated along with four other folks, the election was held, and I won.

Later that week, doubts started to infect me like a virus. "What ifs" crept in. During this time, I spent 14 hours in bed not wanting to do anything. Finally, not wanting to live a paralyzed life, I had a talk with my mentor who reminded me about how far I had come in the last six years. So just speaking thoughts out loud helped me to clarify my direction and where I want to go.

Any Great Accomplishment will come with the risk of failure. Mistakes will be made, blunders and missteps inevitable. And that's OK. This is how we learn, by taking those risks and daring to step out to where one has never been before. And I'm speaking here of calculated, well-thought-out risks; not the risk of going to the casino with the rent money in the hope of getting rich quick, but doing something you've always wanted to do, but not thinking that it'll work.

I could easily just spend my days alone in my apartment not going anywhere, not doing anything for fear of rejection, embarrassment and loss. But not taking a risk is the greatest risk of all. And that's no way to live. We can achieve Greatness in our lives if we just continue to take those baby steps, build a solid foundation and dare to do the thing you think you cannot do. And if what you try didn't work, go back and look at what happened, then get up again and work more intelligently next time.

And I intend to be a Great Board member for the Central Valley Region, knowing that I and other people believe in me and what I can accomplish for California.

Goals!

Book Review:

Goals! How to Get Everything You Want - Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible

Brian Tracy Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2004 ISBN 1-57675-307-7

xi + 291 pgs.

Available @ Brian Tracy International

Design Your Best Year Ever: A Proven Formula for Achieving Big Goals

Darren Hardy Success Books, 2009 ISBN 978-0-9819512-0-1

xv + 141 pgs.

Available @ Your Success Store

I can't say enough about the importance of setting clear, written goals as part of recovery. These books lay a great foundation.

Brian Tracy lays out more the WHY of setting goals and the great benefits one can accrue from doing this discipline. Darren Hardy provides a template anyone can follow for deciding WHAT goals to go for and the all-important follow-up action plan.

In 2007 it worked for me. Using a goal-setting formula and Law of Attraction principles (More later this week) I set a goal of moving out of a horrible room and board shared house I'd been living in since 2002. I wrote out in detail exactly the kind of place I wanted to move into, and I placed these words afterwards, "I shall achieve this Goal OR BETTER by 12/31/07. Well, I didn't get exactly what I wanted on paper...I did GET BETTER.

I am convinced that this step of writing specific Goals will do more for achieving a lasting recovery than just hoping and wishing for things to get better.

Anyway, get these books and get busy!

TJS

Book Review: The No Asshole Rule

Book Review:

The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't

Robert I. Sutton, PhD

Business Plus, 2007 ISBN 978-0-446-52656-2

210 pgs.

"Asshole" is a pretty blunt word, I know, but let's face it: no matter if you call "difficult people" "jerks", "petty tyrants", "bullies", "knuckleheads", or whatever, they're still assholes, but there is good news.

Dr. Sutton provides us with a very useful guide in dealing with these workplace creeps in this highly readable book. I learned that the best way to deal with assholes is to avoid having anything to do with them, or, if that's not possible, be very firm and assertive as to what behaviors are acceptable and what is not. I also learned that sometimes I can be an asshole sometimes myself, and how to recognize and control my "inner jerk".

Here's a tactic I learned from one of my past mentors on how to deal with these people.

HOWARD: Why you acting like that? You can't talk to me that way!

ALBERT: You know Howard, I am truly blessed.

HOWARD: What you mean?

ALBERT: I don't need your approval.

This usually leaves them speechless, or provokes them further. Always keep your cool. Let them rage, then say "Thank you" and walk away. Trying to reason with a hothead is futile. A lot of times they want a fight to prove to themselves how righteous they are. Don't give it to them. For the sake of your own mental wellness, don't buy into their own negativity. Just say "thank you" and pray for their happiness...SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Anyway, visit the author's blog:

Bob Sutton

Tell him TJS sent you.

Stay Free,

TJS

Book Review: The Huffington Post Complete Guide to Bogging

Book Review (In Process):

The Huffington Post Complete Guide To Blogging by the Editors of the Huffington Post

Simon & Shuster, 2008 ISBN 13: 978-1-4391-0500-9

x + 230 pgs.

To preface. Although my intention with this humble blog is to focus on Mental Wellness and recovery from "mental illness", it will be helpful for me to say now what this blog will NOT be (at least for the first few dozen posts, anyway.). I am not going to make this into an online diary where I tell of my triumphs and woes daily (or semi-daily). I will interject a helpful experience I've had on occasion, but for now I'm going to focus my attention on reviewing books I've encountered and sometimes find helpful.

During my first year of sobriety, I've gone on a weekly basis to the largest thrift store in Stockton, CA and have started to accumulate a considerable library. I now have covering 1/4th of my living room floor over 300 books I've yet to read. About a 1/3rd of them are in the self-help genre. So at least every other day I'll post a review of what I've read so far...and also books I've gotten from the Library...like the one I'm about to review now.

Actually, it isn't fair to do so right now, since I'm only about halfway through, but what I've read so far has been helpful. I'll go to the news sites like Google News for material if appropriate, and the book recommends that I post often and find my own voice.

My ambitious goal is to get at least 100 people reading this on blogspot & my Facebook page by the end of the year. Then to double it each year until 2015 (or thereabouts) I make it into the Technorati Top 100. Hey, I can dream can't I?

Anyway, I do recommend this book and of course, let me give a mention to the #1 blog on the Technorati Top 100, the Huffington Post. As time permits, I'll be going there more often.

As always,

TJS

I Got Cable T-V Now, And I Love/Hate It

A few weeks ago, a couple of salesmen from Comcast came to where I work and gave a sales pitch. I know I've said in the past that I was proud of the fact that before I only watched an hour of broadcast T-V a week, when I did look at the tube, it was DVDs. So I signed up.

I got over a 100 channels, and yes, just as I (and maybe you) suspect, most of it is junk, promoting lifestyles I find abhorrent, people I would have nothing to do with in real life and an agenda I do not buy into. I do like the documentary channels and the weatherscan channel is helpful. When I have it on, I have it on the digital music channels. I like having uninterrupted music without announcer intrusions.

The question I ask myself (and it's a good one to ask yourself, too) is when I watch a program or movie, is will this help me achieve what I want in Life? Will it enhance the Quality of Life for myself and others? Or is it just mindless entertainment. Yes, I do want to be entertained, I just don't want to be in that group of people who just consume hours of visual candy. I intend to continue to spend more time reading and writing than I do watching T-V. For example, I have found myself watching VH1's Celebrity Rehab 3 & Sober House, with "Dr." Drew. As a former alcohol addict, I find this "reality" drama amusing. Indeed, the people in this show, as they believe they have a "disease"...find themselves acting in a diseased fashion! Incredible.

Anyway, use media, just don't let it use YOU.

TJS

Book Review: The Truth About Addiction and Recovery

The Truth About Addiction and Recovery: The Life Process Program for Outgrowing Destructive Habits

by Stanton Peele, PhD & Archie Brodsky with Mary Arnold

Fireside, 1991 ISBN 0-671-75530-7

430 pages

It has been a little over 14 months since I had finally given up consuming alcohol for good. Since I was introduced to "recovery" through the 12-Step faith healing program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1988, I have had brief periods of sobriety in between 4 residential rehabs, one employee assistance program and one outpatient program. None of this worked. Until I finally realized that I needed to stop poisoning myself with alcohol and find something better to do.

So the Life Process Program Dr. Peele, et al. outlines in this accessible book, gives a way addicts can find meaning outside of their destructive habits. I no longer believe addiction is a "disease". It was a way I chose to deal with the world, but whether it was inherited from my parents, or whether it was from my environment I don't know. I do know that I'm much better off not consuming any more alcohol. This book gives the explanation is to why alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, over-eating, gambling, shopping, etc. are NOT diseases. AA & the other 12-step "fellowships" want you to believe that only their "spiritual" approach is the best way. It isn't. For much more evidence than I can provide here, I invite you to read the Orange Papers:

Orange Papers

And of course, check out Stanton Peele's website as well.

I do not self-identify as an "alcoholic". Yes, alcohol was a center of my life for over 25 years, and I would say that I'm a former alcohol abuser. To-day I choose to live my life free of that chemical and also I do not obsess about it. The only time I give it any thought is during my work time as a Wellness Coach and my writing here and on Facebook. The rest of the term I devote to other pursuits which I'll mention here in due time.

Anyway, get this book, whether at the bookstore or at the library. It'll be a good start, much better than that mess entitled "Alcoholics Anonymous" a.k.a. "The Big Book".

Also, some more options for recovery from addictions:

Lifering

SMART Recovery

And finally, here's a great oldie by one of the pioneers of the secular recovery movement, Jack Trimpey:

Yes, Virginia, there is a cure for alcoholism!

Happy Trails,

TJS

Media Madness

Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine pretty much says it well in this video. In fact, he said it better than I did yester-day.

http://vimeo.com/2543822

TJS

Spring

Last Saturday we had the Vernal Equinox, which means for those in the Northern Hemisphere it is Spring, and for those in the Southern Hemisphere it means Autumn.

However, as one who lives in the North, the theme of to-day's post will be that of one who is living in the season of Spring.

Springtime here means blossoming of flowers, green returning to the grass and trees, and unless you're an allergy sufferer, it is a beautiful time.

Spring is also a good metaphor for Human Growth as well. As a gardener cultivates his garden, so too should we cultivate our own inner gardens. Seeds were planted and now beginning to show signs of growth. One does not plant the seed and go back two days later and dig it up to see if it has taken root. So it's been with goal setting for me. I've written out 8 major goals I would like to accomplish within a timeframe of 1 to 5 years. I've written them out, and I need to do constant, steady work to accomplish them. Will they happen overnite? No, but I need to be ready for the time when the opportunity comes for me to get to where I want to go.

Gardens also grow people as well. Now, if you plant a bed of vegetables, what will also grow without any effort on your part? WEEDS! So one must constantly tend the garden, pulling up weeds. So too with MIND weeds. You must recognize when they come and pull them up from the root before your garden is overrun. So in one's Garden of the Mind, one needs to nourish it.

That means for me NO Broadcast television, not even the news. If something really important happens, someone will tell me about it and I'll go to Google News or another news aggregator and learn more. As you don't exist on a physical diet of candy and sweets, so too must you stay away from excessive consumption of mind candy. Do I say cut it out? No, you can read a lightweight "beach novel" or watch an occasional episode of so-called "reality" T-V, just don't make it ALL you read and watch. Read books and magazines and blogs that STIMULATE and CHALLENGE you. Watch inspiring documentaries and seminars by the great people, people you want to emulate.

And don't forget that other aspect of nourishment, that of an active spiritual life. Again, watch your diet. Don't listen to a steady diet of spicy hellfire and damnation if you don't obey god and toe the line, and also don't go to the other extreme where you find cotton-candy theology of just think good positive thoughts and god will make you rich! No and No! Have a spiritual life that has some rigor to it, that challenges you. And don't blindly follow the minister, priest or teacher. Study for yourself! Ask questions and make up your OWN mind.

Be An Extraordinary Life!

TJS

I AM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

No, I'm not YELLING here in the title of to-day's message, this is an important video everyone who is serious about real recovery from addictions should view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FktmgbNfsOU&feature=digest

The all-caps is the video's title.

This week-end I'll talk about how I finally ended a 30+ year addiction to alcohol for good.

Be An Extraordinary Life!

T.

What Could Make You A Better Friend?

To-day's Question:

You're already a great friend to many, but what, in your view, could make you a better one? Would you call people more? Listen? Share more of your life?

I would say that I need to be less self-conscious of myself and be more giving to others.

In the past, I have tended to isolate myself from others, not look people in the eye because I felt that they were going to judge me and not like what they see. HOWEVER, I have to remember those wise words I read once (can't remember who said it) that said most people are thinking about themselves and don't give a rip about you. Now, that refers to people I see on the street, all my friends & family are actually very caring people. I just have to get out of myself more.

That means logging onto Facebook more and connecting with the folks there and in the groups. Sharing of myself? Well, this blog (my third one, actually) is a step in the right direction. I got four more days of staycation left before I get back to work (which I'm actually looking forward to) and I HAVE to get my website built to a high standard I have set for myself.

Have an Extraordinary Day!

Tim

How I Made The Body-Mind Connection

Hello everyone!

For my debut post, I am featuring an article I wrote for the March 2010 issue of the Power N' Support Team Newsletter, which is part of a peer support/advocacy group I am involved with.

Enjoy!

Recovery Happens

How I Made The Body-Mind Connection

By Tim J. Swank

I had thought it was a part of getting older...a little bit more gut than I would've liked. But as it turned out it wasn't just a big gut, it was a hernia. Three of them, in fact.

Although I thought I was in recovery, I wasn't taking good care of my body. This was a wake-up call that I'd better change...and now!

So in August 2009 I underwent hernia repair surgery. They cut me open and inserted a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall that had collapsed. I had the surgery on a Friday and stayed in the hospital over the week-end and was released on Sunday after-noon.

It was expected that I would take some time to recover, maybe two weeks.

But I had another idea. I had been taught that the quality of my thinking determines the quality of my life, so I made the decision I would recover quickly. So I took it easy Monday and Tuesday, not going anywhere. On Wednesday I walked the 3 blocks from my apartment to the Library and by Friday I was able to walk the one and a half miles to work so I could turn in my timesheet.

I was back to work on Monday. My co-workers were amazed that I was able to rebound quickly after major surgery. I wasn't. I held as a certain fact that as I changed my mind, I was able to make bodily changes.

Besides taking vitamin & mineral supplements, a good dose of MIND VITAMINS is needed as well--"Vitamin H" (Hope) & "Vitamin O" (Optimism)

My message is that when you make the decision to make changes in your life, you literally change your body's chemistry, making healing happen. But it is only YOU that can make it happen.

Focus on health, happiness and abundance. Try it and see!