The Thought That Changed My Life Forever is an inspirational gem highlighting the art and science of changing your mind, with a unique approach that will please both science and spirituality enthusiasts alike. It's obvious people around the world continue to seek answers to the age-old questions: "Why are we here?" and "What is my purpose?" The Thought book not only offers valuable insights into the process of finding a solution to life's most challenging conundrums, but also provides fifty-two real-life examples of how it's been achieved—leaving a firm belief in each of our minds that even the most difficult situations can be overcome, one thought at a time.
"A lyrical journey, providing a rhythm and heartbeat that captivated my attention and moved my whole being right until the final word . . . Reading this book will definitely light a spark and bring it to the surface of your awareness." —James F. Twyman, New York Times–bestselling author
The Thought That Changed My Life Forever is an inspirational gem highlighting the art and science of changing your mind, with a unique approach that will please both science and spirituality enthusiasts alike. It's obvious people around the world continue to seek answers to the age-old questions: "Why are we here?" and "What is my purpose?" The Thought book not only offers valuable insights into the process of finding a solution to life's most challenging conundrums, but also provides fifty-two real-life examples of how it's been achieved—leaving a firm belief in each of our minds that even the most difficult situations can be overcome, one thought at a time.
"A lyrical journey, providing a rhythm and heartbeat that captivated my attention and moved my whole being right until the final word . . . Reading this book will definitely light a spark and bring it to the surface of your awareness." —James F. Twyman, New York Times–bestselling author
The Thought That Changed My Life Forever: How One Inspiration Can Unleash Your True Potential and Transform the World
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The Thought That Changed My Life Forever: How One Inspiration Can Unleash Your True Potential and Transform the World
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Overview
The Thought That Changed My Life Forever is an inspirational gem highlighting the art and science of changing your mind, with a unique approach that will please both science and spirituality enthusiasts alike. It's obvious people around the world continue to seek answers to the age-old questions: "Why are we here?" and "What is my purpose?" The Thought book not only offers valuable insights into the process of finding a solution to life's most challenging conundrums, but also provides fifty-two real-life examples of how it's been achieved—leaving a firm belief in each of our minds that even the most difficult situations can be overcome, one thought at a time.
"A lyrical journey, providing a rhythm and heartbeat that captivated my attention and moved my whole being right until the final word . . . Reading this book will definitely light a spark and bring it to the surface of your awareness." —James F. Twyman, New York Times–bestselling author
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781614482956 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Morgan James Publishing |
| Publication date: | 10/01/2018 |
| Sold by: | OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED - EBKS |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 338 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
If It's Meant to Be, It Starts With Me
by David Jan Jurasek
In my first year as a full-time family therapist, I was given a very sensitive case. I was introduced to a family that had been through several schools and assistance programs for their challenging son and found nothing had worked. I welcomed the challenge: With my creative nature and zealous dedication, I was confident I would be able to give them something new and useful.
Within the first five minutes of the family settling into my office, Jake — the 10-year old who was the "identified client" — insulted his dad and poked his mom three times while laughing at her. When his parents launched into reading his rap sheet to me, Jake cursed under his breath and leapt off his chair, ready to fight anyone who seemed to imply he had any flaws, including me.
It is important to note that Mom and Dad were very well-educated and highly accomplished professionals. She was a bank manager, and he was the head of a hospital. They dealt with high-stress situations daily in their work, yet both admitted to dreading coming home and facing their son. They didn't think they could survive another phone call from yet another school informing them how Jake had trashed the principal's office or poked another child's eye with a pen. This often led to expulsion and left them to face their worst horror: staying home to babysit their own "demon child."
As our times together continued, I devoted myself to doing whatever it would take to help them find relief. I pushed our sessions late, sometimes extending them to two and a half hours, eagerly hoping to see a break in the dark clouds of their daily battles. At the time, I was proud of my abilities as a therapist, and truly believed I could help any one with any problem — if only I tried hard enough.
So imagine my reaction one year later, when things were clearly no better (although not really worse either). Jake was still exploding daily, and his parents were pulling out their few remaining hairs. Both parents could see how their own attempts to correct Jake's behavior — through humiliation, blaming, shaming, and their own bursts of violence — only fueled his rage and taught him exactly how to behave. They came to me for my expert guidance, but every attempt I gave to show understanding, offer support or ask insightful questions seemed to get sucked into a vacuum. Any small step I suggested they might take (often their own idea) evoked in them a "Yeah, but ..." response. Over the years, I have come to notice how this kind of stance is so common within families that are stuck.
What's truly remarkable is how this case evolved. One day, admittedly at my wits end, I leaned back in my chair and asked the boy quite matter-of-factly, "What do you think we should do, Jake?"
Jake looked up wistfully and proceeded — without hesitation — to give a detailed account of what he wanted his parents to change to make things better, including:
"They could stop yelling at me when I screw up."
"They could tell me when there's something I'm good at."
It sounded not only reasonable, but truly compelling. We all listened intently.
Next session, I was genuinely surprised when Jake's parents continued ranting about all his explosive behaviours, even after they acknowledged he had shown a 50% decrease in disruptive outbursts that week! Strangely enough, they appeared adamant nothing had changed — and they seemed to want to keep drilling that home. Meanwhile, Jake sat there quietly. Sometimes he would pump his fists in response to his parents' reporting, but he held back his temper. Near the end of the session, Jake finally leaned in to ask if he could see me alone.
In private, I realized what a delight he could be away from the firing squad — or anyone demanding anything of him. It became so clear that he was extremely lonely. He laid out his cards for me:
"My parents have been making me come here. I hate it. They make me crazy. They just want to see you fail and suck. You do suck at helping us ..."
Gulp. What a blow to my superhero therapist's ego! His blatant honesty and lack of guile were disarming. In that moment, I wondered if there was anything I could actually do to help him.
But then his eyes lit up. "Can you help me make some friends? Like, teach me some stuff, and ... you got groups, right? Can you get me in some groups?"
Finally, some movement!
Even so, I couldn't help but wonder how I was to blame for us all being stuck for so long. I reminded myself this problem existed long before I arrived. All the same, a poignant sense of discomfort set in. I went to my supervisor to complain about the parents. She suggested I sit for awhile with how I was feeling about the case.
With only a half hour before our next session, I shut the door to my office. I could not shake the feeling of helplessness and inadequacy. I was hungry for some perspective. As I went to turn off my computer, this is what popped up on my browser:
Be the change you wish to see in the World.
— Gandhi
I collapsed into my chair and allowed myself to feel the empty pit in my belly as blood rushed to my face, making my head feel squished. What a terrible failure I was ... how inadequate I was at helping them.
And then I remembered hearing Jake's father telling me how he tackled work problems:
"If it's meant to be, it's up to me."
This had some truth in it, but my mind quickly discarded it, thinking instead: Change? But I can't change anyone else Least of all these damn parents! Their son is the only one who wishes to change, and he's the one making that happen while they keep doing the same old $@#&!!
All of a sudden, I felt a jolt of inspiration that made me sit bolt upright in my chair. This time, I heard Jake's voice saying in a playful sing-song way — "If it's meant to be, it starts with me!"
Normally, I felt dread when our receptionist announced their arrival. Today, I felt sober and relieved of a terrible burden when they walked into my office. Before they could launch into their usual condemnations, I took the reins and said,
"I get the feeling everyone here feels like a failure. Jake, you keep hearing it everywhere you go."
Looking at Jake's mom and dad, I continued, "You two probably feel like incredible failures when it comes to helping Jake. Being so smart and respected in your work, it must be a terrible blow. I'm guessing my attempts to help you have only made you feel worse. And maybe you've even enjoyed seeing me fail at this all year, at least so I'll really get what you go through every single day."
Both parents blushed and nodded.
And then I confessed, "I'm sorry for pushing you to change. I just didn't want to feel like a failure, too."
Being the most passionately verbose family I ever met, it was mesmerizing to see them speechless. The air was clear and silent for what seemed like an eternity — actually, about 2 full minutes of sighing and deep breathing.
The first words spoken were from Jake's mom, thanking me.
Then Jake's dad added, "Yes, it's true. I have felt that way."
"Me, too," said Jake.
It was now me who was lost for words. The path seemed open now, yet I had no clue about our next step.
"Now what?" I asked.
I wish I could report that what followed was a glowing testimonial of my therapeutic prowess, but this is what happened in real life: Jake's mom put herself on anti-anxiety medication, stopped criticizing Jake so much, and began to actually enjoy him. Dad continued to report to me, but only by phone, clarifying that he never really needed my help or any kind of therapy. He said he would continue to ponder Jake's wishes while spending more time with him.
Jake's side of the equation was more transformational and deeply inspiring. Within two weeks, his incidences of violence stopped completely! He continued to see mefor another 6 months, getting quite tender and gushy at times — surprising for a feisty, pubescent boy! He also made one good friend and was able to stay in a play group for the first time in his life. What made me nearly fall off my chair was how, in our last session, he unexpectedly praised me for my understanding and help.
I think of Jake whenever I find myself trying too hard to help someone or attempting to move a mountain all by myself. I now try to take a closer, deeper look at how I do help others, asking myself,
"What do I have the power to change?" Because now I know ...
If it's meant to be, it has to start with me.
CHAPTER 2Let Your Intuition Guide You
by Vtec Janus
There was a time in my life when I was mostly unhappy, puzzled and lost.
Looking back now, I find it hard to fathom how I could let my life slip away like that. It was just when I was closest to realizing my dreams of love and success that things fell apart. The decline began while I was working on a business venture: the desire to make money became so important, it eclipsed all my personal values. The negative effects were terribly obvious. My obsession with wealth ate away at my relationships until I felt I couldn't trust anyone because it seemed like everyone had an ulterior motive or something to hide from me. Friendships were destroyed, love fled the scene, and every day was a series of arguments and confrontations. The situation took a heavy toll on my entire being.
A few years went by like this, and I found myself in a near-constant state of suspicion, feeling irritable and miserable. Then, I hit the wall: One morning, staring at myself in the bathroom mirror, I knew I couldn't live this way for one more day. I was so attached to my negative feelings, so enthralled with my preconceptions and convictions, I was at a loss for what to do next. The worst-case scenario was here and now. I found myself on the brink, with thoughts of giving it all up.
Thankfully, Life is rooted in the miraculous, so perhaps it's natural that my miracle should appear in the darkest moment of my life. As I continued to stare in the mirror, out of nowhere the loving, wise words of my grandfather echoed loud and clear within me: "Let yourself be guided by your intuition."
This brave man had survived not only months of anguish and deprivation in a prison camp during the war, but also the diagnosis of a terminal disease later on in life. I remembered him telling me it was only by trusting his inner voice that he was able to make it through these devastating experiences. I was blessed to have the spirit of this man's courage and determination with me at the mirror. As memories of him began to surface, I could hear my heart begin calling to me.
I paused, took a deep breath, and listened. With a whole new clarity emerging, I sensed the answer. I needed to go in a completely different direction! I couldn't depend on logic this time; I couldn't try to think my way out of my current problems. I needed to trust in Grandpa's wisdom. I needed to let go and follow my own inner voice.
The beauty is, we are all blessed with this magical internal guidance system — a knowing and an urging that is deeper and wider than reason. It calls us to embrace who we are and how we are meant to live in this life. As I connected with this Divine wisdom, I could feel the dark clouds dissolve and the weight of the world start to slip off my shoulders. Awakening to this higher awareness, I knew that in its own time, Life would bring me the happiness I so longed for in my heart.
I blinked twice at my image in the mirror. Was I already beginning to look different, too?
Moving forward, the more I thought about intuition, the clearer it became that most of the problems in my life were self-imposed. They were exact reflections of my own fears, anger, and desire for revenge. I had cultivated a dangerous habit of blaming my problems on everyone else so I could rationalize my feelings of hopelessness as effects beyond my control. Unfortunately, this propensity served only to make matters worse.
In my moment of truth, I decided to fully receive my grandfather's words and turn to my own heart for the hope I needed to keep moving forward. I had to admit it was only me who was making choices that led to my pain and suffering — nobody else. I wanted so desperately to be free of this egoïc tyranny. So, in that moment, I made a new choice: I chose to take responsibility for my life and forgave myself for creating the prison within which I had been living for too long. I also chose to forgive others who I'd felt provoked so much suspicion and dislike from me, for I could see now that it had been my choice to react to them from a perspective of distrust.
I gave myself permission to think and feel in a different way: to simply surrender — deeply, purely, powerfully. Staring at the mirror, I began the practice of looking deep into myself and made a commitment to do it every day, regularly and sincerely. With my unwavering dedication, the fledgling miracle began to unfurl.
New ways of thinking soon produced new ways of acting, which enhanced my adaptability and creativity. By relying on my intuition (instead of rational thought), I went on to accomplish something I'd always wanted to do: I wrote a book. It contained my experiences and insights, interwoven with my grandfather's life story. This never would've happened if I'd remained stuck in my old habitual ways of thinking! My grandfather's wisdom became manifest in my writing — proof that previous experiences of suffering can be turned into experiences of joy in the present.
My horizons expanded, and I was able to see life from a different point of view. I no longer feared a lack of money, and I released my desire to have more than I needed. By sharing what I did have, instead of pining for what I didn't have, that feeling of lack gave way to one of sufficiency and abundance — in many different areas of my life!
I learned to connect with my soul and to synergize my feelings with logical thought. I now know it's up to me how I experience my life. So I choose to follow my heart, and I genuinely expect every day to bring love, appreciation, gratitude, honesty and trust.
If the miraculous is at the root of our existence, it follows that nothing that happens can ever be called wholly bad, unpleasant or evil. In fact, nothing happens that is not intended for our greatest good! Life is a process of gaining insight, and insight is dynamic — always expanding. It changes us in ways we do not control, but that always produce benefits. This is what our intuition teaches us. It is the voice of God within, a voice that is always there — that authentic, timeless part of us — refreshing us and renewing our vision. It is intuition that allows us to perform the miracle of turning hopeless moments into joyful possibilities.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck, looking for answers? If you can't find them out there, try looking within. Follow your intuition. It's that inner voice that says, "Hey, turn right, not left," or "Call your friend today," or "Say yes to this, but no tothat." Grant yourself permission to let go of both fear and attachment to outcomes. Put yourself in the shoes of others often. You will become more compassionate and forgiving, and you'll also find it easier to release bitterness and resentment. As you connect deeply with your intuition — and follow it — you will find yourself navigating your way through the most difficult trials with greater and greater ease.
Look inside yourself. Do this for five to fifteen minutes a day — regularly and sincerely — and see how your horizons expand, too. By all means, accept yourself and your desires in life! Don't neglect or push them aside. You are worthy of your passions and must embrace them, just as you must embrace your vulnerabilities. Never give up on your dreams.
There are always challenges in life, that's how we grow. It's when we choose to approach our difficulties with an attitude of acceptance and an open mind that we see our world change. By connecting with the soul rather than solely the rational, we can see beyond limitations and conceive more peaceful outcomes and promising eventualities.
What we think of, we become. So bless every moment of your life, no matter how hopeless it may seem. Trust Life and everything that happens. Every person is capable of changing perspective — to look within, to listen to the heart, and to follow intuition. The ultimate choice is yours: it always has been, and always will be, up to you to turn your suffering into joy.
Have faith and courage along the way and prepare to be amazed — not once or twice, but always.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "The Thought That Changed My Life Forever"
by .
Copyright © 2013 The Thought Publications, Inc..
Excerpted by permission of Morgan James Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Advanced Praise for The Thought That Changed My Life Forever,
Heart Thoughts: Our Dedications,
Sweet Thoughts: Our Acknowledgements,
Forethought: Reflections On Forward Thinking by Reverend Dr. Kathy Hearn,
First Thoughts: He Thought, She Thought — We Think ... by Dr. Christian Guenette & Gillian Laura Roberts,
INTRODUCTION: When Our Thoughts Become Us: The SCIENCE of Changing Your Mind by Dr. Joe Dispenza,
THE THINK-TANK: The Thoughts That Changed Our Lives Forever,
SECTION I — TO ME,
CHAPTER 1 If It's Meant To Be, It Starts With Me,
CHAPTER 2 Let Your Intuition Guide You,
CHAPTER 3 My Intention Is For Everyone's Highest and Best Good,
CHAPTER 4 I'm Going to Die,
CHAPTER 5 The Only Way to BE Is ME!,
CHAPTER 6 I Will Walk Again.,
CHAPTER 7 Success in Business & Adventure in Life Can Unite,
CHAPTER 8 Given the choice, most people would choose the certainty of misery over the misery of uncertainty.,
CHAPTER 9 Forgiveness Is A Gift You Give Yourself,
CHAPTER 10 The Greatest Insights Sometimes Come From Our Darkest Despair,
CHAPTER 11 My Happiness – My Problem,
CHAPTER 12 Who Am I?,
CHAPTER 13 Time Is Relative,
SECTION II — BY ME,
CHAPTER 14 I Can Re-Invent My Life! (Reflections On the Price We Pay to Live in Resignation),
CHAPTER 15 I'm Here For A Special Reason After-All: A Caribbean Food Revolution?,
CHAPTER 16 The Present Moment Is the Best Moment of My Life,
CHAPTER 17 I Need to Start Health,
CHAPTER 18 Cancer Is Not Your Enemy—It Is Your Teacher,
CHAPTER 19 Learning to Really LIVE May Be the Best Cure For Illness,
CHAPTER 20 What If My Deepest Fear Is My Greatest Gift?,
CHAPTER 21 Your Heart Always Knows the Way to Go,
CHAPTER 22 I Believe in the Freedom That Is Me,
CHAPTER 23 No Mud, No Lotus,
CHAPTER 24 Greatness Follows Excellence,
CHAPTER 25 Asking What If? Challenges What Is,
CHAPTER 26 Perception Changes Everything,
SECTION III — THROUGH ME,
CHAPTER 27 How Did I Know?,
CHAPTER 28 We Belong to Our Relationship,
CHAPTER 29 Does My Perception Change Everything? (What Soap Bubbles Taught Me at Midnight),
CHAPTER 30 What Am I Waiting For?,
CHAPTER 31 Who's Teaching Who?,
CHAPTER 32 Life Is the Most Precious Gift You Can Ever Receive,
CHAPTER 33 We Are One and the Same,
CHAPTER 34 I Don't Need to Do Something Today,
CHAPTER 35 It's Not Mine,
CHAPTER 36 What Would Do the Most Good?,
CHAPTER 38 What I See, I Can Be,
CHAPTER 39 I Am Not Bad.,
SECTION IV — AS ME,
CHAPTER 40 A New Name, A New Way of Being,
CHAPTER 41 The Universe Plans Better Than You,
CHAPTER 42 It Doesn't Matter What You Do: Just Make Sure It's Something You're Passionate About,
CHAPTER 43 Ask and You Will Receive,
CHAPTER 44 Who Does This Belong To?,
CHAPTER 45 Your Perception of Your Life IS Your Life,
CHAPTER 46 Faith, Persistence and Surrender Are My Trusted,
CHAPTER 47 I Have A Choice,
CHAPTER 48 Stuck Energy Creates Dis-Ease; Loving Energy Creates Healing.,
CHAPTER 49 When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong,
CHAPTER 50 I Love You Just the Way You Are,
CHAPTER 51 This Is My Vision,
CHAPTER 52 I Love You ... Too,
A THOUGHTFUL QUESTION: When Our Thoughts Transcend Us: The SPIRIT of Changing Your Mind by Gillian Laura Roberts & Dr. Christian Guenette,
Our Final Thoughts: An Invitation,
The Thinkers: Contributor Biographies,
Coming Soon! From The Thought Publications, Inc.,