Photo by Chingster23
This concept of the Law of Attraction is quite well described in Rhonda Byrne’s popular and cleverly titled book, The Secret. She brought together many successful, famous and inspirational individuals to share their thoughts on what they call “the Secret.”
The “Secret” itself is that:
Everything that’s coming into your life, you are attracting into your life. And it’s attracted to you by virtue of the images you’re holding in your mind.
If you haven’t already read it, consider it a must-read. I cannot do it full justice here. It is available in both book and audio format as well as a movie.
The basic premise is this:
People who drew wealth into their lives used “the Secret.” They think only thoughts of abundance and wealth, and they don’t allow any contradictory thoughts to take root in their minds.
The same goes for happiness and contentment. Thoughts of happiness and contentment bring further thoughts of happiness and contentment.
If you think predominantly about depression, you’ll be more depressed. If you think only of how anxious you are and of what you’re afraid of, you’ll only draw more fear. In other words, you manifest more of what you are focused on as you are giving it so much attention.
When first reading about this concept, some feel that they’re being blamed for causing their difficulties or unfortunate circumstances. This is not what is being said. It doesn’t have to do with blame or that anyone is purposefully causing their own depression or anxiety problems.
It has to do with focus. What you’re thinking about is determining how you’re feeling. If you’re always thinking about depression, you’ll draw more depression, as that is the predominant idea in your brain. Your brain does what you’re telling it to do, and it focuses on what you’re telling it to focus on.
The words and thoughts associated with depression are depressing! I’m not saying you do it on purpose; it’s typically something you don’t even understand you’re doing and that is why you’re learning about it here.
For example, if you’re depressed, you may have daily thoughts along the line of:
- I am so depressed
- Where is my depression medication?
- When is my next Dr’s appointment?
- I am so depressed I can’t get going.
- I cant take another day of being depressed.
- I am not cleaning up that mess, I am too depressed.
See what I mean? These are not thoughts you cook up to keep yourself depressed; they’re simply the thoughts you’re having because you haven’t been taught why and how to replace these.
I really want to emphasize this as I know these ideas make people angry and they will comment that I must not know anything about depression or anxiety and that I am blaming the victim of an illness. These ideas of course are not going to cure those with serious biological depressions caused by endocrine disorders or other medical conditions. The ideas can, however, help anyone distract themselves with the hopes of enjoying their life to the fullest degree possible.
So, instead of the above, picture having a day when your thoughts are along the lines of:
- How will I work toward a purpose today?
- What fun thing can I fit in after work?
- How much can I fit in this day that will take me toward my purpose?
- Will I meet a new partner today?
- What can I create today?
- How can I make another person smile today?
You get the idea; no constant thought is on being depressed. In order to feel good, you don’t want to be focused on the topics of poor mental health. It is like with a tomato plant and a weed. Are you going to focus all your energies on the weed or on the plant itself? Are you going to water and care for and fertilize and what not the weed? You have a life and you may also have a depression or a case of anxiety, you will be happier if you focus on the other aspects of your life. It doesn’t mean the weeds stop growing, but they are given minimal attention.
Two important ideas from The Secret include:
1. Your life can change if you consciously choose what you think about.
2. It’s impossible to feel bad all the time if you’re having healthily focused thoughts.
Think about how powerful these two lines are. I have utilized these ideas in my life many times before recommending them to you, and I know they really work! With clients I often use concepts from motivational and success materials. How better to learn about emotional success than from those who enjoy great success?
I don’t believe that emotional success is just for some lucky people. I do believe that some people are lucky in that they grow up and learn in environments that foster resilience and strength and provide them with emotional tools to use in the face of adversity. But not everyone does. Many are raised with criticism, abuse, lack of direction or they pretty much just raise themselves. Some are raised in environments that foster victimization and illness. Many develop dysfunctional thought patterns or behaviors that keep them stuck in unhappy lives, careers and relationships.
These patterns are learned and can be unlearned. If you think you may experience some of these dysfunctional thought patterns, visist our resource page and get your free copy of How to Break Free from 12 Dysfunctional Thought Patterns…and a handy chart to help you track your progress.