Your thoughts are like a rubber ball

The more I learn about the power that thoughts, words, and actions play in outcomes, the more I'm convinced there is great truth in the assumption. I first began reading about the principle when I read James Allan's famous book "As a Man Thinketh." Allan believed that "man is made or unmade by himself [thoughts] -- that we are literally what we think."

Norman Vincent Peale, minister and author, wrote "The power of positive thinking." Peale believed thinking positive thoughts was the key toward positive results. Wayne Dyer, another well-known author and a motivational speaker, focuses on thoughts, words and actions as the means to attaining one's goals. In his book "Wishes fulfilled" he writes about five means for attaining success. One tip I found particularly interesting said that you should "live from the end." Dyer quotes Romans 4:17: "In the presence of Him whom he believed -- God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." Then Proverbs 23:7 speaks of the power that thought has on the inner personhood of an individual. "As a person thinketh in his heart, so is he." [Proverbs]

I have always believed strongly in the power of thought. Although life will inevitably present challenges, try to continue thinking positively. Thoughts are like a rubber ball. If you throw the ball against a wall, it automatically comes bouncing back to you. I believe our thoughts do the same. You must visualize what you want to accomplish and then live it from the end. Live as though you already possessed that desire. That doesn't mean go out and buy an expensive home you can't afford or a car beyond your means. But when your thoughts become bigger than your environment, your circumstances will change to fit you the substance of your subconscious. What you possess deep within your psyche is what ultimately becomes your reality -- whether good or bad.

If your background was unpleasant, don't allow that disruption to ruin your future. Plant your seed and watch it come to fruition within your mind. Lay your foundation. First, create the blueprint within yourself. Don't let anyone or any circumstance deter you from reaching your goals. Personally, I always ask God's blessings on whatever I attempt. If it doesn't work out, I know there's a reason. Failure can be a steppingstone to spur us on, either in another direction that suits our abilities, circumstances and emotional makeup better, or one bringing healthier fulfillment. However, you can also attain goals bringing pain if you ignore obviously negative warning signs. You might attract that which you don't ultimately want. So watch your thoughts. Keep your eye on the carrot in front, if it's a healthy one, and let nothing stop you -- unless it's a traumatic situation about which you can do nothing. Then when it's over, take up the reins of your goal again and plod on ahead.

Dyer said when he writes a book, he first thinks of a title, next the book cover image. Then he writes the book -- not the way I learned to write in school, necessarily, but I do the same when I'm writing. I write and I live my life with the end in mind. When one builds a home, he begins with a plan of how the house will look. Then he completes it according to his drawing -- usually. Most Christians live their lives from the end. They know their ultimate goal is to be with God, so they live according to His principles -- often pretending they're already there.

If you do not already live from the end, why not try it? Visualize, prepare and do it now. Live like you've already attained what you want and be amazed at how it turns out.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.