As Larry and Curly used to say each Christmas, to their third partner who was playing Santa Claus -
Moe, Moe, Moe!
Those who know me know I'm not the very religious sort! I don't pray as often as I should (although prayers definitely do increase when we head to Las Vegas each year). Sue and I are do not attend church or temple as often as perhaps we should.
But, everyday, for the last 5 years, we are big on reciting affirmations daily, and this process has changed our life enormously.
Remember these two truths.
The first, nascent thought that you start the day with - when your alarm (or your kids) wake you each morning, will, for some reason, predominate the day. If you groggily meet the day with, "Man, this is going to be a TOUGH ONE!" - it will be! If you jump out of bed in a positive frame of mind - that usually carries through any daily adversity sure to come your way. Even though life always "Happens" (substitute any other four-letter word for "life," if you'd like), most often, this is true!
The second - it is physically impossible for you to carry a negative thought in your head, the moment you have a positive thought. There is not enough room up there (in my head, anyway).
That's where our Daily Affirmations come it.
The concept of reciting Daily Affirmations came to us from several sources, a few years ago. Most notably, from Toby Davis, our close friend, colleague, and mentor from Charleston, South Carolina. Toby referred us to a book by Chellie Campbell - The Wealthy Spirit - Daily Affirmations for Financial Stress Reduction. The book is not a long one, but unique in its structure.
There are 365 pages in the book - one for each day of the year (during a Leap Year - improvise - then, get over it!) Every day, my wife and I recite a one-page affirmation summary, followed by a one-sentence affirmation. We embellish this process by reviewing another full page of one-line affirmations that Sue has typed and printed in a binder, pages protected in plastic sheet protectors.
Chellie describes three types of fish in the sea - Sharks - keep away from those, they need no description; Tuna - Fish Food for Sharks, and; Dolphins - who nurture, share, and grow. I believe I know which type of fish you would like to be, right?
She talks about working hard, and "Sending Out Ships" across the sea, for they will come back with your treasure - you just can pinpoint exactly WHEN they will return, but they WILL!
As you view the link to Chellie's book - click over to Amazon.com to review an excerpt or two - you'll easily get the idea.
One of the affirmations early in the book, "My Affirmations Work for Me, Whether I Believe They Do, or Not!" is absolutely true. This little routine, which we have done for several years, daily, has started each of our days in the most positive fashion, and helped to focus us on achieving balance, reduced stress, financial comfort and peace in our lives.
I think you'll want to check it out for yourself! Let us know what you think.
Happy Holidays!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
