I just finished Wayne Dyer’s book, Wishes Fulfilled. First I just want to say how much I respect that man, even though I have never met him. Tag team him with Anita Moorjani (Dying To Be Me!), and you have two of the most gifted, yet so humble, authors and teachers.
Wishes Fulfilled took my knowledge and belief in affirmations to a whole new level. In my book, I devote a chapter to affirmations, a powerful tool to help reprogram our subconscious and beliefs. This is one of the key tools I suggest to those starting out on their path of self-discovery, while learning how to overcome traumatic pasts, particularly when they begin to identify their unhealthy beliefs. Fortunately I had learned that starting the affirmation with “I Am” was important. Now I understand why.
Using “I Am” was used in an affirmation to put it in the context of the present (as compared to using I want to be…which puts it in the context of a future state). Upon reading Wishes Fulfilled, I realized that from a spiritual perspective, the universe gives us what we want. So when we use the statement “I Am”, whatever follows is our statement of who we are, and therefore what we want to bring into our life. I am glad this was discussed in several chapters since it took all of these chapters, plus further reflection on this, to get it.
I started to put this into practice using the affirmation, “I am a successful author.” Granted the text that existed in some computer file did not magically finish by itself, but I found myself more motivated to write. I had no idea of what to do next. With each question (e.g. who can edit this?), I found myself discovering people I had never heard of who could perform the needed tasks and within my budget. I finally had a completed text after 20 years of start and stops (can you believe it took that long!). When it came to publishing this text, I laughed since I was accustomed to feeling that I was unworthy and not as good as others. I continued to use the I Am affirmation.
Within a couple of weeks I discovered Balboa Press, a division of Hay House. I found this while Googling Louise Hay, since she is another one of my favorite people and authors. I used her affirmation tape (yup that is a cassette tape) during a very difficult time in my life. I discovered that I could publish my book with a reputable publisher for a reasonable price. I was on my way!
Well, I am so excited to share this story since today I received the first copy of my new book, Discovering Michael. As I held this book, I reflected on what got me to this point. The real developments occurred when I started to believe in myself and trust life. I knew these things to be true, but not at a deep enough level to overcome my old unhealthy beliefs relating to believing I was unworthy.
Well, who knows what the future will hold, but I will continue to use the I Am affirmations and begin to follow the guidance of Mr. Dyer to put more detail around what success actually means. I spent some quiet time reflecting on my purpose and how this fit in. It was not long before I created a purpose statement that was the very essence of my being.
I am a visionary, believer, and risk taker with a playful, creative and deeply philosophical nature committed to a greater purpose. I am here to create and to participate in communities of practice promoting goodwill towards others and being our true selves. My purpose [in this life] is to gain a greater understanding of the self-discovery process, applying these tools to my own life and then using my stories of personal and spiritual growth as a source of inspiration and direction for others, thereby ultimately discovering and owning my true self.
It captures everything I want out of my life and like a powerful vision, keeps pulling me towards it. But I have to keep reciting this to keep developing this into my belief system. Today I am a step closer!
Thank you Mr. Dyer and all those who inspired me on my life’s journey!!
