Friday, January 2, 2009

It's a Secret!

I know the Secret. Do you know the Secret? Do you want to know the Secret? I'm not going to get into a long winded discussion with anyone, but I have very definite theories regarding the Secret.

I have friends and acquaintances who have been going on (and on) about the book The Secret for the past couple of years. I've had a copy sitting in my office for months. It wasn't something I ever intended to read, but The Boy brought it home one day after a friend at school had recommended it to him. So here it sat, collecting dust, until I figured I should read it and make him return it to his friend.

So I read it. Have you read it? Did you like it? Did you believe it? Did it change your life forever? My answer to those questions: ugh--I mean yes, not even a little, not a chance, not that I noticed.

I consider myself to be a rational and logical person. I think I live in the real world with a healthy (yet acceptable) amount of pessimism. But I also think I have a mind that is open to new ideas--within reason. However, I had the hardest time taking this book seriously. It reminded me of being a kid and chanting to myself (under the covers, of course),

There is no such thing as a boogyman!

And guess what, no boogyman ever appeared. Do you think that's because I willed it? Or because it's just the way things are?

I have a friend who grew up telling her mom,
I'm going to be a beautiful princess--and you can be my maid.

She may be beautiful (and really smart!) but I have yet to be invited to her coronation. And last time I heard, her mom was living a nice life without any obligation to fold towels or change bed linens.

To be clear, I do believe in positive thinking. I believe that a good attitude can lead to good things. But thinking healthy thoughts cures cancer??? Sorry, I just can't accept that.

So my questions to you are these:

Did you read it?
Did you believe it?
Do you have specific examples of it working in your life?

I promise (honestly) not to judge you--but I have to know! Am I the only one who found it monotonous and somewhat ridiculous?

3 comments:

TravelByTurtle said...

"It is exactly like placing an order from a catalogue. … You must know that what you want is yours the moment you ask." (the Secret)
Knowing what one wants I agree is pretty essential to getting what one wants. However, I think it is balanced with the idea I read to the effect that you may have whatever you want, but you may have to work for it however. (Richard Bach)
So, I'll imagine myself at <200 pounds while I'm at the gym this afternoon.....(and visualize world peace)

bebe said...

You're right, the book does say something about using the tenor of your thoughts to place your order from the catalog of the universe. Here's my problem with that--Sure you can order from any catalog and expect your desired item to be delivered. The problem is, you're still expected to pay. If you ordered the item using a maxed out credit card or a card from a closed account, your order would be canceled.

So it does take more than just visualization and desire--it takes effort, too.

Don't think yourself thin, plan for it and hit the gym!

I'm much more in agreement with your quote by Bach. Thanks!

Maddy Whitney said...

Bonnie, and you were the ONE person in this universe who didn't like the "Twilight" movie...
Baaaaa (this is shelly btw)

 
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