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?