Appreciation and Gratitude
"Why Appreciation & Gratitude are the Keys to Getting Anything You Want"
- by Jeff Staniforth
When it comes to worldly affairs, the saying, "Seeing is believing"
reigns supreme.
When you *see* someone accomplish something, you start to *believe* in
that person's ability. If a product delivers what it promises, you
then believe that it works. When you see a "formula" yield positive
results, you begin to believe in it.
Evidence is essential in order for people to believe. This has led to
the saying, "I'll believe it when I see it." The proof is in the pudding.
But in spiritual affairs, the opposite is true. "Believing is seeing."
If you believe first, you will see that thing that you believe in
manifest itself in front of your very eyes. That's a testament to the
awesome power of belief. This has led to another saying: "I'll see it
when I believe it."
However, for most people, believing *is* the problem.
That's why most people who lack conviction when they recite
affirmations, for instance, are missing the secret ingredient that's
necessary to materialize their dreams.
If you've ever encountered some internal resistance when you first
read or speak a positive affirmation, that's an indication that you're
not really believing what you're saying. For example, how can you
really believe the affirmation, "I am perfectly healthy in body, mind
and spirit" when outer appearances point to the contrary (e.g., you're
sick or in pain)?
Here's some more for you:
I appreciate the spirit that dwells within me
I love and appreciate the person I am becoming
I appreciate all the good fortune I have in my life
I accept life and appreciate it, as it is
I am creating the life I love
I cherish every moment of every day
I am appreciated by others
Today is one of my opportunities to appreciate being healthy
The gift of laughter is my treasured gift
I'm calm and centered, now and always
I find my path following my inner wisdom
I integrate trust into every aspect of my life
I allow myself to stop and appreciate the peace
My life is full of amazingly wonderful surprises
I am filled with energy; I appreciate that!
An important part of believing is to feel "as if it has already
happened." I have found that one of the best ways to evoke that
feeling is to express *gratitude* after you recite an affirmation.
Just saying the words, "Thank you" after you state your affirmation
reinforces the belief that the universe (or God, or your Creator, or
whatever name you call the Supreme Being) has already set about the
fulfillment of your desire. You may not see your affirmed desire fully
manifested yet at the present time, but expressing thanks makes you
believe that what you've asked for is already done. Thereafter, you
have a sense of expectancy that what you desire will eventually come
to fruition.
If there was ever a "formula" for manifesting desires, this is it.
Ancient spiritual manuscripts, including the Bible, emphasize that a
single-minded belief is essential in receiving what you ask for. They
also warn against double-mindedness. Know with absolute and unwavering
certainty that what you are affirming is already yours. "If you can
believe, all things are possible to him who believes." So believe that
it's already done by simply saying "Thank you" or assuming an attitude
of gratitude after affirming what you want. I once heard a wonderful
quotation from an anonymous author that says it profoundly: "We can
start with who we are and what we have today, apply gratitude, then
let it work it's magic. Say thank you, until you mean it. If you say
it long enough, you will believe it. Today will shine the transforming
light of gratitude on all the circumstances of my life."
= new reply since forum marked as read
little here, I do appreciate your caring efforts to educate, comfort and entertain! 
Namaste and goodnight...
You just made my day! So good, no- great to hear!
Here's to all my blissful friends that get it!
Gosh dang and all that jazz!
