For those of you who know me, I am an avid reader. I LOVE books! There is just something about holding a book in your hands and falling into a story. The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen is one of the best self-help inspirational books I have read. Many of the ideas that Joel writes in his book have been spoken by other spiritual leaders, like Dr. Wayne Dyer. They both say that what follows the words “I AM” will find you. I was lucky enough to see Joel last week discuss the power of I Am.
“Whatever you follow the I AM with, you’re handing it an invitation, and giving it permission to be in your life.” – Joel Osteen
Chapter Two is Be Positive or Be Quiet. Whatever you speak, you give life to. Use positive words when you talk or just don’t say anything. It is The Law of Attraction at work. What you say and do comes back to you. So don’t give your life and power away being negative. Nothing good can come from that. Call goodness into your future and have faith. Remember, All is Well. It may not be well today but keep faith and eventually goodness will come. You reap what you sow.
Chapter Eight is Living Content. I remember Oprah saying last year that is her new favorite word: Content. We need to be content with what we have now before we can receive more. It does not mean that we are giving up on our dreams. It just means that we are not fighting or frustrated with where we are right now. Remember this too shall pass. As Joel says “Discontentment will follow you wherever you go… You have to train your mind to see the good and be grateful for what you have… Your situation is going to change when you change.” Challenges make us stronger and we learn lessons from each challenge.
“There is a blessing and burden for every season. Don’t focus on the burden…Embrace the place where you are. See the good.” – Joel Osteen
Chapter Ten – It’s Under Your Feet. Think that every obstacle, challenge or sickness is only a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. It is under my feet means that you are over it. It will not defeat you unless you let it. Say “It’s under my feet.” Let that challenge be under you and give it over to God. When you give it to God, you will have peace because God is fighting your battle. Let Him worry about it. This challenge is only temporary. It is not permanent.
“The problem may have formed, but it is not going to prosper.” – Joel Osteen
We have the power to change our lives. Life is either good or bad depending on how you view it. How many times to we get worried or stressed about little stuff? We need to train ourselves to focus on the good in our lives, like a bed to sleep in and food to eat. We all have small and large challenges that we face. If we can start looking at those small challenges in a more positive view, then we may be able to handle the larger challenges with more grace. If you can’t go positive, at least go neutral. By doing this, you will change the neuropathways in your brain so you don’t keep going back to old patterns. Eventually you will see more positive than negative. This may take some time so be patient and loving to yourself. Remember, how you view life is your choice. How do you want to live this life? I choose happiness, joy and maybe most importantly, GRATITUDE!
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – You’re right.” – Henry Ford
