"Why Gratitude is the Key to Getting Anything You Want"

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1. "Why Gratitude is the Key to Getting Anything You Want"
 - by Jeff Staniforth
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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)?

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."




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2. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "There is no better opportunity to
receive more than to be thankful for what you already have.
Thanksgiving opens the windows of opportunity for ideas to
flow your way."

--Zig Ziglar