On 26 June 2009, I commenced writing my own personal Journal. I am amazed at how incredibly rewarding this can be. It's been a fascinating and insightful way to record my thoughts, describe challenges, brainstorm solutions, explore my values, create goals, etc etc...
Through the process of Journaling, I have discovered that I am somehow able to access a deeper, more insightful part of my consciousness that normally seems to be dormant (or at least hidden from my usual day-to-day awareness).
On 11 July 2009, I commenced my Journal with the following sentence:
"Thank you... I know all is just as it's meant to be." [I was trying to make myself feel better, as I had a lot of things stressing me at the time.]
I then proceeded to write a comprehensive "to do" list, filling two A4 pages with various items. By the time I was ready to commence the third page, something strange happened -- I experienced a shift into a profound state of peacefulness and gratitude, and I now include below an exact copy of everything I wrote on that page, word-for-word:
People who have inspired me...
I feel that in some way, every person I encounter
inspires me or has something meaningful to share
with me. Some of the people who I would say
have inspired me the most would be:
- Jesus & writings in the Bible
- Napoleon Hill & his profound books & talks
- Foster Hibbard & his live talks (e.g. "The Millionaire's Seminar")
- Dr John Demartini, a modern day genius who applies his wisdom.
- Bill Zheng & his original ideas (e.g. Mortgage = Asset)
- Michael Domeyko Rowland, for getting me started on this journey.
- Seth & Jane Roberts, for expanding my thinking and beliefs.
- Abraham & Esther & Jerry Hicks, for the reminder to "Feel Good!"
- Neale Donald Walsch, for the reminder of the joy of written dialogue.
- Rachel [surname withheld], for giving, caring, loving & supporting me. Thank you.
- Anthony Robbins... You woke me up to healthy choices & so much more!
- Don Miguel Ruez - "The Four Agreements" is truly a masterpiece of wisdom.
- George S. Clason for the wonderful story "The Richest Man in Babylon".
- Jan Somers, for your books on property investing. Got me started!
- Alan J. Falkson, for your creative approach to Real Estate and compound interest.
- Sean Summerville - for the encouragement to network with others.
- Rick Otton, for being creative while filling a need.
- John [surname withheld], for being flexible on my first property purchase.
There are so many more, far too many to list.
However, I do want to acknowledge myself, too.
Sometimes I experience a flash of insight or a
profound wisdom, for which I am extremely grateful.
It can feel as though some of my most inspiring
thoughts (& actions to take) come from someone or
something so much "bigger" than myself. Thank you
to this part of me, of all that is. I am always
grateful for loving guidance & welcome this into my
daily experience. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
It is now 4 September 2009 as I write this... It's amazing how nothing in my external world had changed, simply a change in what I was focusing on which somehow completely changed how I felt.
I would now like to add the following additional people who have been a great inspiration, just when I needed it most:
- Gary Chapman and your insightful book, "The Five Love Languages"
- Earl Nightingale, for "The Strangest Secret", "The Boss" and so many other audio and video recordings that really resonate with me.
- Mark O. Haroldsen, for your wonderful books (especially "The Courage to be Rich") and for replying to my Email!
- Dale Carnegie, for "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and other material on interacting with people.
- Og Mandino, for "The Greatest Salesman in the World" and your other captivating books.
- Napoleon Hill for the classic "Think and Grow Rich". This book teased me for about 20 years, before I finally knew with complete certainty that I fully understood the secret Mr Hill masterfully left the reader to discover for himself.
And thank you to the countless people who have bought from me, sold to me, offered advice or asked advice, as I progressed along my wonderful journey from selling computers to becoming a full-time real estate investor and property developer. I am also forever grateful to my private investors -- your faith in me has gone a long way in helping me develop and maintain faith in myself.
Thanks to Joseph Campbell for "The Power of Myth" and those three amazing words, "Follow your Bliss". This is arguably the wisest advice on living a fulfilling life that anyone could give in such a short sentence.
Thank you too to Dr Wayne Dyer, for the reminder that what we focus on expands in our life. In focusing on what I am grateful for, I am truly humbled at how my blessings somehow seem to multiply and lead me to feeling an overwhelming sense of appreciation and gratitude.
One final "thank you"...
... Thank you to YOU, the person reading this right now.
If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had any reason to write this. I hope in some small way, it's reminded you that there is more to be grateful for than you might have first thought (even just notice one extra thing, perhaps such as being grateful that the internet provides a way for us to communicate so easily without a second thought as to the distance that may separate us!).
While you're here, why not take a blank sheet of paper and start writing your own list of people who have inspired you or things you are grateful for? Or better yet, how about sharing it right here, right now, by making your own "Thank you" post on Gumtree?! Maybe your "Thank you" will be just what someone else needs to get them feeling more grateful. And if what we focus on expands in our life, then who knows what else could come into our life (or our awareness) to make us even more grateful!
And regardless of whether it works or not, there's no harm trying, right? I say, "Give it a try... and see for yourself what happens!"
To be continued...
[ In case you are wondering, yes the photo is really me (my name is Jason, born in Brisbane in 1972). I have no idea whether anyone will read this, but if you'd like to make a comment (or are curious what else I've discovered by using my Journal), feel free to write me a quick reply so I know there's someone out there... Thanks! ]
