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I Hereby Affirm. . .

© Richard Kent Matthews

Much of what you are about to read may not be new to you but consider this: "The world does not require so much to be informed, as to be reminded." (Hannah More) Consider this a review. Who knows? You may actually discover something you haven't considered before. Possible?

Are you into spiritual growth? Metaphysics? Religion? Do you read the great tomes like the Bible, the Qur'an, the Gita, the Upanishads and others? Do you spend time in the self-help section of the bookstore or library? Go to church, synagogue, or temple every week?

Then this little article is for you. It's a simple way to grow continually without leaving stretch marks. And you don't even have to be religious. First, read the following (I found it on the Internet without attribution):

If you can start the day without caffeine; if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains; if you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles; if you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it; if you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time; if you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong; if you can take criticism and blame without resentment; if you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend; if you can face the world without lies or deceit; if you can conquer tension without medical help; if you can relax without liquor; if you can sleep without the aid of drugs; if you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudices against creed, color, religion, gender preference, or politics, then you have reached the same level of development as your dog.

If your dog can do it, so can you. Susan Hilton wrote a wonderful book called "The Feng Shui of Abundance," one of my favorites, so with all credit going to Susan, I share with you here a simple and wonderful way to grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and even financially, if that's your aim. She says:

"Every day, choose to appreciate:

1. Five things about yourself, positive AND negative

2. Five things about your living space

3. Five things about each colleague

4. Five things about your work, your finances

5. Five things about your family members

6. Five things about your partner

Actually communicate (at least) one appreciation daily. Make this a regular practice. Watch how everything becomes more valuable and more valued. Starting each day with appreciation is an energy vibe that is very powerful. Add gratitude and strong feeling and watch the amazing results you attract into your life. And don't forget to share those results."

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