How good could I get….and how far could I go?

“How good could I get ….and how far could I go?”

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

That is an interesting question, i.e., “how good could I get….and how far could I go?” I have recently listened to an audiobook: “The Greatest Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. I was taken by her book. I originally came in contact with her writings around 2006 - after she published “The Secret”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(Byrne_book). This self-help book is based upon the pseudo-scientific law of attraction, i.e., the power of the manifestation of images, beliefs, scenarios and life-paths….whether they be for an increase in wealth….an increase in health or an increase in stature are up to you. Her belief is found in the “power of visualization”, i.e., simply think about, image it, imagine it and it appears - not only in thought - but you become what you think.

As I tell my students, as a result of the field we are in - people will find us - not because things are going well in their life - but because they are having difficulty in one or more of their “life dimensions”, i.e, health, interpersonal relationships (personal or professional), wealth, sense of success or failure, addictions, compulsions, aberrant behavior, intimacy….etc. Individuals or families who are looking to engage in psychotherapy are not seeking us out to share their successes or good fortune. The person typically starts with “what is wrong” and then they build upon that theme with a review of thoughts, behaviors and actions. And in line with Rhonda Byrnes belief “in the power of images” - is the person dealing and centering on living what is wrong - and as a result that is what they are manifesting? What would happen if we were to “introduce a paradigm- shift” and instead of encouraging the person to keep ruminating and wallowing on “what is wrong” - we ask them to focus, image and review “what is right in their life”, thereby, planting the seeds for further developing and living their strengths, wishes and desires.

If we are of the belief “we are what we eat” is it a big stretch to assume: “we are what we think?”. Therefore, with respect to the question: “How good could I get ….and how far could I go?”….the answer is very simple….it is time to put on a new set of glasses and to begin to look at the world differently....and then put it into action….you know how to do this….there is no limit….and it is up to you…. to take this life to where you want to go!”