Write Magic

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 17

Welcome to Day 17! 

Who is having an amazing week?
So, yesterday I got some news that was really frustrating at first. I was stomping around my house, worrying about the repercussions of the news. Then I realized, I had taken something for granted, and it only makes sense that I was going to be receiving less. I went up to my room, took my Magic rock, and thought about the situation. My first thought was, things will be more difficult, but I will figure a way out. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind did I realize that really, I wasn’t going to lose out at all. I have something else that I will start getting, which will more than compensate for the loss of the other. I’m sure your quite confused, but my point is that this practice helps you see where you are lacking in gratitude. It gives you a perspective that you’ve never had before, and therefore brings more magic into your life because you start appreciating even more. I don’t want to go into exact details, but I will say it has to do with money. It’s funny I had a little panic over money yesterday when today is all about getting more money!

Magic Check

Today we are going to write a check out, to ourselves, for an amount of money we need to do something that we would be incredibly grateful for. We can start small, and then when we reach the amount write a new check, or write it out for the whole amount up front. However you want to do it. As you can see from the photo below, I drew my own check, based on the check in the book. I could have photocopied it, or printed one off the website – http://www.thesecret.tv/magiccheck – but I felt that if I put time into drawing it, I would be able to clearly visualize what I would do with the money, and feel all the more grateful when I finished. 
When you are done writing out the check, hold it in your hands and play out in your mind what you are going. to do with the money. Envision that the check is real, and you are about to leave for the bank to cash it. What are you going to do? Who will you tell? See it as detailed as possible. 
Take the check with you today, or put it somewhere you can see it. You are to take the check into your hands and repeat the exercise two more times today – saying THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU each time. 
At the end of the day, put the check where you will see it daily. Every day look at it and feel grateful for the money to do or get whatever it is you desire. When you truly receive the money, write a new check for a new goal. 

In the magical universe there are no coincidences and there are no accidents. Nothing happens unless someone wills it to happen.

William Burroughs

Side note:

So I actually started the challenge on the 31st, so I could write the blog posts ahead of time and then set them to publish the day of. I just realized that for some reason these are publishing the day after, and I apologize for that! I will try to catch up, so they can go live when they are supposed to from now on. As always, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for taking the time to read these posts, and hopefully be skipping along through the month with me with an attitude of gratitude!

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 16

Magic & Miracles in Health

Byrne states that “We should feel healthy, energized, and full of happiness most of the time, because that is how it feels to have our birthright of full health.” (p.149). I cannot disagree with her; while I don’t always feel energized, and I often feel the extra weight I carry around my hips and middle (and everywhere else), I am happy most of the time. But, based on the Universal Law of Attraction, if I were truly grateful for my health, then I would be healthier. I have a condition called narcolepsy, which causes me to feel sleepy often. According to my sleep specialist, I have no natural circadian rhythm. If you were to go to bed at the same time every night, and wake up the same time every day, then you would not need an alarm clock because you would just wake up at the normal time. You get hungry at the same times every day, have your second wind at the same time – you get the idea. With me, I could go to bed and wake up at the same time every night and day, but I always need an alarm clock. Some days it is almost painful to wake up at my normal time, despite getting 10 hours of sleep, while other days I wake up 4 hours before my alarm and feel wonderful. Some days I wake up with my stomach rumbling, but other days I don’t even think to eat until I’ve been awake for hours. I have to take a medication to keep me from taking “micro-naps”, which is when you fall asleep without warning for a few seconds. As amusing as it may sound, it has cost me jobs and got me into a car crash. The medication helps me wake up for the day, and helps me stay awake during stressful situations. I do not like having to take pills to function, but I’m grateful for them. Without them, I would not have come this far in the gratitude challenge! I would not get up to bring my son to school, I might get into accidents with my son in the car. Based on Byrne’s theory, if I’m grateful for feeling energized, I will overcome my ailment. I must be honest, I’m not sure if that will work – but I’m willing to try! I will start taking a moment every morning to feel true gratitude that I am awake, that I was able to get my son safely to school, get myself safely home, and stay awake to write when I get home. Gratitude has brought a lot into my life that I thought was not possible, like happiness, so my health could improve!
Saint Augustine said:

Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.”

Today’s Exercise

We are going to take a three-pronged approach to “accelerate the results”, as today’s exercises are “designed to dramatically increase your health and happiness”. (p.151)

  1. Health you’ve received in the past: Think about 3 ties you have felt on top of the world, and say the magic words THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !
  2. Health you’re continuing to receive in the present: Feel grateful for every organ, system, and physical sense that is currently working well in your body. Think about your arms, legs, brain…Choose 5 functions of your body that are well, and one by one, mentally say the magic words: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !
  3. Health you want to receive in the future: choose one thing you want to improve about your body. Think about the ideal state of what you want to improve, and give thanks for the ideal state.

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease

~Hippocrates 

Magical Gratitude 28-day Challenge: Day 15

                        

Magically Heal Your Relationships

Byrne starts the chapter off by saying:

If you have a difficult or broken relationship, are suffering from a broken heart, or hold any resentment or blame toward another person for anything, you can change it through gratitude. Gratitiude will magically improve any difficult relationship, whether that person is a husband, or wife, brother or sister, son or daughter, partner, boss, business client, work colleague, mother- or father-in-law, friend, or neighbor. 

P. 141
Chances are, you are not grateful for someone when you are harboring angry feelings. You’re angry, so you can’t be blamed for not stopping to think about why you’re grateful for that person. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, said:

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. 

There is some merit to the broken relationship; you just have to look closely to see it. I have a troublesome relationship with someone, but if I stop to think about it, I have a lot to be grateful for! That person has made a lot of great things happen for me. Today, we are going to make a list of 10 things we are grateful for about one person we have chosen to mend a relationship with magically. The list should be formatted like so:
Person , I’m grateful for_______.

As always…

Start the day with your thank you list, and close the day with your Magic rock!
Until tomorrow my lovelies!

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 14

Wow, we are half way through the challenge! Who else has noticed a change since the magick of gratitude has been growing in your life? Isn’t it incredible? I’ve noticed that I’m cheery, even in the mornings when I have to get my son up and ready for school after he woke up in the middle of the night or didn’t go to sleep at his normal bed time (I follow a routine and he’s in bed at the same time every night, but there are a few nights a month when he is just a spaz and spends have the night thrashing around playing in the blankets). I’m noticing my blessings much more, like having a great heater in my car – again especially in the morning when I take my son to school! It has been 5-10 degrees most mornings this winter, and I am so grateful my car warms up quickly! I’m grateful to have a car too! I see parents walking with their kids and 1. feel awful for them, and 2. feel so blessed that I not only have a car, but a reliable car that runs well, gets good gas mileage, and is even kinda cute! (I have a Toyota Matrix)

Have a Magical Day

So, you may have noticed I posted this article the night before instead of the day of. That’s because we are going to start our gratitude exercise FIRST thing in the morning. When you’re getting dressed or taking a shower, go through your plans in your mind from the moment you are done getting ready for the day to the moment you get into bed. After you think about each event, think about how grateful you are that it went to plan – you’re in the mindset that the day has already happened, and you’re not imagining but you’re remembering. I hope that makes sense lol, but you have the book I’m sure, so, you can read through the chapter if you need clarification.

Being grateful for your day beforehand creates a magical day through the law of attraction. 

The Magic, p.133

By the time you imagine yourself getting into bed, you are feeling immensely grateful that you had the perfect day! Have you ever noticed that when you wake up cranky, it’s Murphy’s law – you stub your toe, get soap in your eye, you lose your keys, your kid spills their breakfast all over themselves and the floor, you can’t find your favorite earrings and this is all before 9 am. But when you wake up cheerful, everything seems to fall into place. The light goes green the moment you drive up to the intersection, your co-worker surprises you with a coffee or a bagel. Your kid gives you a big hug when you drop them off at school (my son LOVES school, so I usually have to chase him around the classroom to get half a hug and plant a kiss on his head). So, you’re feeling awesome about the day. Before you move onto the next step of your morning routine, conclude your magical exercise by saying “And thank you for the great news coming to me today!”.

Don’t forget!

Make sure to add another 10 items to your Thank you list, and before going to bed you hold your Magic Rock and say thank you for the best thing that happened during the day!

Magical Gratitude 28-day Challenge: Lucky #13!

Make All Your Wishes Come True

When I initiated this challenge I talked about motives – the reason behind why I’m doing it, and hopefully you thought about why you wanted to do it too. Aside from learning how to be a grateful person, we can’t help but think about what we would do if we could magically transform our lives. As a witch, I have used magick to change my life multiple times. If you’re a witch or a magician of some kind you probably have too. Gratitude is a magick unlike spells we cast – it’s more powerful than any amount of energy we harness from the moon or sun or stars. Gratitude and love are the strongest powers in the universe in my opinion. By now, we have begun to generate quite a bit of gratitude magick in our lives. So what are we going to do with it? That is what we are going to figure out today. 

I wish I may, I wish I might…

Carve some time for yourself today, and sit down with either a pen and paper or your computer. Make a list of your top 10 desires. Do you want to take your child to Disney World? Do you want to own a home with a big yard and a climbing tree? Do you want to write a novel someday? These might be some of the items on my list…your list may be to look like a model, or to win the lottery. You can’t write the wrong thing- if it’s what you desire most, put it on the list. This list is not going to be in the future tense though! You are to write “Thank you, thank you, thank you, for _____”. This list is to be written in the present tense, and in your mind you will see your life as if this wish has been granted. 
After you write your list, go through each item and, using your imagination, answer the following questions – again, as if you have received the desire. 
  1. What emotions did you feel when you received your desire?
  2. Who was the first person you told when you received your desire? How did you tell them?
  3. What is the first great thing you did when you received your desire? Be detailed as possible. 
  4. Re-read the sentence listing the desire and emphasize the magic words Thank You, so you feel them as much as possible. 

Imagination is the true magic carpet.

Norman Vincent Peale, The Magic p.123
You’re going to start today with your list of Blessings, and end it with your Magic Rock. If you haven’t already, grab your copy of The Magic, so you can follow along with me in the book and read through the chapters for each day. And last but certainly not least, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for reading my blog and most especially for joining with me on this wonderful adventure! Until tomorrow my lovelies!

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 12

Day 12: Magical People Who Made a Difference

I’m sure by now you have your copy of The Magic, so you would know that she starts by saying:

Every one of us has received help, support, or guidance from other people at particular times in our life when we needed it most…And then life goes on, and we tend to forget those times when one person touched us or changed our life. Sometimes you don’t even realize the impact a person had until well into the future, when you look back on your life and realize that a particular person was pivotal in magically changing the direction of your life for the better. 

(page 117-118)
We are not going to do this, though, we are not going to forget the people who touched our lives and magically changed it for the better. We are not going to live on with blinders, only the feel gratitude when it’s too late. At some point today, carve out time for you to sit and think of three extraordinary people in your life. You will address each one in turn – either by talking aloud, imagining their presence, or by writing a letter to them. You should do this in one sitting, Byrne says, because splitting it up into three separate occasions will result in you not feeling the same depth of gratitude, nor will you receive the same magical results. “Tell” each person what they did, how it affected your life, and why you are grateful to them. Say thank you three times, out loud, for each person. 
Byrne states that when you’re done, you will feel the magic in the air. 

The evidence of gratitude’s power working is always that first and foremost it makes you happy. The secondary evidence of gratitude’s power is that you attract wonderful things. And as if all of that wasn’t enough, the happiness you feel after practicing gratitude also attracts more wonderful things, which will make you even happier. That’s the magic of life, and that’s the magical power of gratitude!

(p.120) 

Day 12 Recap

So, you will start the day by counting your blessings – writing a list of ten things you’re grateful for, followed by saying thank you, thank you, thank you, after reading each item on the list. Then at some point throughout the day, find some time to be alone, where you can think of three people who have made a difference in your life. Work through the list one person at a time, and while talking aloud (or writing), tell each person the reason why you’re grateful to them and how they affected the course of your life. (Byrne doesn’t say this, but I think it would add to the magic by actually expressing to each person how you appreciate them. Don’t tell them why you’re doing it, as one of the rules of magic is to never tell anyone of a working until after it has come to fruition. The energy becomes less condensed, and if the person you told has any doubts it could negate your spell). Before you go to bed tonight, take your gratitude rock into your hand, think of the best part of the day and say thank you for it, really feeling that gratitude and filling the stone with the emotion. 

Magical Gratitude 28-day Challenge: Day 11

Welcome to day 11! 

I hope everyone has been having a wonderful, thankful week!

Start today with the magic words: THANK YOU!!! Say thank you for everything you touch today. Thank you for the heat in your car, the coat that protects your skin from the biting cold, thank your child for having the will to live when s/he was but a heartbeat in your womb. Be thankful for your toothbrush, and toothpaste, be thankful for the clean, safe water you use to brush your teeth. 
Instead of the Thank you List, you are going to count your blessings. Make a list of 10 blessings, and why you’re grateful. Reread the list, and say thank you, thank you, thank you! Feel as grateful as you possibly can. 
Before you go to sleep tonight, hold your magic rock and say thank you for the best thing that’s happened today. 
The best thing that happened today for me was seeing my son run up to his teacher and embracing her with love and appreciation. His teachers are amazing. When my son started the school year, he could barely speak. He tried, but I could only understand maybe 50 words. He couldn’t count, despite my attempts – I would count everything with him! He knew his colors, although only I could understand what he meant when he said anything other than blue. He loves school – everyday when I pick him up, (he only goes for a few hours, Pre-K is half day), when I pick him up he tells me “he played! with cars and play doh and friends”. Of course he still has a speech impediment, but now even strangers can understand him! He is speaking so much better, it swells my heart with pride to hear him babble on with his teachers or friends, my mother. He can count to 10, and I almost cried when I realized it. He knows his colors, and can say each one almost clearly. I am so thankful for his teachers and the work they have done with him. 
My boy opening gifts at my father’s house, telling his Nana
he didn’t want to pick up the wrapping paper I believe lol

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 10

We are at Day 10! Who is feeling amazing! I know my mood has been getting increasingly better, my patience has increased, and I’m finding myself just sitting back and smiling thinking about how lovely my little life is. How has your life changed since starting this challenge? I’d love to know!! Just contact me and tell me your story!

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle

Philo of Alexandria

Today’s chapter reminds me of a situation I had just the other night. I went through McDonald’s drive through to get a smoothie, and the woman in the window was far from friendly. She impatiently barked “what would you like” when I ordered, “go to the 2nd window” when I finished telling her my order, said nothing but the amount I owed when I got to the window. She pushed the cup into my hand and all but threw my change at me. I considered telling her to drop the attitude, because I certainly did not deserve such gruff treatment. But then I thought about when I worked retail. I hate to admit, but when I was in college, there were days when all it took was one customer to get me really mad, and I was far from friendly – never rude but not friendly- with the rest of the customers. It wasn’t fair of me, and it isn’t fair of the McDonald’s girl, but she’s young and probably isn’t treated very well by many customers. So I smiled, told her thank you, and wished her a good night. I sincerely meant it, because I felt for her. 
Day 10 Exercise

Byrne calls this chapter “Magic Dust Everyone”, because you will be sprinkling magic dust on people by thanking them, directly or in your mind. Choose 10 people you receive services from – your kid’s teacher, your hair dresser, your dentist. – the list goes on – and take a moment to feel grateful for everything they do/have done for you.

Be sure to add 10 items to your thank you list every morning, and hold your rock and say thank you for the best part of the day.

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 9

Welcome to Day 9! 

So, we have been adding 10 items to our gratitude list every morning, and each night we hold our gratitude rock thinking about the day and saying THANK YOU for the best part of the day. 
Today we are going to be practicing an exercise designed to bring us more money! (again!) Byrne has dubbed the chapter “The Money Magnet”.

Day 9 Exercise: Gratitude for your bills…

If you don’t have enough money, the last thing you would normally do is feel grateful for your bills, but if fact that’s exactly what you have to do to receive more money in your life.

The Magic, p.96
Get your bills together and separate them into 2 piles – paid and unpaid. Get at least 10 paid bills, and all of your unpaid bills. On all of your unpaid bills, write THANK YOU FOR THE MONEY and feel grateful for the money to pay them (even if you don’t have the money). Feel grateful for the services provided to you, feel grateful that you were able to get electricity or cable or phone time without paying up front. Imagine you have the money to pay them all in full and appreciate that money to your bones. 
Now, for your last 10 bills you’ve paid, write THANK YOU – PAID and feel truly grateful you had the money to pay the bills!
 I know I’m grateful when I pay my bills every month! When I was with my abusive ex, if I wasn’t quick enough he would take the money and blow it before I had the chance to pay the bill. He’d get so mad whenever I paid the electric or for the phone bill. I still pay my bills the day I get paid, and it feels so great to have my bills paid in full, and to not worry about any negative consequences for paying my bills. I am so grateful to see zero’s on my electric bill, phone bill, and I’m even ahead with rent! Life is an amazing thing when you feel gratitude!

Magical Gratitude 28-Day Challenge: Day 8

Take a Bite Into a Gratitude Sandwich

Welcome to Day 8! We are more than 1/3 through the 28-day challenge! I don’t know about you, but things have already started magically improving in my life! 
Today we are going to express appreciation for the food we eat and the drinks we drink.
Byrne writes that giving thanks for the food one is about to eat has been practiced thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. In Elen Sentier’s new book Shaman Pathways -Following the Deer Trods: A Practical Guide to Working with Elen of the Ways, Sentier explains that the ancients dating back to Paleolithic times, when humans were still hunter-gatherers, considered hunting a sacred rite, and gave thanks to the animals and plants who gave their lives to sustain that of the humans. (Btw – if you’re interesting in learning about Elen of the Ways, this is a great book choice! Sentier teaches a lot of exercises that help you explore the Otherworld, and helps you connect with the Universe in unique and enlightening way).
When you’re about to pop some popcorn for a movie night with your family, or pop open a bag of pretzels for your child (obviously something I just did), think about the work it took to get that food into your hands. You went to the store and spent the money, yes, but there’s more than that. The people who stocked the shelves at the store, the people who delivered the food to the store, the people who put the food into the neat mini-sized bags, the people who made the food….when you think about it, you realize that a lot of people contributed to feeding your growing child; that keep your belly from rumbling angrily when you’re hungry.

The incredible thing is that when you are grateful for food and water, it doesn’t just affect your life; your gratitude also impacts the world’s supply. If enough people felt gratitude for food and water, it would actually help the people who are starving and in great need.

The Magic, pg. 89

Day 8 Exercise

In the morning you will add 10 more items to your thank you list, and before bed you will hold your gratitude rock and say thank you for the best thing about the day. Before you eat anything today, look at the food and say Thank you!