Wishing Won’t Make It So

You’ve heard the expression right? I believe it’s meant to call us to action. To tell us that our thoughts won’t lead to results.  But, although I think cliches often contain a kernel of general truth, this one is off the mark. Sometimes we attribute more power to our thoughts, wishes or desires than they have. For instance, my refusal to watch a sporting event after it happens because at that point my cheering, internal or external, can no longer make a difference.

But what I’m thinking about is different. I think all actions start with a thought and that sometimes thought is a form of action.

I spent this past weekend with a good friend in St. Augustine, Florida. We did this thing that I rarely do anymore. We had fun. And amazingly, by the end of the weekend, it didn’t hurt to breathe anymore, my eye quit pulsing its tiny uneven beats, and I felt awake. I was no longer convinced I had rabies. (see a previous post if this came out of nowhere on you or just let the knowledge suffice that I become a scooby snack a few weeks ago).

Have you ever done this? Carried so much anxiety about something around with you, that it appeared to manifest, to become real life.

If our thoughts are always negative, our lives reflect the prison we’ve created in our mind. But sometimes, it can be difficult to even recognize that traps and prisons we’ve created. To understand the nuances of the world we’ve created on the outside via the reality of our inner world.

As I settled into my puffy chair, laptop warm on my lap, I thought I might write about the power of friendship, or maybe finally a frivolous post – about the power of sangria.  I might wait until after this morning’s workout and write something for the fitness junkies covering my crossfit experience (often one characterized by awkwardness and discomfort, but yet I keep trying as is often the case in life).

But I realize that what is most powerful to me at this point in my life – is my thoughts. If I can learn to believe in myself. If I can learn to believe my life – life in general – is too short and too valuable to take for granted – to spend NOT going after your dreams and believing they are possible.  If I can learn to believe that it is a disservice to life even, to spend my time beating myself up for my failures, looking at diets as punishments, doubting my future or my connections. Well, maybe its better later than never. Maybe I’ll find that new way forward.

Wishing won’t make it so. But thoughts are the first step to creating your reality.  So be careful what you think, and be true to yourself.