Before I begin, I want to thank so many of you who have reached out due to the sudden passing of my momma. For those who did not know, I am attaching her obituary. She lived an extraordinary life and was a tremendous role model for my sister and me, among others. I am grateful beyond words for the greatest blessings in my life – my parents.
Click here for Gretta D. Kaufman’s obituary.
In celebration of her life, I wanted to post a revised version of a blog I wrote over ten years ago. The blog was inspired by my mom, as the book I reference was one of her favorites. I hope it will touch and bless you.
While I was visiting my parents, in our childhood home in Hot Springs, Arkansas, I ran across a book which has been in my family for years: As a Man Thinketh, which was written back in 1902 by James Allen. The title is influenced by a verse in the Bible from the book of Proverbs: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.”
This philosophy was one with which my sister and I were raised. A few of the more simplistic phrases my folks used, representing this same basic perspective, included: “Pretty is as pretty does” and “Life is attitude” and “If you think you can, you can.”
These clichés have served me well over the past 55+ years; and candidly, perhaps never more so than through the past 18 months. My sister and I have faced the tremendous loss of both my parents. This open and honest statement may ring true to many of you, as well. Times have been challenging for many; it can be very easy to succumb to heartache, loss, defeat, to have our Faith tested, and to have depression a short breath away from taking hold.
So, this week, I am revisiting a few of these time-tested truisms, written by the sage James Allen, in the hope that as each of us face whatever Life is throwing at us, we will reveal and reinforce our Faith, clarity, alignment, and strength to move forward. I am not offering much additional commentary on these quotations this week, as I believe they stand firmly and strongly on their own.
On a personal note, I will say that they provided an additional anchor of light this past week, and I am hopeful they will for you, as well.
- A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.
- Right thinking begins with the words we say to ourselves.
- The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors. We think in secret, and it comes to pass. Our environment is but our looking glass.
- The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
- The circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him.
- No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.
So, my suggestion is to embrace these six selected quotations from Allen’s book as guideposts as we navigate hard times. We can think calmly, optimistically, creatively, and with positive intentions. And during these time, perhaps more than any other, we can all be grateful for the lessons we’ve learned as they will enable us to contribute in an even more powerful way in our lives. Equally, we can be thankful for the blessings, gifts, freedoms, and remarkable experiences we so often take for granted.
In closing, click on this video link of James Allen quotations – it’s a bit ‘woo woo’, as it is set to new age music, which could be considered relaxing or irritating and yet, your mind may relax enough that the message will filter through.
Again, my sincere thanks to so many of you for your care, concern, support and love. I welcome and encourage your insights, wisdom, and feedback!
You and your family have been in and out of mind since 2019 started. I especially remembered you in February and now in March . Those seem to be the months when many parents make their final journey. Great to see your posts again. They are always uplifting.
Words can’t express the sorrow of your loss, Kristen. Thinking of you
I held on to this blog for a reason. My mind was too busy on filling out job applications and just “stuff.” Yet, I knew that the wisdom if would offer would come at the time that it was needed most. Again, you don’t disappoint. Thank you! If may I have said it already, but again my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom (and both parents so quickly). I grieve each time I speak with my parents or see them and pray they will be able to die with dignity when their time comes.
I did not realize that you and Gretchen had lost your mother. My heartfelt condolences. One’s mother is one’s most stalwart defender and protector, and when we lose our mother it is one of the most difficult things we will every experience. I was a “Daddy’s girl,” so I am not attempting to diminish the importance of one’s father…. to have lost them both is heartbreaking. I send you and your sister positive and healing thoughts.