The real secret to 'The Secret'
When I heard about the highly successful book "The Secret" from my wife, who had seen Oprah sing its praises after its release last year, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it.
Granted, critics have rightfully described the book's premise that the universe responds to your positive thoughts - literally - as far-fetched.
But after listening to the audio version of the book in the car during a road trip, I decided, what the hey, give the book's instructions about harnessing positive thinking a shot. Instead of throwing the Secret out with the bathwater, maybe you can get something out of it after all.
The results surprised me - not that positive thinking works, but how it works.
As a lark I applied this positive thinking method at a church golf tournament in Rockingham County over the summer. We were sitting around picnic tables as a church volunteer read the raffle ticket numbers, handing out prizes including sleeves of golf balls, accessories and clubs.
Before it was over, a friend rose from the picnic table - he wanted to hit the road.
"Hang on," I told him, clutching my raffle ticket and channeling all my positive energy. "I'm going to win something."
He laughed and sat back down.
Sure enough, I won.
A brand spankin' new driver. Hot dang - cue in the Twilight Zone music.
Thanks universe. Ya shouldn't have.
Actually, I realized there's a more down-to-earth explanation than the universe dropping what its doing to honor my wish for a new golf club.
Rather, had I not been thinking positively and agreed we should leave early because I didn't think we'd win anything, I would have tossed that raffle ticket into the garbage and left empty-handed.
No secret there.