Isn’t it amazing how simply believing something can bring proportionate results? I’m always amazed by this. It gives me reason to pause and contemplate the many influences around me which affect my thoughts and beliefs. What a wonderful and real power lies within each of us when we recognize it. A small adjustment at the hinge can bring about mighty changes on the swing of a gate. And so it is with our lives, the slightest adjustments can bring about vast results.

Maybe I’m just on the “powers” kick after watching last night’s episode of Heroes. I was glad it didn’t disappoint but sad that I have to wait until January 22nd for the storyline to continue. By then, Jack Bauer will be back and I’ll be finding myself spending more time watching TV again. And what makes a TV show or movie great? I think it’s the believability factor. If it makes us believe - or want to believe - it’s tapped into a power. The media is a master at understanding and using this power.

This power hit me with force a few weeks ago when my daughter made reference to her medication as her “be good” pills. I asked her what she meant and she said, “You know, the pill that makes me be good at school.” Imagine her surprise when I told her there was no such thing, that being good was a choice she was making and her behavior has always been within her control - it was all her; her medication was like glasses for her brain that helped her focus on her work but it wasn’t a magic behavior pill. It brought on a meaningful conversation as well as the realization that simply believing something often produces corresponding results. She had her doctor confirm this last week and now she’s taking personal pride in her growth and her abilities while steadily experiencing lower doses of medicinal aid. It’s wonderful to see her replacing the need for the medication with her newly formed, good habits and study skills and it’s especially rewarding to see the positive impact on her self image and confidence.

Last night, at her final soccer practice, I was contemplating her growth and her continued struggles. It’s been a good and different year. She’s come home with good grades and glowing reports. She’s persistent and learning so much. Soccer has been a good way to develop some coordination skills to which her dad told me last night, “She’s just like me - a total spaz.” Would that I could argue, but truly watching her has made me realize how I’ve always taken graceful movements and coordination for granted. She has to work so hard and it always looks so awkward - even painful. It makes her the focal point for jest and commentary by her peers. Thankfully, she’s generally unaware because she cares so much about pleasing people. If coach tells her to give it her all, that is what she’ll do and it’s all she’ll care about. One of her teammates harbors the belief that she’s the best player on the team and thus the leader. She told my daughter that she won’t pass her the ball because she’s not good. She also shouts commands and opinions to the other players constantly. Again, the power of belief struck me with force.

That power of belief is truly amazing. We become what we think and believe. We act on our beliefs and thoughts, even if they are seeded deeply within ourselves - almost beyond awareness. Authors have written many a book on the topic in every arena from finance to fairy tales. So this morning I can’t help but stop and consider my own beliefs and thoughts on the things that matter. At this magical time of year it is so easy to evaluate the goodness that comes from simple beliefs. As the new year approaches, maybe this should be our starting point for goals and resolutions. Food for thought. *wink*

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