Why Gratitude is the Key to Getting Anything You Want

By Jeff Staniforth

When it comes to worldly affairs, the saying, "Seeing is believing" reigns supreme. When you “see” someone accomplish something, you start to “believe” in that person's ability. If a product delivers what it promises, you then believe that it works. When you see a "formula" yield positive results, you begin to believe in it. Evidence is essential in order for people to believe. This has led to the saying, "I'll believe it when I see it." The proof is in the pudding.

But in spiritual affairs, the opposite is true. "Believing is seeing." If you believe first, you will see that thing that you believe in manifest itself in front of your very eyes. That's a testament to the awesome power of belief. This has led to another saying: "I'll see it when I believe it."

However, for most people, believing is the problem. That's why most people who lack conviction when they recite affirmations, for instance, are missing the secret ingredient that's necessary to materialize their dreams. If you've ever encountered some internal resistance when you first read or speak a positive affirmation, that's an indication that you do not really believe what you're saying. For example, how can you really believe the affirmation, "I am perfectly healthy in body, mind and spirit" when outer appearances point to the contrary (e.g., you're sick or in pain)?

An important part of believing is to feel "as if it has already happened." I have found that one of the best ways to evoke that feeling is to express gratitude after you recite an affirmation. Just saying the words, "Thank you" after you state your affirmation reinforces the belief that the universe (or God, or your Creator, or whatever name you call the Supreme Being) has already set about the fulfillment of your desire. You may not see your affirmed desire fully manifested yet at the present time, but expressing thanks makes you believe that what you've asked for is already done. Thereafter, you have a sense of expectancy that what you desire will eventually come to fruition.

If there was ever a "formula" for manifesting desires, this is it. Ancient spiritual manuscripts, including the Bible, emphasize that a single-minded belief is essential in receiving what you ask for. They also warn against double-mindedness. Know with absolute and unwavering certainty that what you are affirming is already yours. "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." So believe that it's already done by simply saying "Thank you" or assuming an attitude of gratitude after affirming what you want. I once heard a wonderful quotation from an anonymous author that says it profoundly: "We can start with who we are and what we have today, apply gratitude, then let it work it's magic. Say thank you, until you mean it. If you say it long enough, you will believe it. Today will shine the transforming light of gratitude on all the circumstances of my life."

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