"I now hasten my good by picturing it."

These words were spoken by Catherine Ponder in a 1972 lecture that was recorded and that I have been listening to on my Audible Iphone app.  Ponder has been a powerful force for decades in the areas of prosperity and healing and her many books can be found on Amazon.

I began reading Ponder on my recent vacation.  I had gone through a somewhat difficult summer emotionally and financially and reading her words gave me the shot in the arm that I needed in that moment.  Reading does that for me.  Does it do that as well for you?

I think I have mentioned in the past my love for anything Erma Bombeck has written.  Her way of combining both humor and humanity inspire me.  If you take a look at my nightstand, you will find dog-eared copies of several of her books.  I will often grab one before heading off to sleep, open a book to any page and just start reading.  I find myself smiling or laughing at the same passages--the familiarity is comforting.  I'll do the same thing in the morning--it's my little jolt of humor in the a.m.

Words can do that.  Words can comfort and inspire.  Our words are filled with power.   Ponder says, Our words are charged with prospering power."  And they are.  I try, I really do, to create a world for myself that is positive, prosperous and rich.  Some days are better than others.

My challenge is the morning.  I used to be a typical morning person--I would get up, make the coffee and several times a week go for a run.  But with the stress of the summer, the vacation, Maya starting a new school this year, our cat, Anna, passing away, and a new puppy (yes--why not add a little more chaos??)--I have found MANY reasons why I cannot possible take better care of myself physically.

The power of words.  As I look at what I have just typed, I realize that this is all fixable.  None of this is a permanent problem.  "I now hasten my good through picturing it."  The change that has occurred over this summer is over.  It is over. I am now in a new space today.  A prosperous space today.  Ponder says that we need to give ourselves prosperous words every day--even if we don't believe it in the beginning.  Eventually we will.  We will.

I picture myself getting up in the morning, throwing on some running clothes, my sneakers, grabbing my Ipod.  Before I head out, I throw on the coffeemaker, grab Sarah (our dog), and take her with me for a brief run.  And I look forward to getting some exercise, improving my physical and emotional well-being, and looking healthier.  And Sarah gets her exercise for the day as well.  It's a win-win for all.

What do you like to read?  Or watch?  Or listen to?  What inspires you?  Find something if you don't have it.  It's shitty to feel shitty.  You have a choice here.    Hasten your good.  Do it now.