Entitled "Reeling in the Years: An extraordinary 80-year study has led to some unexpected discoveries about long life," the seemingly innocuous article in fact packs quite the surprise gut punch. If you look past the beautiful photograph of the candle-laden birthday cake, you will see (in small print) point number four.
It reads: "Fret A Little. Think good things and good things will happen, right? Not necessarily. Friedman and Martin found that too much optimism could be as detrimental to longevity as high cholesterol and hypertension. Always assuming the best, they say, may leave you unequipped to deal with the worst--such as trauma or illness. A little worry keeps you warmed up for the curveballs life throws." (p. 110, Amanda Schupak)
Well, speaking of curveballs, I was not expecting this from O, of all places! Maybe the halls of Emperor Palpatine's palace or in the minds of those poor souls caught in the tractor beam of the Death Star, but not O.
Where are the positive thoughts of The Secret? Where are the "Good thoughts bring actual good things to you" philosophy that we are all used to reading?
And who are these mysterious gremlins "Friedman and Martin"? According to the article, they are researchers who found the work of a Stanford University psychologist who began studying 1,500 elementary school students in 1921. And where is Mr. Pessimist Stanford Psychologist today? He is, alas, deceased.
So much for longevity!
And although my ex-wife may disagree, I have to say longevity is overrated when compared with the joyful living that Optimism brings.
Still after reading this article, I had to sit down and rest a little. After meditating, I gathered my strength and began obsessively googling to calm my nerves. And guess what the Universe led me to discover? A new self-help book!
Yes, "The Wish" is coming our way. And "The Wish" is going to take us beyond the secrets of "The Secret." Quote from the publisher's page: "The Wish takes all your anxiety and shreds it. In its place it puts strength, hope, and peace of mind. And it shows you how to build on these qualities to make all your wishes come true."
And since "The Wish" is written by an Australian psychic, obviously she oughtta know what she's talking about.
Well, thank YOU, Universe! This is what I'm talking about...Shredding anxiety. Wishes coming true. An empty, peaceful mind. This is the secret of Finding Your Inner Larry.
Daily Affirmation: I wish therefore I am.
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