I’ve been running into a lot of situations lately. Situations that instigate negativity and make me act in a way that is not serene (which serenity is ultimately what I strive to constantly maintain). These situations cause jealousy, self doubt, discontentment, anger- basically nothing good.

My uncle sent me “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen. In my life I look for “Godsent” moments and this was one of them. this book reminded me to take a step, remember that my thoughts determine reality, and ultimately take back control. I have listed some of the most helpful and uplifting quotes in my opinion, as well as what they mean to me.

“Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry.”

In my opinion this quote reflects on the idea that we all have the power of what we focus on and how we react to various things. IF we focus on bad things, then the outcome of many situations will appear to be bad (the fruitage of our husbandry). This idea also applies to when we find light in “good” things. Furthermore, we cannot control what happens to us that is not a fruitage of our husbandry, but we control how we react. If we react initially in response containing anger then our character is compromised, but if we take a step back and analyze the context and importance of the situation it then yields a stronger and more admirable character.

“Man’s mind maybe likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then the abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.

Every seed planted in the mind eventually yields a weed or flower. In my mind, this means that we have a personal duty to rid our minds of “weed-seeds”. The seeds that instigate negative thought and action. These seeds eventually cultivate a circumstance over time. I find it easy to be unhappy with a circumstance, but not willing to change the instigator of our circumstance. Our analysis of the circumstance innately makes the circumstance a thing. The circumstance would not exist without us acknowledging it, therefore how we acknowledge it is what determines the fruitage of the circumstance.

“If you would protect your body, guard your mind. If you would renew your body, beautify your mind.”

This quote possesses the most truth I have discovered thus far. Every decision that is made starts with a seed in the mind. In my opinion, one’s outward state reflects their inward state. The idea that one’s being Is a holistic entity. A good mind, with solid and fruitful thoughts will display a confident and active body whereas a mind of negative will produce wrinkles, sour faces, and unproductiveness. There is nothing more beautiful than a beautiful mind. A mind that is able to analyze, have meaningful conversations, and reflects a sweet and fearless spirit.

These are my favorite three, but the book ultimately is composed of sentences that contain just as much wisdom as these quotes. I urge everyone to read this 40 page book of mindful wonder and inspiration. And thanks Jamie, for sending me this. It helped me more than you even know!

-Elise