Believe in yourself
“What you believe yourself to be, you are.” ~Claude M. Bristol, The Magic of Believing
World War I veteran Claude Bristol (1891-1951) was a pioneer of the positive thinking movement. He wrote The Magic of Believing to help his fellow veterans adapt to civilian life — yet it also resonated with everyone who felt stuck in unproductive patterns and self-limiting attitudes. Bristol was convinced that success in any realm depends on dedication, belief, and character. His philosophy explains how some people triumph over tragedy and adversity while others view themselves as victims and remain stuck.
In essence, Bristol’s “magic” was simply about unleashing the power of the subconscious mind. You are what you believe. You can achieve what you believe you can achieve. You can decide to stop dwelling on the old-sad stories that hold you back, and focus instead on the reality you want to achieve. What will you believe about yourself this week? ~CL
**** If you missed it last week, you can read my newest column in The Oakland Press here.
Cindy La Ferle
Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.
