[CHANGES] duplex/studio rent & a Simple Tool

[Sandra Ahten]

Hello folks, I hope you are having a great summer. I am! My "Changes" 
dieting groups are going great and is my painting career. More on that in 
the next couple of weeks. The business today is listed below.

Two Things: duplex & studio for rent and an "inspirational message."

Duplex for rent: 1408 S. Vine, Urbana, Two bedrooms, across from park, all 
appliances including washer and dryer. $650 month with one year lease 
starting August 1.

Studio space: Share my art studio with me at 1101 N. High Cross Road, Urbana 
from $135 a month.

Sandra Ahten
email me or call 217-367-6345





Simple Little Tool = Big Miracles

When I was first getting sober I was blessed with a counselor who 
recommended saying affirmations in the mirror. Talk about feeling hokey. But 
I was, as they say in AA, “ready to go to any length.” I was sick and tired 
of being sick and tired and I wanted a different life. I stood in front of 
my bathroom mirror and read what was written. I didn’t follow up on this 
with diligence, but the seed was planted.

As I became a self-help book junkie I caught onto the common theme of many 
of these books: I must believe in my ability to change so that I can change!

It is a theme of many religions: Proverbs, 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his 
heart so he is.”

And it is a common theme of many philosophers: “They can because they think 
they can.” (Vergil)

As the great spiritual teacher Emmet Fox states it, “What you think upon 
grows. This is an Eastern maxim, and it sums up neatly the greatest and most 
fundamental of all the laws of mind. What you think upon grows. Whatever you 
allow to occupy your mind you magnify in your own life.”

How could I start believing in my ability to change? At the suggestion in a 
book by Dr. Wayne Dyer I decided to make a tape of myself saying 
affirmations. I used some affirmation by Louise Hays from her book “You can 
Heal Your Life” and I wrote some of my own. One of the statements that I 
wrote was, “I support myself through writing, art, and public speaking.” I 
listened to the tape every day as I commuted to my classes at the community 
college.

Did I believe it? Not at first, but then one day I had the thought, that I 
could at least support myself emotionally and spiritually this way, even if 
not financially. As the semester unfolded I realized that I was the rare 
student who enjoyed speech class. I think it was because of the affirmation 
that I really recognized this as a unique gift that I had. Then a mentor 
came in my life who encouraged me to submit an essay to a magazine and it 
was published. Piece by piece it unfolded before me. Looking back, even the 
pain seems part of the picture as I gained (then lost!) 30 pounds and 
subsequently went to work for Weight Watchers as my first paid public 
speaking gig.

Today, you guessed it: I support myself through writing, art and public 
speaking. Yes, I took the steps necessary; I did the work, I studied, I 
stayed sober. But frankly it always feels like doors are opening for me. 
When it doesn’t feel easy, I have to look for and remove the stumbling 
blocks that I’ve place in front of the doors. Affirmations are a practically 
effortless way to dissolve those stumbling blocks. What could be easier than 
speaking it and having it be so?

Here are some affirmations that you can use in regards to improving your 
diet and fitness. Remember the sooner they come to be part of the truth in 
your own mind the sooner they will manifest in the world.


-	I peacefully enjoy all aspects of food:  Selection, preparation and 
eating.
-	Making healthy eating choices is easy for me.
-	I willingly and happily enjoy food that nourishes my body and soul.
-	My diet is my own choice and I am happy with my decision.
-	Results of my good diet choices are immediately evident to me and I am 
grateful for them.
-	I have healthy ways to handle stress.
-	I have ample time to shop, plan meals, and prepare healthy food.
-	I enjoy drinking water.
-	I consume fruits and vegetables with no trouble.
-	I can afford to eat healthy.
-	My life improves in all areas as I take good care of my body.
-	My financial situation is improving as I take good care of my body.
-	My love life is improving as I take good care of my body.
-	My relationship with ______ is improving as I take good care of my body.
-	I am growing spiritually as I take good care of my body.
-	I get pleasure from exercise.
-	I easily find time to exercise. I am fit.
-	I have no barrier to excellent health.
-	My weight is decreasing day by day.

You can also be more specific to your situation and goals: I walk and my 
pace increases every day. I enjoy walking at least 10 miles a week. I have 
lost all desire for sugar. My cholesterol is dropping below 150. I am at my 
right and perfect weight. I am comfortable with my body.

Notice that the affirmations are written in first person in the present 
tense.

I find it easiest and most effective to actually write out the affirmations 
as part of my morning routine. I write the same affirmations day after day. 
If one seems particularly stubborn I write it several times in a sitting. 
Try writing them each morning and then follow with making your specific plan 
for the day in regards to exercise and eating.

Before going to bed at night read over or write your affirmations again so 
that your mind has time to work on them even while you are sleeping.

Are you feeling like this will take too much time? Take 30 seconds and write 
this down right now: “I have time for self-care and I’m worth it.” It’s 
true. Have fun with this it and watch the big miracles unfold in your life 
as you use the power that can be harnessed by this simple little tool.
©2004 Sandra Ahten

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