Lupus says when, not if

It's partially the time thing again. Who knows how much time I have with Lupus staring me in the face? But it's much more than that. Yes, it's true that with Lupus, I have learned to say when, not if. Because there's a sense of urgency about my life now. But also, by getting in the habit of saying when, not if, I've learned a valuable lesson. We should all be doing it.

When I started using when instead of if, some great things happened. For instance, I used to say, “If I start feeling better....” Now I say, “When I start feeling better....” And guess what? I actually am starting to feel better since I made that small change. Now, it wasn't the word choice that made me feel better. It was the determination and power over my destiny that choice of words gave me. But still, the words were the catalyst.

That small choice of words made me believe that I can get better. But not only that, it empowered me to do some research, find some solutions and make it happen. I have improved greatly since making that small change. I'm not delusional.

I know that Lupus is a long term illness. I just don't believe it's a good idea to think or speak as if I have no hope. So saying, thinking and even writing, “when I get better” instead of “if I get better” has made a world of difference in my attitude and therefore, the quality of my life.

Positive thinking is a powerful force. But sometimes it's not just about us. It's about the vibes we send out into the universe. We become what we project, absolutely. However, so do the people around us. When we're doubtful, it's contagious. When we're positive, that's contagious too. All the many electrical and chemical connections between us vibrate with whatever our output is.

Seriously now, have you ever known someone who talks constantly about how miserable their life is or how lucky everyone else is? They might speak of how bad things always seem to happen to them and they can't catch a break. Haven't you noticed that It's true? Have you also noticed how awful you feel after hanging out with them? They just exude negativity.

And by the same token, do you know someone who is a virtual fountain of happiness? They always seem to look on the bright side. They live on that bright side. They almost never say if. They almost always say when. They believe in themselves. They believe in the goodness of others. And good things just seem to come to them. Success is drawn to them like a magnet. They believe and project good. It's all around them. And when you're around them, you have a great time too.

What else? Well, saying “if” leaves a hint of doubt. It leaves a hole in our convictions. Things can sneak into that hole. Whereas, saying “when” tells our brain that this is going to happen. It leaves no room for doubt.

For instance, you could say to yourself, “If I ever become rich, I will use my excess wealth to help others.” Or, you could say , “When I become rich, I will use my excess wealth to help others.”

Which of the above statements gives you more power? Which statement encourages you to reach that goal? Which statement conveys the thought that you will be rich? Which conveys the thought that you might not ever be rich?

In other words, if you look at your goals as pipe dreams, they may not ever come to fruition. If you leave that window of doubt open, it's like saying, “Hey, come on in failure. Welcome home, I've been expecting you!”

On the other hand, if you look at your dreams as just a matter of when, you leave absolutely no room for failure to worm it's way into your hopes and dreams and defeat your purpose.

It may seem silly to you that just changing one word in a sentence can have such a powerful impact. But the thing is, it's not just about the word. It's about the conviction that comes with it. So, don't just say it. Believe it. Trust me. You'll be glad you did.

And by the way, thanks, Lupus, for teaching me to say when not if and to believe in positive manifestation!