Thinking: to turn over in the mind, to meditate, to ponder, to reason, to create solutions, to understand or solve, to recollect and remember. Thinking takes place on a conscious and a subconscious level. To live is to think. Thought is the original source of our success, failure, attitude, happiness and selves. It is highest form of activity humans are capable of and yet few of us REALLY think. Henry Ford said: "Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it."

Here are some thoughts for you to think about:

1. THE PAST

To dwell on past mistakes is to taint and destroy our present. Accept that the choices you made yesterday, right or wrong, have helped you to grow and be who you are today. Thinking negatively about the past is really a futile exercise. The past is gone. So choose to be the best you can be today. Our past is over and is not subject to rewind or recall - wishful thinking without action is simply wishful thinking without results. Dr Wayne Dyer says think of your past as the wake behind a boat - the wake can never come before the boat nor can it drive the boat however it is there!

2. THE PRESENT

To live in the present is to make peace with the universe and stop blaming. You can consume your 'now' thoughts with, 'thens' and 'maybes' but this keeps us from inner peace. We need to ensure that thoughts based on the past do not define and restrict us. To focus on living in the present is because this is where it will happen!

Some food for thought:

It is easy to forget that our day to day lives are all as a result of decisions we have made. Therefore where possible we need to make decisions that are right for us. By asking the RIGHT questions we can move in the RIGHT direction, strengthen our soul, express our desires and fulfil our dreams and desires. This book guides us to ask these questions and in so doing directing our lives in a positive and fulfilling direction. Some valuable food for thought!

The book challenges you to take your wildest dreams, desires and fantasies and turn them into reality. Each of the 101 tasks has a form with it for you to complete so you can actually document your achievements. Some of the ideas are quite wacky however it really does make you think about all the things you have wanted to do and never done. The time of course to do is NOW!

A beautifully written book that has been around for many years - however a wonderful read. 'The Alchemist' is about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the lessons along life's paths to help us grow and above all to follow our dreams and become who we truly are.

3. THE FUTURE

In life you can have either results or excuses. The latter really only represents your lack of belief in your own abilities. To change your thinking about what you want for your future here are some things to consider…do you need to…

   · Change your attitude and think more positively?
   · Think about what you really want and set the goals to achieve this?
   · Change your circumstances - whatever they may be?
   · Re-focus your priorities?
   · Change the way you think about yourself and start living?

4. YOURSELF

You are the author of your own book. We interact, communicate and engage in dialogue with people throughout our day yet think of the on-going dialogue and communication you have with yourself. What do you think about yourself? How do you talk to yourself? Is it positive, accepting and nurturing? Prescott Lecky, an educator, said that we sadly limit ourselves so often because we build up mental roadblocks. Instead of our thoughts about ourselves - our self-esteem, self-concept and self -image focusing on the positive we focus on the negative. Interestingly enough further research has revealed that the way we feel about ourselves is a more accurate predictor of performance and success than IQ. People who think positively abut themselves and who like and accept themselves are more likely to achieve and succeed more than those who harbour negative thoughts and personal put-downs.