Did you ever consider throwing your needs to the universe and seeing how they come back? With encouragement from both a friend and the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I am giving it a try. The method includes being specific and positive about your needs. Rather than what you do not want/need, frame the statement in the most blatant, bold, seemingly improbable wording as you can. Obviously, we cannot flap our arms and fly but we have so many needs in these times of transition and there are so blessings that you can trip over them if you are not careful.

I initially thought that I might offer what I wanted to get rid of: guilt, isolation, etc. That missed the point. Just the mention of those negative words served as triggers and perpetuated the old cycle that gets in the way of life. So, I turn around, change the image and the language. It takes practice and some mental gymnastics. But it is freeing, which is part of the point.

I transformed:

"I want to get rid of my guilt over my son's death" to "I will immerse myself in each moment and find the joy in each day" to "I immerse myself in each moment, celebrating the joys in each day.

"I need to stop worrying about money" to "I will be provided what I need" to "I am provided everything I need."

"I need to remove myself from negative people" to "I will meet people who have positive energy and we will stimulate each other to learn and live well" to "I meet positive people and we combine our energy as we learn and share moments together."

Each of these statements is a personal call to action and re-frames the day, transforming your body language, attitude, softening your eyes and mouth so that you can receive rather than maintain walls. Notice the changes in the highlighted verbs. From whiny, dependent phrases to futuristic wishes to compelling, present tense.

As Yoda said, "Do or do not do. There is no try."