Jim Carrey and a Sandwich

This morning I read a "Message of the Day" that made me chuckle. Jim Carrey is quoted as saying, "I would visualize things coming to me. It would just make me feel better. Visualization works if you work hard. That's the thing. You can't just visualize and go eat a sandwich."

I met a woman recently at the Murray Costco who chose to not "go eat a sandwich". Her daughter came home from school excited about a study abroad opportunity her high school had coordinated through a foreign exchange program. The daughter energetically started reading the pamphlet to her mother. When she got the part outlining costs and deadlines, her face fell and she tried to mask her discouragement. The mother put her arm around her daughter and said "Why not? Why can't you go?" The daughter looked quizzically at her mother. Mom said, "We can make this happen."

She was a single mother and financial means were scarce. She had her daughter imagine how happy she IS, sitting on the airplane taking off for Europe. She told her, "From here on out, only positive emotions and thoughts about the trip. Make it REAL in your mind. We aren't going to let our current circumstances dictate our emotions. Now let's get to WORK." They made a flyer and distributed it all over their neighborhood. They asked for donated items to sell at a Saturday Flea Market at the State Fair Grounds. This creative mother only had a small sedan and had to make multiple trips from neighbors to their home collecting all kinds of "junk". It took three weekend trips to the Flea Market, but they managed to raise all the money necessary to give the daughter this positive educational experience.

The mother was glowing with pride as she related this tale. What a great example this mother showed her daughter. Instead of eating a sandwich, they got to work. Instead of thinking they weren't worthy of such a great experience, they believed it was within their reach. Visualization was their fuel and catalyst to achieving that success.

I think Jeff and I should go to Hawaii for our 20th Wedding Anniversary. I will have to discuss that with him when he gets home. :) He will probably want to go golfing in Banff. We will have to see if we can find a goal we agree on!