“So while we cannot directly choose our circumstances, we can choose our thoughts and therefore, indirectly yet surely shape our circumstances. And when we radically shift our thoughts, we experience a rapid transformation in the material conditions of our lives. When we cease having cynical and fearful thoughts, the whole world softens toward us and is ready to help. When we put away weak and sickly thoughts, lo and behold, opportunities spring up everywhere to aid our new strong resolve. When we encourage good thoughts, no hard fate could ever bind us to distress and shame. Some imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it can’t. Thought rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance, either blessed or miserable.”

James Allen, written in 1903