I have always struggled with maintaining positive thoughts and feelings when it seems as though the world is against me. I came across The Secret several times in unexpected ways. Although I was impressed and inspired, I had trouble consolidating its teachings with my usual “realist” beliefs and ways. I felt that everything in life that I wanted I had to struggle for, so how did that fit with The Secret?

On further reflection, I realized that, indeed, everything I truly wanted in life I had achieved up till now. It had required hard work on my part, but I had gotten there. I had been blessed with a wonderful and much wanted child even though I had been told by some doctors I would not be able to conceive, at least not without surgery, and even then, it was uncertain. I had been able to gain entry to a very competitive course at university. I was told only 15 people out of 3000 were chosen. I had manifested jobs and people into my life, but I had also worked hard for it.

I did realize that a lot of trouble in my life stems from me not truly knowing what I want, caught up in the worry of how to get there (and not unreasonably). I have always been a worrier and one who takes comfort in knowing I have security for myself and my family. I also focused more on what I didn’t want and how I was going to escape a bad situation than on what I did want.

I have been trying exceptionally hard to implement more positive thoughts and feelings that are in tune with The Secret. I have managed to narrow down what I truly want for my life right now, even though the prospects seem slim.

I am a teacher who graduated fairly recently from a postgrad course. I was experiencing difficulty in securing a permanent position in a school as the job outlook for teachers, particularly at the graduate level, are not promising in this country right now. I told myself that each unsuccessful interview was bringing me closer to the job that was right for me right now. I was also grateful that I was at least getting casual work as well as interviews, as many teacher grads I know have not had any of either of those.

After doing some research and thinking about what sort of school I really would be happy in, I decided that I really wanted to work in a school environment that practices an educational philosophy that is not so popular over here, and those opportunities are extremely limited. Still, I did not give up. I emailed my details to preschools and other schools in case of vacancies and applied for all suitable jobs, even though I had next to no experience.

I got an interview for a teaching assistant at the oldest school of its kind. I was unsuccessful and, frankly, pretty bummed. But they wanted to keep my details for casual work and/or any other suitable work, and my name is now well known to them.

I also got an interview with another school as well as a preschool with the characteristics I wanted. Still I was unsuccessful. Despite my frustration I tried to remain optimistic and calm, and to trust the teachings.

In the last two days, when all seemed lost, both schools that previously interviewed me have contacted me about other roles that have arisen. I have an interview for one tomorrow. I also got an email today from a preschool that I previously cold-called, asking me for an interview. Awesome! Thank you!

Now, I am truly excited about what the future may bring, and I won’t give up. Thank you, thank you, thank you!