I read The Secret years ago but never really applied it to my life. I was intrigued though. A year ago, almost to the day, I was on welfare, living in government housing, borrowing money just to barely survive and more than most of the time, I didn’t even have enough money for food.

I had brain surgery in 2006 and spent almost a full year in the hospital. I lost the home that I had just built, and the restaurant that I had put everything I had into, including my heart and soul. I had all but given up. I came out of the hospital not the same person I was before, and I was spending the better part of my day in therapy.

The joke wasn’t over, I then found out I had cancer. I spent another year receiving treatments. My closest friends were the nurses that I did not really even really know. I had lost everything even my children’s respect. I had to move in with my mother. My kids were grown. I had lost a whole lot of the most important moments of my children’s lives.

One day while receiving medical treatment, there it sat, a hard covered, little red book, shining from underneath a pile of old newspapers. I started reading The Secret and this time, I took notes. I was up to try just about anything.

I started setting my intention to manifest my dreams and desires and I followed every rule. At the top of my ‘Secret list, I put this title, “What I deserve and what I will acquire in 6 months.”

I had no doubt in my mind that in 6 short months, I would be off of government assistance and have great health. I would have $10,000 in the bank and I threw in that, “I will own 2 cars!” I remember giggling at that last line because I didn’t even have a drivers license and I was told by my doctor that I would probably not drive. I also wrote that I will own my own business again. I will pay off all my bills and loans. I will never borrow money again. I will own a B&B, and the B&B will be over a hundred years old. My home will have 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, the cutest little garden. It will have a large porch and a huge living room so I can have all my family over on every holiday. I’ll have great neighbors who will become dear friends of mine. I will spend my evenings with educated, interesting people, eating good food and sharing great conversations. I will go out and travel. I’ll have the money to do each of these things. I will be happy.

I started working towards my goals. I had never had a savings account before. I had not been out to dinner or bought 1 article of “new” clothing in over 15 years. I started investing in Bitcoin and stocks. I didn’t even know what I was doing but with no money, somehow $1 started turning into $2 so I sped ahead! I read that “Secret list’ over and over again with nothing in my mind, except for, “that’s where I’m going to be in 6 months!”

Here I am 7 months later. I have everything on my list! Even the ranunculus in my garden! My home is 111 years old. I have money in the bank. I have three cars and a brand new State of Illinois license! I just bought my dream car, a BMW Roadster convertible. My health is fantastic!

I’m achieving things I never thought were ever possible. I will always be eternally greatful for this life-changer called The Secret.