I never thought I’d say this, but I think iconic American fast-food restaurant McDonald’s has actually done the global public a huge service! Before you jump up and rant about the rise in obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a host of other complications this fast-food nation has seen as a result of the chain’s overwhelming popularity, let me explain:

I have been watching, reading, and practicing The Secret for about two years now – and man have I seen some *drastic* changes in my life! I am always looking for ways to further my understanding of The Secret. One lesson that struck me the other day was a new thought about what Rhonda has said about changing negative thoughts – when you have one, replace it with a positive thought. “Well, that’s all very well and good, but how?” I thought, “Because we get really emotionally involved when we have negative thoughts.” And then it hit me: McDonalds!

Let me give you a small example: See, one of my greatest pet peeves is when someone doesn’t change the toilet paper roll, but instead puts the new roll on the counter top or wherever. This is a habit my roommate seems to do constantly. One day I went to the bathroom and there was the new roll, out on the counter while the old used roll languished on the holder. I exclaimed in indignation, “I simply HATE it when she does this!” And then grumbled and griped while I switched the rolls. The next morning I stumbled into the bathroom and accidentally knocked a whole roll of toilet paper off the sink and into the toilet! How had that even gotten there!??! I had switched the roll only yesterday! My negative thoughts and passionate emotions put it there.

This is where McDonald’s comes in. Within the past few years, the company has introduced a new pitch phrase, “I’m Lovin’ It,” and in an effort to be global, they’ve translated that phrase into many different languages. This is brilliant!!! Instead of saying how much I hated this pet peeve of mine, I should have said the opposite – i.e. “I LOVE it when the roll is changed!” So, I immediately tried this idea, and what do you know! The very next time the roll was miraculously changed when I went back in the bathroom. Sounds small, but this idea changed everything I thought I understood about The Secret.

In the book, Lisa talks about focusing on what you want, not what you *don’t* want. When you feel stuck in a rut and can’t seem to stop thinking about the things you don’t like, or don’t want, or don’t need – just remember McDonald’s! Whatever the opposite of what you’re thinking is, say it and love it! Hey, maybe it even works on bills… “I am so loving it when my electric bill is low!”… and, well, you get the idea! 😉

Guess The Beatles had it right… all you need is love!