718 THE PRINCIPLES OF SELF-CREATION
All thought is creative. However, not all thought is constructive or
positive. If you think thoughts of misery and poverty and see no way
to avoid them, then your thoughts will create those very conditions. But
reverse the order, and think thoughts of a positive, expectant nature,
and your thoughts will create those conditions.
Your thoughts affect your entire personality and attract to you
the outward, physical things that harmonize with the nature of your
thoughts. This has been made clear in almost every lesson and will
be repeated many times more in the lessons that follow. The reason
for this repetition is that nearly all beginners in the study of the mind
overlook the importance of this fundamental and eternal truth.
When you suggest to your subconscious mind a Definite Chief
Aim that embodies a definite desire, you must accompany it with such
faith and belief in the ultimate realization of that purpose that you
can actually see yourself in possession of it. Conduct yourself as you
would if you were already in possession of the object of your definite
purpose-from the moment that you suggest it to your subconscious
mind. Enrich it with full belief that infinite intelligence will step in and
mature that purpose into reality in exact accordance with its nature.
Anything short of such belief will bring you disappointment.
Do not question whether the principles of autosuggestion will
work. Do not doubt, but believe! The power to think as you wish to
think is the only power over which you have absolute control.
Please read and study that last sentence until you grasp its meaning.
If it is within your power to control your thoughts, the responsibility
then rests with you as to whether your thoughts will be of the posi-
tive or negative type, which brings to mind one of the world's most
famous poems:
Out oj the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.