“We physicians and scientists have nothing to lose by a reexamination of fundamental assumptions of our models of health: on the contrary, we face the extraordinary possibility of fashioning a system that emphasizes life instead of death, and unity and oneness instead of fragmentation, darkness and isolation. –Larry Dossey, M.D.
According to the Wall Street Journal, 132 million Americans (that’s 41 percent) will make a New Year’s resolution. A good quarter of those potentially life-changing commitments will have something to do with diet and health.
But here’s the rub—most of what we know about diet and health is incorrect. It’s a series of beliefs that we’ve all agreed upon and therefore reproduce in physical reality. These beliefs about our physicality are placeholders until we can, as Dr. Dossey suggests, fashion a new system.
Which is why I’m going to tell you three stories that not only defy our beliefs about health but actually provide clues to the only resolution you really need.
1. First story is about Amelia Boone. She’s a full-time corporate attorney and a four-time world champion obstacle racer. Sports Illustrated calls her one of the fittest women in the world. Wanna know what she eats before each race? A Kellogg’s pop-tart. Needless to say, the sugary, calorie-filled pastry is not widely regarded as health food. Except to one of the fittest women in the world.
2. The BBC did a documentary about a group of Brits who overcame all sorts of ailments and illnesses by listening to Britney Spears songs.
My point? The only thing we need to change about our health is our thoughts and our beliefs.
3. The last story is about Evy McDonald, a nurse I learned about from my songwriter friend Greg Tamblyn (listen to his song below).
In 1980, Evy was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. By the time doctors finally determined her illness, she was, to use her own words, “a bowl of jello in a wheelchair.” The doctor told her, at best, she had six months to live.
After raging about the unfairness of it all for a day or two, she had this thought: “Since I’m dying anyway, why not use the short time I have left to finally learn to love myself unconditionally?”
For years, she despised her body. She was overweight, for one thing. The polio she’d had as a child left her with two withered limbs and well, she was hard-pressed to find anything she really liked about her physical body.
But she was determined. Three times a day, she’d roll her wheelchair to the mirror and sit naked. She wouldn’t leave until she’d find new positives to add to a list. Her hair was pretty, for starters. She decided that whatever it took, she was going to learn to accept herself. She also resolved to give all negative feelings and thoughts over to the bigger thing.
At some point, she crossed some kind of miraculous threshold. She actually began to feel love and compassion for herself. She began to see her body as a miracle of creation, to see herself as a blessed being who could experience joy.
Strength began to return to her limbs. She eventually began to walk, to feed and to clothe herself. She became the first person to completely recover from ALS and thirty-seven years later, she’s still ALS-free.
So, what’s the only resolution worth having? To become completely content with yourself exactly as you are. And to know that it is ONLY your thoughts and beliefs that can ever affect you.
I know there are lots of diets and rules and cultural paradigms that you’re probably contemplating right now. But do yourself a favor. Don’t resolve to change your body. Resolve to change your mind.
You can use any disturbance in your life (health, weight, whatever you believe needs to be changed) as an opportunity to expand your horizons, as a chance to evolve to a higher level.
As the Course in Miracles clearly states, the only healing that is necessary is giving up old beliefs and changing the way you think, feel and interact with the world.
As usual, I’ll be going through the lessons of the Course in Miracles this year. I plan to blog about my 2018 journey. If you feel so inclined, I’d love to have you join in.
Thanks, my friends, for being so amazingly awesome, so extraordinarily epic. I hope to see you all next year.
Pam Grout is the author of 19 books including E-Squared: 9 Do-it-Yourself Energy Experiments that Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality and the just-released, Art & Soul,Reloaded: A Year-Long Apprenticeship to Summon the Muses and Ignite Your Daring, Audacious, Creative Side.
73 Responses
Pam… you speak for my inside little voice, who is becoming louder and clearer. I resonate strongly with your writings. I’m very glad I’ve stumbled across you and what you share. I don’t care how it feeds you for your living – it feels to me you are breathing what you talk about, feel great doing it and you are generous enough to share it as you go… cheers! I’m glad you do – and thank you – I appreciate it!
Sparkles for your 2018!
Kindness and happy thoughts from where I sit inspired…
Suzi
Thanks, Suzi. I write these posts for myself and I’m so blessed that others seem to like them, too. Sparkles back at you!
“The only healing that is necessary is giving up old beliefs and changing the way you think, feel and interact with the world.” Yee haw! I’m in.
AND … I’m excited to follow along on your journey as you blog about A Course in Miracles.
Thank you for all the goodness, positivity, and joy you’ve offered all of us in 2017. I just returned from my quarterly overnight retreat at a lil one room cabin atop a hill. I took “Thank and Be Grateful” (once again!) and loved having your stories with me to help shape a nurturing retreat.
GRATEFUL.
💥💓💥
Always a joy to hear from you, Sherry! Thanks for everything!
Hi Pam
Will you be blogging everyday while doing ACIM? I’d love to follow along and hear your thoughts on the meaning of each lesson. I find it really helpful to incorporate others insights while studying each lesson.
Thanks! ❤
That’s my intention. Uh-oh, did I just commit? Stay tuned.
Thanks Pam! Once again it seems, your words appear right when I need to read them:) There’s a new documentary out there called “Heal” which is an absolutely beautiful depiction of just what you’re talking about here. If you get the chance to see it I think you’d enjoy its well done message. Happy New Year! xo
Oooh, that sounds amazing. Is it in movie theaters? On Netflix? Hulu? Do tell.
I just ordered it. Here’s the link: http://www.healdocumentary.com/
Thanks Patti! Enjoy! xo
Perfect!! Perfectly timed, perfectly written and Perfectly reflective of me!! Happy New Yearsssss!!
“.”
Cat
Perfectly perfect comment. Thanks!
Absolutely, would love to join you for a year of ACIM!! That would make my year =)
Elaine
It’s a date, my friend!
what does ACIM mean?
A Course In Miracles.
You have been such an inspiration to me. I have E2 and E3. I’m a work in progress.
We’re all works in progress. That’s what makes it fun!
Wow! Perfect timing!!
Thanks!
I’ve been aware of ACIM for decades. I finally checked out a copy from my local library. I have to admit I’m not doing a thorough job at the daily exercises, but with a couple of day skips, I’m persevering. So far, my stress level has dropped dramatically and mini miracles occur at least weekly. I have since returned the library copy and bought my own edition.
That’s awesome, Kathy! Just so you know, I know of no one who does it perfectly! The main thing is to keep going and to ask for help! The less we do, the better!
Yes, I agree. I started it last year and let up for a long while. I then read Pam did it every year and it motivated me to pick it up again and just keep going where I left off. I thought that if I can make it a lifelong habit like Pam then it doesn’t matter if I take a day or two or…sixtyish (as it was in my case) as long as I enjoy the process. I know give myself permission to do a lesson for 2 days if necessary, sometimes life got in the way and I couldn’t get the morning work done so I’d just continue the previous day’s lesson.
I’m at lesson 244 right now and I’d love to start with you but I’m going to keep going. I’ll follow your journey and go back and when I finish my first year in ACIM, I’ll start over and re-read your blog all over again.
Thank you so much Pam. I am always delighted to hear about your beautiful insights. Miracles radiate everywhere and every moment.
Amen!
Thanks Pam, you are a wonderful cheerleader and one I keep close for encouragement!
I’ll keep shaking my pom-poms as long as people keep enjoying the cheers!
Reblogged this on Law of Attraction Lover and commented:
Before you embark on any New Years Resolution read this. Particularly story 3. Living proof that it is Mindset over Matter !!
Thanks for reblogging. I figure the more people who hear the message, the quicker we can turn this listing ship.
Happy New Year to you Pam x I shared it on Facebook to. I have someone close to me living in victimhood who has so much to be grateful for and hoped they would read your awesome message xx
Pam, your blog is so simple looking and so great! I’m following you and reading your posts every time they are published. I love, love it! Don’t stop posting, it is like breathing fresh air. I’m eager to see your thoughts about the lessons from ACIM. I have the book, but I haven’t found the internal resources to practice. Maybe this could be a perfect timing for me too!
Thank you and wish you a great New Year in 2018!
Hey Anka,
Happy New Year! And new is the operative word here. Love to all.
I would have loved to listen to your songwriter friend but when I clicked on the link I got the message that the video was not available. Shame about that…………..thanks for your inspiring messages. I seem to keep falling off the miracle course and am encouraged to begin again this year!
That’s odd. It’s still available on my end. I’m a technology neophyte, but you might try again.
Pam, I want to thank you for the ‘reminders’, your books are a real gift and I love reading your blog and the stories we all share! 😀
Hey, thanks! I’m blushing!
I resolve to change my mind starting now.
I can do it!
Yes you can! We can do it together!
Just wrote this for me, did you? Every word is healing in so many ways. I’m in on ACIM. It’s not as easy to do alone. Dr. Dossey is an old favorite of mine. I was just diagnosed with the same terminal illness my sister has and our mother had. It’s a 2-5 year prognosis. Lets have a chat in years 6,7, and 8. 🙂 The diet thing has been a lifelong issue. I like how you express this hear and it makes perfect sense to me. Going to challenge that four letter word too. Thanks for putting out these examples today.
You’re so welcome! I look forward to chatting in 12 years, my friend…and all along the way. You are so loved and healing is your birthright!
I love this post. In fact I truly enjoy reading all your posts. Way to grow, Pam Grout!!
Why thanks! That’s some high praise.
Thanks for this, Pam
I produced my album in 2017 and now to share the healing – your emails, and your transparency in your journey is so inspiring!
Always!
Blessings to you and yours.
Love,
Danielle
Danielle Kane Music
650.465.4277
Daniellekanemusic.com
Congrats, Danielle! That’s awesome!
Pam, thanks for this wonderful post. I’ll be joining you in studying A COURSE IN MIRACLES again this year. And I’ll keep reading your posts.
Thanks!!! Look forward to doing the Course with all my boos!
Reading your blog ALWAYS shifts my internal self. You remind me of the simplicity of life. Thank you.🙌🏾
Life can be simple. If we choose to remember.
Pam,
I am in on the Courae in Miracles! Always wanted to do it but not by myself! I don’t know if you remember me, I did workshops on your E Squared and E cubed, sent you photos of the groups! Into Thank and Grow Rich……..needing the constant reminder of gratitude and my attitude! Love you – Happy 2018!!!!
Rev Janet Ellis
Of course, I remember you! Great to remember gratitude daily. Hourly. Minutely. I don’t think that last one is a real word.
I can’t wait for the time when energy healers and medical doctors can work hand in hand. Using energy healing, I’ve not only healed deep emotional wounds from childhood, but I’ve healed physical disease including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, severe acid reflux, and more.
The future is exciting!
Exciting indeed!
This is what I was talking about Tuesday, it’s not what you eat, it’s what you think about what you’re eating.
I was also thinking that it would be fun to try an experiment at work: when you are at work, send loving thoughts to each of your tanks of fish, just like once a day while you’re doing your rounds, look at the whole tank, water and fish, and feel love and project it into the tank. See how long it takes before somebody says, Clarissa, for some reason, your tanks of fish have the least deaths and need the least medicine. Love cures all!
Love, Mom
I hereby commit to send loving thoughts to every tank of fish I ever see. Maybe even every person. Thanks for this inspiring idea.
Dear Pam, This is indeed the best New Year’s resolution ever! I live in Mexico and traveling to Toronto in 15 days and instead of focusing on the cold weather, I choose to think in all of the amazing adventures that are waiting for me there. Thank you for sharing with the world your blog and the amazing stories you hear about, O sure hope to send you mine real soon!! Happy New 2018 to you!
With deep gratitude, Erika Castillo
Sent from my iPhone
>
Can’t wait to hear about your many miracles.
Happy New Year, Pam (and all your fans). I will gladly follow along on your daily blog about ACIM. I am pretty sure that I will enjoy and “get” your interpretation of it easier and “funner” than if I were to read it on my own. I know – that is just my limited thinking. But honestly, I am not going to do it, myself. I am happily going with the Pam Grout version. Love, health, happiness, and prosperity (also known as hula hoops, cartwheels, bubbles and chocolate) to all!
I second that: hula hoops, cartwheels, bubbles and chocolate to all.
Hello Pam. To join you in the Course In Miracles which book by which author would I purchase? Available through Amazon? I feel I need to do this, this year. Thanks in advance.
There’s just one Course in Miracles. Lots of authors have written about it. But there is just one book, that’s actually three books in one. The text, the workbook (which is what I do every year) and the Manual for Teachers. It IS available on Amazon.
By which author please?
I’d love to do the lessons “together’ this year. I am using the ‘new’ version just because I am curious. Love you and everything you write.
The new version? Do tell.
By which author please?
Great song. Great focus to start this year right…
Yes! Changing our mindsets to evolve to a higher level makes perfect sense. Great lessons here, thank you.
Thanks Pam for yet another great post. Loved it for the start of this New Year one of unconditional love. Blessings!
That is amazing. Awesome! 😊 Thank you. Cheers to unconditional loves for ourselves.
Pam, I love this blog post so much. I too spent a lot of time hating the way my body parts looked. From the time I was a teenager, I thought I was too fat. My legs were not the slender ones that I longingly admired on most other girls. My butt was too big. There were things I liked too, but I spent TIME on the things I didn’t. Fast forward to just a few years ago… I don’t remember why I was inspired to do this, but one morning I was looking in the mirror in my bathroom as I washed my hands. I really looked at myself. I looked into my own eyes and said I LOVE YOU. I burst into tears. I laughed and cried with those eyes looking back at me from the mirror. I felt this incredible joy pouring from my spirit. I realized that if I didn’t have ME, I would not have my family, would not have had my incredible husband, would not have been a part of a family that I love with all my heart and soul. So MANY things that I would not have experienced. My beautiful son. My granddaughter! All my friends! That very moment I vowed to tell that spirit every single day how much I love and appreciate her. Sometimes it still makes me cry because it feels so good. Thank you Pam, for your positivity, great stories, and for your wonderful books. Life is good.
Interesting piece. I’ve not made any resolutions for 20 or more years, but from this point on I will make an exception: to reduce the amount of plastic I buy/use and to be more ‘earth conscious.’
Hi Pam, I love reading your posts and there seems to be some kind of sincronicity going on because 9 times out of 10 the subject is *just* so appropriate to me at that moment! And this is exactly what has happened with this post. Yesterday, I had a massive 24hr migraine attack and I’ve decided to take it as a big ‘emotional detox’ eventhough it was pretty horrible to go through. Today, I was planning my ‘body detox’ and I read your post! There goes that sincronicity again! And yes, I think you are quite right, getting myself fit nad healthy *has* to start from the inside. Wishing you a v e r y wondrful 2018!