If we aren't on our own side, who will be? It's nice when we have a defender who stands up for us, but there's no guarantee that they'll be there when we need them. And if we're being taken advantage of, being demeaned, or attacked, then who will speak up for us if we don't speak up for ourselves? Unfortunately, the predators of this world seek out and recognize those who do not have enough self-worth to be in their own corner and take full advantage of them.

Life treats us as we treat ourselves. If we don't respect ourselves and take care of ourselves, then we send a message to life that we expect to be exploited. If we criticize ourselves unmercifully, then we attract people who echo our own negative view. If we abandon ourselves, by not sticking up for our rights, then we draw to us people who also desert us.

If we allow a salesclerk to overcharge us, don't send a cold meal back to the restaurant kitchen, or let someone take credit for our work, then we're instructing life to create more situations like this. If we don't take care of ourselves, by eating right, avoiding unhealthy substances, exercising, getting enough sleep, or allowing ourselves to have fun, then we are subliminally telling ourselves that we don't count and aren't worthy of anything better.

The principle is the same as setting a goal. When we set a goal, we think about how to bring it about, then take actions to make it a reality. By doing so, we're giving the subconscious a mold to fill with the manifestation of our goal. If we buckle under someone's domination, unconditionally accept their perception of us, abandon our dreams, or don't take care of ourselves, then we're telling the subconscious that this is the kind of treatment that we expect and deserve. We experience low self-esteem, and the subconscious will create conditions to give us what it thinks we want.

If you want to feel good about yourself, and have others treat you well, you must first treat yourself well. You are as much a part of the Universe as anyone else and you deserve to be here. Because you're created from the Universe, you have a right to be in your own corner. Whenever you criticize yourself, dispute the condemnation. Why would you let anyone, including yourself, put down an expression of the Universe? Write down the way you want to be treated, and assess what steps you need to take to be treated this way.

Imagine that you're your own best friend, and ask yourself if you'd let a friend be treated unkindly. Stand up for yourself gently but firmly, respecting those who have acted disrespectful towards you. They have simply been behaving in a way that was easiest for them, and in a way that you accepted. Because you've changed your opinion of yourself, you now need to instruct them how you choose to be treated.

Every time you think of your issue, substitute your mental picture and state the affirmation you created at the beginning. Visualize it as you're going to sleep at night. Act in ways consistent with your goal. Take some action, even if it's just symbolic or a ceremony, to show your subconscious that you really want your desire. If you want more business, place an ad, give a talk, or make contacts to start the energy flowing.

Answer: An affirmation gives the subconscious instructions on where you want it to go. Like driving a car. When you have your attention down the road, you automatically steer the car in that direction. If you look over to the side and keep your attention there, you automatically begin to steer in the direction of your vision.

An affirmation doesn't lie to the subconscious, it tells it the results that you expect from it. There's a classic auto- suggestion that states, "Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better." An affirmation can be stated in the present, "I am/have (your goal)" or "I am getting/becoming (your goal)," which tells the subconscious which direction to go.

If you are wanting more abundance, success or to find your life's work, this book will help you. Abundance, peace and joy is your natural state. By discovering any resistance within yourself, focusing on changing your beliefs, and using the exercises and affirmations in this book, you'll begin to expand into the abundance that is inherently yours.

Almost every page has an affirmation that reinforces the subject of that section. Just about every chapter has a meditation or exercise that helps in self-discovery, drawing to you what you want, or expanding your concepts. Beginning with the most basic concept that you are your abundance, it takes you through releasing any blocks to it, addresses the issue of trust and belief in yourself.

It's one of the most comprehensive books on abundance that I've read. You learn that you can create anything that you want to. If you want more abundance in your life, then I highly recommend that you get this book for your library.