A couple of years ago, I read The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne, while on vacation in the Bahamas. At the end of our trip, we were to return to Florida by boat – my first time doing so. I was so excited, and asked if we would likely see any dolphins along the way. I was told not to expect much, but that we might get lucky and see one, two at best.

I really wanted to see dolphins, so I decided to put my reading to the test: standing alone, I looked out at at the water, and asked the dolphins to please join us on our trip. I did this a couple of times, whenever hubby and his parents were not paying attention to me, fully believing that I was being heard. I don’t know if my request was the reason, but we saw tons of dolphins that day – a couple of them even came up to the boat and swam next to us for awhile. I lost count at 50! Hubby’s family has made this trip dozens of times, and they had never experienced so many dolphin viewings. Every time I would spot one, I would cheer and say, “Thank you, Dolphin!” It was incredible.

Why am I sharing this story now? Because Kelly alludes to “the Secret” in this part of the book (I read Chapters 4 and 5), as one way to help ensure success. Basically, the idea is that we manifest good things in our lives by calling out our desires to the Universe, or by praying and honestly having faith that our prayers are heard. In contrast, negative thinking tends to lead us to negative results, to bad self-fulfilling prophecies. When I read that book a few years ago, I tested the theory a couple of times, and one of the most dramatic successes was when I spoke to the dolphins that day. Parts of that book annoyed me (I am too much of a sociologist to blame the poor for their position when social forces work against them at every turn), but my takeaway from it is that, when I pray, I have to have faith that I am really putting things in God’s hands instead of doubting Him and myself. And the dolphins were awesome – I am still very thankful for that day.

Ms. Cutrone tells us to stop worrying, to stare our down our worries and become “warriors” instead. I will have to think about this one for awhile. Maybe I can inoculate myself against worry by being prepared, and having a strong work ethnic. That really seems to be her method as well – she has worked her butt off to get where she is today.

She also talks about being brutally honest – she always is. I guess this bodes well for her daughter, as we learned recently that children see us telling “white lies” and think all lies are acceptable.

“We tend to spend our lives building a stable of partners in our crimes against ourselves: people to tell us we look think when we’re overeating, people to tell us we look gorgeous when we’re spent, and people to tell us we’re making sense when we’re not. With friends like these, we’re almost put off when people decide to be honest. But true friends love us no matter what and are willing to call us out.” This quote made me think that it’s very sad if we are so shallow and sensitive that we would rather be lied to than told (by people who love us) that we can be better. My mom is always very kind and loving, but she is also honest with me, and sometimes she is what I need to pick myself up and get back to work. She is a very good friend to have.

By the way, I am wearing contact lenses again today – and I might even wear some earrings when I go to the store later. Livin’ on the edge….

Other posts about If You Have to Cry, Go Outside:

Post 1: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, by Kelly Cutrone
Post 2: Fake It Until You Make It
Post 3: The Day I Spoke to Dolphins
Post 4: Birth Story
Post 5: You Tell ‘Em, Little Sister

One Response to “The Day I Spoke to Dolphins – If You Have to Cry, Go Outside #3”

1. Jen Doyle says:

   May 12, 2010 at 3:38 pm

   Optimistic thinking can do wonders! I really like the concept of being a “warrior” instead of a “worrier,” because I tend to worry constantly.

   Reply