We have all heard that our beliefs shape our lives. Some will say that our beliefs will influence Universe to become what we believe it will be. Others say that our beliefs simply direct course of our actions, which in turn shape pathway we take through life. Either way, I'm sure you will see that more your beliefs allow you to take a rewarding pathway, more rewarding life will become. And a tool that is used quite often for changing beliefs is called an affirmation.

Affirmations are generally used as a sort of 'mini-prayer'. If there is something that you want in your life, general instructions are to repeat an affirmation that basically says that you already have it, and this will influence causative force (either Universe or your behavior patterns) to bring it into your life. In other words, if you want a fulfilling relationship in your life (assuming you don't already have one), then you would repeat to yourself "I am loved by a very special person who makes me feel wonderful. I am in a very rewarding relationship that fulfills my every desire." By repeating this affirmation, you will eventually find that desired relationship.

Although many people balk at commercialization that has taken place around Christmas, it is important for us to realize prosperous results of gift giving.

As much as anyone, I wish that true meaning of Christmas was advertised as much as "Incredible Savings - This Week Only" deals of season. But even though shopkeepers depend on Christmas gift-giving to generate a profit for whole year, it is up to us to maintain our focus upon what is truly important.

Before I start, however, I want to mention that benefits of gift-giving are not limited to only those who follow Christian faith, nor are they limited to Christmas season. In our society, we are much more familiar with tradition of gift-giving as it applies to holiday season, but a quick review of other cultures will find other examples.

One of primary benefits of gift giving is good feeling you get when you do something good for someone special. There's a magical moment when you watch recipient of gift unwrap package and discover treasure that you've wisely chosen for them. When their eyes widen as they realize what you have done to demonstrate their importance in your life, your spirit responds with a warm glow that builds from inside out, and you have confirmation that you have created a little more prosperity in world.