We got this marvelous email from a phobic driver, who got herself back behind the steering wheel by playing affirmations… she probably has no idea how much good company she’s in with this challenge  Here it is:

I wanted to share my experience with affirmations and driving. Maybe if there is someone else like me, it might help.

I am 48 years old and am terrified of driving. I got my driver’s license at age 16 as did all my peers, but never drove until I was 22 and starting my first teaching job after getting my degree.

Please forgive the mixed food metaphor, but if schmaltz is your cup of tea, you mustn’t miss the inspired kid stories that Celine Dion pulled together for her latest  book, currently being featured on Ms. Oprah’s show.  There won’t be a dry eye in the blogosphere, and even if you do feel a tad manipulated by the slick production values of perfectly edited video and slide show production, you still can’t deny the power of these terrific stories and the intention behind their creation.  Click here to check ‘em out.

Some of you may remember C.J., the terrific youngster who underwent bone marrow transplantation way back in 2001.  We had just completed recording the Bone Marrow Transplantation imagery – it wasn’t duplicated or packaged yet – but we sent a rough studio copy to him, at his mother’s request (everyone should have an advocate like this awesome Momma, let me tell you!!). 

It is with great pleasure that I am able to tell you what a huge difference guided imagery has made to me.

Briefly, I was a victim of sexual abuse from age seven to 10. This man (a neighbor) literally pulled me off the sidewalk one day in April and changed my life forever. In winter, he left me alone. But come Spring, there he was again.

It was a couple of years into therapy before I realized why I had always loved winter and sank into depression each Spring.

This triumphant email is from someone who had surgery for a hiatal hernia twelve years ago. She was told she’d be back for more repair after five years, but she hasn’t, and she gives imagery some of the credit…

We got this note and video clip from a friend, and it’s really a treat.  He explains that in the lounges of various Mayo Buildings, there is often a piano, and sometimes people stop to play.  This is an enchanting video of two older folks playing a duet in the Gonda Building, to an impromptu audience of delighted and appreciative people.  Click here.

And for a double dose of ‘feel-good’ medicine, this is the story that generated the video.  

A woman writes:

Belleruth,
Your CDs have been with me on a difficult journey. I started with your Surgery CDs before the first of my two knee replacements (within 7 months).  They were invaluable.  

When I had the second surgery, something happened that my kidneys didn't like, and I found myself at the bad end of stage 4 kidney failure.  Even as I followed the nephrologist's protocol, I felt I had to find a way to accept the fact that dialysis was a real possibility and to be ready for it if and when it came.

Belleruth,

This is not a question but a thank you. Your Weight Loss affirmations have been powerful for me. Not even especially for weight loss, but for encouraging a positive approach to life and for helping me let go of the negative energy that I know consumes me sometimes. And, as a musician, I appreciate how the music builds and resolves at critical moments, underscoring the message. The first time I heard ‘ . . the time for reinjuring myself by remembering old wounds is over’ I felt like I'd been hit between the eyes. I repeat it to everyone who needs to hear it (giving you credit, of course). While I still struggle, I hope I am improving ‘more and more’ on my emotional journey. Thank you for helping to guide my way.

Joanne

I am a psychologist who works part-time in a high security prison environment.  (I am convinced this job keeps me real.  My other part-time job is in a private practice in a wealthy suburb.)

I want to report consistent success with the Anger & Forgiveness imagery with my men. I would not have anticipated the dramatic and profound responses I have seen in group.  Several men have had breakthroughs that led to changed behavior ever since.  Many have started to feel emotions again (something other than anger) as a result of the imagery experience.  Much pent-up grief and sadness is expressed.  It sits right under the anger.  The group cohesion has grown just from the experience of listening together.