A Realistic Review of ´The Secret´.

For those of you who´ve never heard even a whisper of ´The Secret´, let me first explain exactly what it is. Basically ´The Secret´has been put together using ancient legends, spiritual healing, and mystical messages to make, first, a film - which I have not seen - then a book, which is what this review is based on.

For me, the ´secret´journey, all started when a very good friend of mine came to Mallorca to visit me with ´The Secret´book in tow. She was raving about how fantastic it was, so one morning whilst she was still sleeping, I had a quick peek and read a few pages of the book. The pages I came to were expressing the importance of gratitude and how we should be grateful for things we have, leaving aside the things we want. It said that if we learn to appreciate all the good things we have in our lives and regularly say thank you for these things, we will receive more of them as we are giving out good, positive thinking.

Well, 3 minutes into the book I was hooked. Within days of taking my first glance at these inspirational words, I was on to amazon.com ordering my very own copy. I was intrigued to find out how my life could be changed just by using positive thinking and transmitting good frequencies. And then it arrived, from the UK to Mallorca only 4 days later. The very next day after receiving my eagerly awaited book, I made a start to what I believed would change my whole way of thinking.

Ok, so I admit it, it did start off a little deep and dare I say, unrealistic. Apparently, there is a "law of attraction" that exists and every thought, feeling or belief that we have is sent off into the "universe" and brought back to us as either a good or bad result depending on whether our thought was positive or negative to start with.

For example, if you wake up thinking that today is going to be a bad day and you truly believe that not-so-good thngs are going to happen to you, you are sending off these negative frequencies and they will be transmitted back to exactly how you thought, ie. the result being a bad day. And yes, you´ve guessed it, on the contrary, if you wake up in the morning feeling good, thanking and being grateful for just about everything you have and think positive thoughts - "Today will be a good day" - that is, apparently, exactly what will happen.

It´s all about the power of the mind. Supposedly, we control everything that happens to us by what goes on in our heads. We are all in charge of our own lives and destiny doesn´t exist. It depends on the vibes we give out and what we think, feel and believe will happen.

The book even refers to the Universe as a type of genie with a ´your-wish-is-my-command´ approach. In other words, if we were to say to ourselves, for example, "Today I´m not going to pass my driving test", and you believe that, the ´genie´would grant that wish. A negative thought = a negative outcome. So then, of course, the book´s theory is to dictate to yourself, "I´m going to pass (my driving test)" and truly believe it will happen, it, miraculously, will.

Throughout the book, we hear unbelievable stories of absolute miracles. Stories of several people who have decided to, like ´The Secret´claims, think hard in their minds and tell themselves with all their might that what they think and believe will one day come true. Whether it´s becoming incredibly wealthy, healing or curing oneself, or the miraculous story of a man who was told he would never walk again. But, guess what, believing in the Secret´s force, he walked out of his hospital bed 100% recovered, stunning all medics he´d proven wrong.

So the big question is, does it really work? Do we really believe in this? Well, according to the book, if you doubt it, it won´t work, and if you believe in it, it will. Easy right? Well, actually no. I still find it really hard to think that one day I will be working the job of my dreams and have never-ending cash, living in the 5 bedroom, sea-view house I´ve always wanted. But if I believe hard enough, the genie or ´universe´ will grant all my wishes, supposedly.

I finished the book 3 days ago; with my busy schedule, it took me 3 weeks to read. Throughout the book and since finished, I´ve tried to focus hard and think good thoughts about the things I wish to happen. Not impossible things either, just those I would benefit from in my life at this moment in time. For now, at least, sadly the genie hasn´t granted my wishes. But it´s all about positive thinking and believing hard that one day the good will become.

So, back to the review. The quantum physics theories of the book and its constant reference to the power of what goes on in the mind is convincing. The incredible and 100% true stories back up these theories, although it´s difficult to admit that unless you do believe in miracles, they are, literally, unbelievable. But that´s entirely it; Rhonda Byrne - the inspiring writer who put both the book and the film togther - only wants you do one thing, just to believe.

However, I personally do think that the book is very relative. We´re either cynical or trusting. Pessimistic or optimistic. You´re either going to believe it or you´re not. My advice is buy it, read it, enjoy it, try it, and make up your own mind. Choose whether you want to believe it or not. Discover the ´Secret´journey yourself. Good luck.