xhenry

If I understand your main question correctly, you are referring to when Hill talks about the 2 statements of what you desire and what you intend to give in return for it (not necessarily give up).

In terms of your choices, that is usually the easy part. Most of us have no problem saying I want good health, a loving spouse, a big house, etc, etc…

But what many of us don’t do is figure out why we want those things, are they for our deeper spiritual being and evolution or are they simply the desires of the ego (i.e. to fit in with others)?

Hence the second statement when Hill says “what are you willing to give for it?” can also be taken from this perspective. There is nothing to give up, there is simply the need to find out why do you want something. Usually when we find out why we want something, we will see the contribution that we can give through having this something.

For example: I want good health.
Why? Because then I can always be happy with my family. Hence the giving contribution here can be seen as loving and quality family time that one gives.

Another way of seeing the giving part is as a full fledged contribution. It is not that we are obligated to do something. But if we want something for the purpose of the spirit and not the ego, than very automatically, we switch into the giving rather than receiving mode. The ego often grows by getting, where as the spirit grows by giving.

The easiest way to see this is with wanting money. So many people want money. But why? Money that comes from nothing is never deeply fulfilling. Rather when we start with the question “how can I contribute my talents?” and then should the money also follow this, we can feel truly successful.

Ultimately there is no price to pay. You do not have to give up one happiness in order to get another. That is not how the universe or God works (I am sure of that by now)

Funny that you mention the chocolate for Lent thing, as it is completely not like that. When I was young I was brought up in just that way and today I understand that unless one understands on a deeper level why they are giving something up, it is at the essence a useless act (but I won’t start on this because it can be a whole article altogether) Bottom line many humans find it noble to give up something that leads to suffering, however on a spiritual level how is this serving the spirit? The spirit does not suffer from not eating chocolate, drinking alcohol or going out to party. The spirit only suffers when it is limited or suppressed for the wrong reasons.

So ultimately the only thing we ever need to give up is unconsciousness and being directed by the ego.

And the only thing we need to be guided by in what to choose is love, compassion and spiritual growth.

Hope that answers your query. I appreciate the discussion and do let me know if you have further comments or questions.

I’ve read the others’ comments and your replies, and I’ve nothing to add to the conversation, other than a warm thank-you for letting me see and hear Napoleon Hill. This experience will make reading his words even more powerful and motivational. THANK you! :)

Indeed the ego can play a big role in this, especially if one is not aware yet of their own ego. That is why I do like and at the same time, do not completely like the idea of “taking control of our mind”. To me as I said above to “The Journey Within”, I like the idea of accountability of the mind, rather than the control of the mind.

Because even though, those of us who are in tune with their inner being and ego and know how to recognize it may find this task of “controlling the mind” an easy one, others who are not may simply use this unconsciously as another outlet for their ego and thus identify with this for reasons that really do not serve their inner being and thus their life.

@ HAPPINESS IS BETTER – I think I can relate as there are still a few books that I can’t believe I have not read, but there are always new and exciting things coming up and sometimes too many at once… but I love them all, as they all allow us to grow.

We are in charge of our own destiny, but as you say as long as we look at external problems and sources…we will never be satisfied or realize our life is in our hands.

I heard this a while back, but I think Napoleon Hill would agree that we are today exactly what we want to be. We have the jobs, friends, and stuff we want. I think a lot of people like to look at external factors as to why they are not as successful as they’d like to be, but in truth, they control their own destiny.

Great post!

That’s a wonderful story about the 2 envelopes. I believe that everything comes from our minds, and the feelings that hold our thoughts in place, too. I do think that heaven is right here for us to enjoy! Cheers, Robin