A: These are questions that philosophers, mystics, and men and women of great knowledge and insight have been asking themselves for thousands of years. Compounding the dat tculty, no one can say absolutely for sure what the answer is. So with this understanding, I will attempt to answer with what it is only my opinion.

I, along with you, believe strongly in the power of choice. We have been given free will to choose our thoughts, beliefs and actions. This gives us tremendous power to create and influence our life and the things that happen to us. Choice, and the courage to listen within and act upon what we hear, will serve us well and lead us to a fulfilling life.

Having said this, the universe in which we live is a mysterious place, and there are laws and truths beyond what we understand. So it is not inconceivable to imagine that fate also has a role to play in the miracle of our life. How much is choice and how much is fate? Who knows? In my twenty-five years of working with people and teaching Mind Power, I have had a unique perspective on the human condition and know firsthand the power of choice, so I would venture a guess at ninety percent choice, ten percent fate. However, don't ever believe that because you're stuck in an area of your life, or because there are repeating patterns, it is automatically fate. It is more likely to be limiting beliefs in the subconscious than fate. Assume it is one hundred percent choice, but leave the option for fate to play a small role too.

A: Let me answer your questions in order. Firstly, yes, I still change certain beliefs within myself as new insights come to me. I am an evolution, or as futurist Buckminster Fuller said, "I seem to be a verb." What this means is that I am ever changing, always becoming something new. So the John Kehoe of last year is not the John Kehoe of today, and the John Kehoe who will exist a year from now will be different again.

Second: "Is there a point where a person's beliefs are not limiting him and he does not have to change beliefs?" For a living master, perhaps not, but for you and me; we will always have something to work on.

Thirdly: changing beliefs takes time, diligence and awareness of what is happening within us. Rather than be impatient with this process, I suggest you embrace it and enjoy the journey. Work on the limiting beliefs that it seems appropriate to work on, and when changes happen there, pick some new ones to work on. Rome was not built in a day, nor will you transform yourself into a perfect being with no limitations in a month, or a year, or even a lifetime. Relax and enjoy the journey of being the ever changing and evolving you.

A: Of course you're concerned that you don't have the skills or abilities (or self-confidence) to make this new undertaking a success. This "concern" is really just a manifestation of thoughts centering around the theme of poor self-confidence. Having long suffered with this, it will not disappear overnight. Even after using Mind Power, old patterns can linger for a while. However, you have three things going for you.

First of all, you can identify these thoughts as "negatives" and effectively counteract them using the methods explained in the past monthly topic, "Eliminating Negatives." Secondly, you mentioned that you have "actively embraced" this system and seen results. This is excellent. It shows that you understand the techniques and are using them. So you have these tools at your service. Thirdly, you have the book Mind Power Into the 21st Century, plus this website, where you can access incredible information to assist you.

Relax; you're going to be just fine. The new challenges will be matched by your new confidence and abilities. I'm happy and excited for you.

A: Yes, it is possible to use Mind Power to have a productive relationship with someone. In fact I have heard from literally hundreds of my students who have used these techniques to attract to them a very meaningful relationship. If you have a specific person in mind, and you're not sure whether the feeling is mutual, then by all means use the techniques and start seeing yourself together. Use the visualization, use the affirmations, use all the Mind Power techniques, and what you'll see is that some dynamics will happen between the two of you. Now having said this, remember that you can never force a person to be in a relationship that is inappropriate for them. So it is not one hundred percent sure that it will work every single time with every single person. But in most situations you will find a very beneficial effect from doing the techniques. I look forward to hearing all about your wonderful new relationship.

A: You begin doing the exercises by disciplining yourself to spend a small amount of time each day. You set yourself up a program of several of the techniques. Do them for perhaps three to five minutes each, allow somewhere between ten to thirty minutes for doing the exercises explained in the book. Once you start the momentum of doing the exercises, you will find yourself feeling very stimulated and you'll come out of the exercises feeling inspired.

Regarding whether or not this helps in marriages, this most definitely helps in marriages, or any relationship that you have with another person, whether it is a relationship with your parents, or your children, or co-workers at your job. When you change your thoughts towards other people, this changes the dynamics of the people. When one person changes the whole formula changes. So you can actively enhance any other relationship that you have working with the powers of the mind.

I welcome you to this wonderful discovery of Mind Power. May you use it in all areas of your life, and may your marriage flourish and be happy, successful and stimulating.

A: It seems quite often when people are trying to have children they try so hard and put so much pressure on themselves that it has a counterproductive effect, both physically and mentally. How many times have you heard of people who have finally given up trying to have children and adopted a child and literally within weeks or months of adopting the child the woman becomes pregnant? And the reason for this, again, is that the pressure has been taken off.

You mention that you've resigned yourself to the fact of not having children. Actually this can have a positive effect, as long as you don't feel bitter and negative about it, and accept what life will give you. I would nevertheless try some affirmations such as, "the perfect situation is going to happen for me," and really put it out to the universe to allow it to happen, because ultimately whether you conceive children or not, there is a greater magic and power in this than us simply willing and desiring it to happen. Also, as I have reported before, many, many people have used the Mind Power techniques to conceive children, so I hope that this is of help to you.

A: There are thousands of ways you can become financially successful, not just one or two. Beware of limiting yourself by believing that writing is your only option. When you open up your thoughts, new possibilities become apparent.

I believe passionately that the way to financial success (as well as personal happiness) is to follow your call. (See past months' topic on subject). Pursue what you believe in and keep imprinting abundance into your subconscious. Doors will open and you will be led to do the right thing in the right way.

I wish you lots of success.

A: You are indeed on the right track. The key words in your question that let me know this are "every day." Persistence is the key to manifesting results in working with mind power.

You are not limited to one affirmation. You can use six in any given period, providing you feel comfortable with what you're doing, as you have indicated you do. Keep up the good work.

A: First of all let me congratulate you on your wisdom in realizing that your jealousy is making you "sick inside." This is an important realization. Not only that, but your jealousy also causes frustration with yourself and brings with it a host of other undesirable feelings and emotions. This you realize and that is good. However, you are wrong in saying you can't do anything about it. You can change any thoughts you choose.

The first step is to realize that your jealousy is hurting you and holding you back, which you have done. The second step is to make a decision to not allow these harmful thoughts to overwhelm you. From this point on, each time you find yourself feeling jealous, use the techniques of eliminating negative thoughts (see Topic of the Month, "The Importance of Eliminating Negative Thinking.")

Also, make peace within yourself - you are not your sister nor do you have to have her life to be happy. At thirty your life has hardly passed you by. In many ways it has just begun. Eliminate your jealousy by refusing to entertain those thoughts. Reframe your beliefs about yourself and your life, including your thoughts about children and your husband. You will find, as James Allen so wisely pointed out, that "a new life is but a new mind."

A: One can visualize in a general way, including all the details that are important to you. Sometimes a more generic visualization is the most appropriate way, as it allows many possibilities, some of which we might never consider if we're being too specific. Let your mind drift and focus on the areas that are important to you, imagining yourself finding a job with these attributes. You will be sure to attract something interesting to you.

A: Teach your children the principles of visualization and self-imagery. We have a program called the Positive Start Program that does just this. It is currently run in New Zealand and South Africa, Australia and several European countries. It teaches children the principles of Mind Power through stories and games. Kids pick it up quickly and the results are startling. Have your daughter practice seeing herself playing and having fun at recess, school friends approaching her and her approaching others. Have her act these events out in her mind as if they were really happening. 5 minutes every night before bed and 5 minutes in the morning. Make it a fun game.
Here are some affirmations she might try:

"I make friends easily."

"I have fun at recess."

"I like kids and kids like me."

Do it together and bet she'll have friends within a couple of weeks. Not only that but she'll discover new confidence and use it in other areas of her life.

A: No one has the right to tell you whether a goal is too lofty or not. Only you can make that decision. My only questions would be why do you want to be a multibillionaire? Maybe a hundred million would be sufficient? Maybe much less? What is your purpose and motivation in having such a goal?

Next month's topic is choosing appropriate goals. However, let me say that in achieving any large goal it is definitely advantageous to break it up into smaller steps so that you can feel successful in achieving the various smaller goals along the way. Check out next month's topic of the month in order to further understand the answer to this question.

A: These are important questions and I hope my answers help you.

In creating abundance for yourself there are two possible ways of looking at your relationship with the world. The first is what I call the "limited pie" model. In this model there is a limited amount of resources, abundance, money, opportunities, and so if I have a lot someone else goes without.

The second model is the "holographic" model. In this model each of us creates our own reality from unlimited potential. The more we create for ourselves, the more is added to the whole.

Which is true? Personally, I believe in the second model, but, interestingly enough, both models support us being tremendously successful. If the second model is true then our abundance and success adds to the wealth and possibilities of others. It creates more of both for all to share.

If the first model is true and there is only so much to go around, then why wouldn't we want abundance to be in the hands of those who are good stewards. If you can be a consciously aware person, tithe a portion of your earnings and do great things with your money for yourself and others, then this is a good thing. So don't be selfish - succeed!

Many years ago I made a promise to the universe that if it put large amounts of money into my hands I would be a good custodian of it. And rather than waiting for it to happen I started giving out of what little I had. Giving creates immense energy, and I advise tithing a portion of your income to good causes regardless of your income, but that is another topic. In fact I think I'll do a topic of the month on giving some time soon.

A: Our personality is more of a creation by us than most people suspect. Your question is a valuable one because it brings up a very important point. Namely, be specific. When visualizing yourself the way you intend to become, include all the specifics that are important to you. So when you visualize yourself as someone who enjoys life immensely, include qualities such as generosity and compassion.

Not only are these wonderful qualities to possess but they make our life more full. Being happy and enjoying life is never selfish, but blesses all those who come in contact with us. Be that blessing for others.

A: One of the chapters in my book The Practice of Happiness is called "Follow the Call." The premise of the chapter is that you are always on solid footing when you follow the call that speaks within you. What is it that you love to do? What makes your heart leap for joy? Each of us has gifts and talents and inclinations towards certain areas and professions. Trust this. Trust who you are. Trust what you love to do. These aspects are in you for a reason. Follow the call and it will lead you to a fun and interesting life. What's more, you will be financially successful as well. Nobody ever became tremendously successful financially doing something they hate. Think of any successful man or woman, and you will undoubtedly find someone who loves what they are doing.
Since you are familiar with affirmations, I suggest you use this technique. Affirm to yourself daily that "the perfect vocation is revealing herself to me now." Do this for several minutes in the morning and at night. Go off to sleep with the assurance that this is happening. Listen to and notice what reveals itself. You will receive a clear message from your subconscious as a thought, idea, hunch, instinct, or you will encounter an act of synchronicity that brings people or circumstances to your attention. Keep affirming and be vigilant; your answer is coming.

A: The subconscious mind is infinite and incredibly powerful, but the trick is in reaching it and imprinting on it the images or message you want to manifest. So the problem is not with the subconscious, but with the connection between the conscious and subconscious. The subconscious is effectively influenced through strong desire and repetition. Using these two aspects, combined with Mind Power techniques, you can imprint directly to the subconscious. Practice has demonstrated that it is easier doing this with 2 or 3 different affirmations at a time rather than 10 or 20.

A: It is not unusual to be very successful in many areas of our life and lacking in one or two. Rare is the person who automatically masters all aspects of their life. However, Mind Power allows us to set up specific programs to create and manifest what we are looking for. You have the advantage of having demonstrated to yourself that Mind Power works in other areas; now let's apply it to this specific area. I have an excellent CD, "Attracting a Fabulous Relationship," which is a 12-minute program to be played daily for 60 days. It is an affirmation/visualization CD. Check it out.

One tip I can give is to be specific in exactly what it is you want. Create the characteristics you want to see in that person, but let the face aspect be vague, or change it regularly so you're not locked into a particular face.

You can also work on your self-confidence and comfort with women. You will be pleased to hear that attracting a companion is one of the most common goals that individuals work on, and very effectively too. Will you eventually meet your partner? Chances are in your favour, especially considering that there are probably tens of thousands of women who would be absolutely perfect for you.

A: Mind Power is not a new discovery. Its use in various forms can be traced back thousands of years. It's true that there is a resurgence of interest in the "Aquarian" age, which is good, but Mind Power is a very ancient practice.

Now regarding astrology and numerology, and whether I believe in them. My standard answer to similar questions is, "I believe in everything." And I'm not being facetious or glib in this answer; I'm trying to be honest. As Shakespeare said, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of by mere mortal men." So I believe that all these practices have truth and wisdom in them. However, most of these practices have been debased in our culture. I'm not a big believer in daily horoscopes in the news paper, or in anyone claiming to be a numerology expert after taking a weekend course. There's a lot of fluff out there, but that being said, if you can find someone authentic who knows what they are doing (easier said than done), there are things to learn from these practices. Astrology and numerology were studied and practiced at a very high level in certain ancient cultures. Even today the Kabala, the mystic strain within the Jewish religion, is based upon numerology.

A: This is a valuable question and thank you for asking it. It reveals a very important principle, namely that what one believes one day can be totally different the next day. You can be very positive one day, less so the next, and doubt yourself completely the day after that. Why is this? Well for starters the mind is in constant motion, thinking thousands of thoughts a day. These will be influenced by your moods and how you feel in any given hour. As you've stated, you can be totally motivated one day and completely unmotivated the next. That is the nature of our mind and why Mind Power is so valuable and effective. In its very simplistic form, Mind Power can be described as choosing the thoughts you wish to indulge in. When you choose and direct your thoughts, you are then choosing and directing your reality. However, patterns and vibrations must be built within your subconscious for this to work. What you believe today is not guaranteed to be what you believe tomorrow unless it has become permanently imprinted into your subconscious (see Imprinting Mind Power Into the 21st Century). You can imprint whatever belief or image you choose into your subconscious, but it doesn't happen overnight or in one or two sessions. That is why I advise again and again that regular daily practice over several months is the only sure way to get results.