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Some years ago, 1952 actually, the first major book on
positive thinking was published. The Power of
Positive Thinking: by Norman Vincent Peale, stayed
on the New York Times best seller list for 182 weeks.
Absolutely unheard of.
Why was it so popular?
I suppose the idea of a book having the solutions for
our everyday problems, with the promise that if the
reader followed the instructions he would be successful,
is very appealing. Of course, the Christians already
believe if you follow the instructions in the Bible you
will also have success. At any rate, while Dr. Peale's
book was thought to encourage a great deal of self-hypnosis,
I am among those who believe that what we think does indeed
influence who we are and what we can accomplish. Abe
Lincoln believed you can be as happy as you make your
mind up to be.
I'm not as sure that we are what we eat - but I think
the attitudes we encourage, and the way we address
certain challenges, greatly influence us. Who we are,
what we become and how we shape the world around us.
So why are you a fly fisher? Do you also tie flies?
Why? What is the point?
Is there a particular challenge that intrigues you? Do
you see yourself as being part of a special group? Are
there advantages which fly fishing has over other methods
of fishing? Do you have more enjoyment in solving the
various problems adherent with fly fishing? Does the problem
solving enhance your life?
Since you are a person who reads Fly Anglers OnLine,
have you also found a community to which you can
belong – and be as involved as you wish or not?
Are we looking for some kind of connection? Does
being around other like-minded people improve your
life? I would say that is remarkable in today's world.
When you find a new fly or method of tying, are you
immediately curious as to how it will work?
Isn't that curiosity as wonderful thing? How about
a different presentation method? Will it work for
a tough lie on your favorite stream?
As you read through the new issue of FAOL each week,
I hope you find ideas, methods, thoughts to fuel your
imagination. Things to make your life more pleasant.
Encouragement to think positive thoughts and to enjoy
the wonderful joys fly fishing brings to us.
A little positive thinking may make the difference
between fishing and catching. ~ The LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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