Okay, here’s the deal. I’ve read many of these comments and one gentleman’s stuck out in particular and when I read it, I committed that I would listen to this CD and then report at a later time. He was bothered that everyone was commenting about how relaxed they feel and how they drift off to sleep easily. Well, that’s all nice, but no one is buying this CD for a good night’s sleep.

It’s supposedly aimed at manifestation and positive change but finding a comment about RESULTS is like finding a needle in a haystack.

In addition, most people comment only days after listening when for this type of program, that’s not useful for a review. So here’s my review related to the changes I expected and see; not the soothing voice and the sleep effects.

Let’s Talk Results

When I purchased the CD I immediately set the date (May 18th) and added a reminder for 45 days later. I am pleased to report positive results that may or not be related to this CD, but are worth mentioning.

A Few Examples

I wrote a letter to a television show that comes on public television regarding job hunting in these difficult times. I thought the show being smaller than, let’s say, Oprah, might be quicker to respond to a question. So I sent in my question hoping to hear it addressed in an upcoming show. Just yesterday the woman sent me an email addressing the questions I asked about being overqualified and frustrated in my efforts. I responded and expressed how I love to write and sent a few links to excerpts I’d posted online, including a link to a Forbes article.

She sent me another email with one question, “What is your expected compensation?” I replied and then she requested my resume. I told her I appreciated her support but understand she’s a busy woman and that I wasn’t expecting her to go out of her way for me.

This morning I woke up and received an email from a woman who said she was referred to me by the television host! She owns a privately held certified Woman Owned Business and wants me to call her. I will be doing so after I click send here!

In another instance, I’ve been frustrated at how many on professional social networks talk about doing but do not actively extend themselves to collaboration. Both men and women. I’m glad to lend myself to a project or cause and hate when others start off with fire and then drop the ball. That’s not my style.

Well, I was in a group on LinkedIn discussing an issue we were made aware of in a CNN article about companies not being willing to hire those already out of work. In this economy that’s heinous! I was fired up!!

Fast forward and a gentleman I’ve never met and I have designed a formal petition that we will be circulating and expect to go viral. Our goal is half a million signatures. It will be live for 60 days.

Sure, it’s a big goal for unknowns, but with our energy and commitment, I think we’re going to exceed it. But I really wanted to work with someone on a worthy cause and here it is, from a perfect stranger.

A couple weeks ago I was asked to co-host a teleseminar with someone and I’d get a cut from those in my network that attend. When I asked later how we’d determine who was coming from my network she just casually said, “I’ve been thinking about that. Let’s just split the profits 50/50.” This is not my event and she’s sharing half of what she makes just for my following. Hey!

So yes, I am, indeed, seeing incredibly inexplicable instances occurring and I am pleased. I can’t say that this is directly related to listening to this CD because I am generally an optimist and address the world with a positive outlook. I just wanted to add a regular practice of some type of meditation to my regimen and I’m very pleased with how this is working out so far.

I have trouble falling to sleep with headphones or earbuds so I’ve taken to listening near the end of the day while I’m in front of my computer or while I’m winding down and preparing for bed but it seems to be working just the same.

Because, as many have said, the truth is it does lull me right off to sleep and I like staying awake for the entire program.

UPDATE

4 days later – 7/24/2010

So, about that woman who contacted me. We made an appointment to speak yesterday at 2 p.m. While speaking, she was throwing me tips and one was that I go to some career alliance thing that would share ways to use social media to get a job. Told her I’m already doing that and even write articles about how to strategically use social media in all ways.

Then I mentioned my love of writing, that I’m Microsoft Certified and then SHE mentioned she needed a new Office Manager because her previous one just left – that day. I don’t play with my reputation and won’t say I can do what I can’t so I admitted she was almost 2 hours away from me and I can’t afford to commit to that when my salary would be cut into severely by the commuting expenses alone (tolls and gas).

She admitted most of what she needs done can be done virtually and that I could come in once a week to start just to have a head to head and then maybe every other week as we get into a flow. Virtually? A manifestation coming to fruition?

Still hesitant, she said she had a meeting next week so I told her to sleep on what we’d discussed but all that she needed (timesheets, QuickBooks, social media, writing and editing for her site, tweaking website) I could do in my sleep. I told her to reach out when she returns from traveling. She said no, “I don’t want to wait. I like you. Let’s do it now.” I’ll be in her office Tuesday to meet in person and go over details. And there are full benefits.

I was just about to send the good news to a friend via email. But she reached out first. I opened it up. Another position for a Virtual Assistant. I’d just been concerned about taking the first assignment because the pay per hour won’t cover all my expenses but it’s better than nothing when unemployment runs out. I sent her an email telling her about the offer and thanking her for the forward. I’m applying to that one as soon as I finish updating this review.

Then I sent my other friend in Oregon the same email about how great to have a firm offer in one hand, a great possibility in the other and she called me about an hour later to squeal with delight. I met her through LinkedIn, too, years ago and we hit it off.

She mentioned to me that she and her assistant have a lot of rollover from her web development business she runs at home and said she’d love to pay me to take it on. I was in tears. I said I didn’t want to get pity work from my new friend and she stopped me. She said, “I see the quality of your work, the way you write, I need your service and why would I pay someone I don’t know and can’t trust when I have you?”

She went into some stuff about when she was my age (42) and I just broke down.

Weeks to go on unemployment, and in a day 2 firm offers and a maybe for additional. And here’s the best part. I hadn’t told anyone that this previous Business Analyst and DBA really WANTED to be work virtually. I’m obsessive about organization and love writing so what better than to do the work I like and have more free time to write and possibly freelance? I just didn’t say anything on professional boards because often people consider my choice a fallback or an easy way out.

I’ve always said there’s nothing better than doing what we love and getting paid for it. Sure it’s not $55 or $40 an hour, but a few clients paying even $15 an hour for just a few hours a day is more than my $1k a month rent in a week! And no business suits! And I can write to my heart’s content! And no commute. I slept soundly last night, for the first time in a long time.

And I still listen to The Secret every single evening.  This is just incredible. Just in a nick of time! Thank you, God!

UPDATE:

3 years later – 1/18/2013

Yes, I STILL listen but not every single day, but honestly, whenever I’m feeling unfocused or overwhelmed, I tune in for a few days and I’m balanced again. It’s honestly ear therapy.

What’s new? I am no longer looking for a job because I’ve now owned my own business for over 2 years, am a Forbes-recognized Virtual Assistant, I have clients in CA, OR, NJ, NC to name just a few; they fly me out to their offices when they need me onsite, put me up in hotels if we need to work together for more than a day and, of course, they rent the car, pay for my food, yadda yadda. I now charge $40 to $50 an hour and up for my services (no big secret – it’s on my website) and no one bats an eye. If they do, I recommend someone else; I don’t compromise what I’m worth. While I do try to keep up with marketing, sometimes I literally just do not have time between juggling the work of the clients I currently have and fielding the prospects they gladly send my way. Any time I wake up and it’s raining and cold outside and all I have to do is walk to the kitchen, make coffee and turn on my pc, I am so grateful and thrilled that this came to fruition.

Now my next manifestation is a larger place so I can have a separate office (and a write off); and I want it in a warmer state. I’ve already started packing and I haven’t even picked the place yet. There’s something wonderful I learned in the last three years that I can say with conviction today. I don’t have to know *how* it will manifest; I only have to believe it, focus on it, make it known to the universe (and God) that I want it and make strides toward it. From there, the way just reveals itself when it’s time. My only job is to keep on being prepared and ready. So as I walk around little boxes I decided I could pack (crystal I don’t use often; linens I don’t need out) I’m already preparing “”as if”” it’s already a done deal. And I know now, that’s enough.

I have the audio on my BlackBerry, it’s on my desktop PC, on my laptop, and I have the original CD tucked away safely as well. I can listen anytime, anywhere and I do.

I almost wish I had a kid. I could actually see myself having him/her listen daily like homework. If it’s this powerful for me at 44, I can’t imagine if I’d had this program at 10 or 20! I really wonder!

There. You’ve walked with me for 3 years and if I think of it, I’ll update in another year or so.

Now aren’t you glad I gave you more than just “this CD is relaxing”? I thought you would!