President's Letter by Dr. Dennis K. Barker
Book Review: "As a Man Thinketh"

There’s a small book I read periodically to help realign myself with reality. You may have heard of it. It’s called, As A Man Thinketh. The book is only 60 pages and though little is known about the author, James Allen, it's chock full of wisdom.

They say “perception is reality” and while that is partially true, how we act and react can be greatly dependent on our perception of reality. This short read outlines the concept that anything is possible. Each page could be read and re-read several times over. The messages are timeless and frequently quoted. 

The title is a Biblical reference from Proverb 23:7, and it has been tagged as a “New Age” book-- and while I believe every book should be read with a mental filter, there are simple truths to his consensus that “we become what we think.” 

I could spend pages just quoting anecdotes such as:

“Circumstance does not make the man, it reveals him to himself.”

“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”

“Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself.”

If I take this book to heart, it means I can not blame others for my character flaws. I am completely responsible for what my life becomes.  This is truly evident in our daily experience as fingers point a million directions for the current economic situation.  While our politicians bear the brunt, we must confess that the public put them there, so who is really to blame?  It’s much easier to “pass the buck” than to take responsibility. Keep in mind, I’m no exception.  However, after reading this little book, I’m reminded of a line on the very first page of his book:  “Your thoughts and your dreams determine what you are and what you will be.”

 
The bottom line is that we all have choices and choose to see our glasses as “half full,” or “half empty.”  The choice is mine, yours and ours. 

Here's to the future!

Dr. Dennis K. Barker, CFP
President

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