Life, as we understand it, comprises thoughts, beliefs, emotions, energy, and matter. Generally, we navigate life with a matter-to-matter approach, drawn to what we can see and touch. However, science suggests that matter makes up only 0.1% of the universe. Throughout my life, I prided myself on being logical, analytical, and firmly believed that determination, discipline, and knowledge were keys to success. For decades, I pursued this belief, yet not only did I fail to achieve the success I envisioned, but I also encountered disabling chronic health problems and a great deal of suffering. It was comparable to a hamster running on a wheel, working hard but getting nowhere.

My perspective shifted dramatically when I was confronted with a major health crisis. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, severe allergies, acne/rosacea, and fibromyalgia, my life was in shambles, so I set out on a mission to "fix" it. My approach was thorough: I switched to a diet of strictly organic whole foods (eliminating gluten, dairy, seed oils, etc.), consumed only the cleanest drinking water, practiced yin yoga and breath work with a personal instructor regularly, employed a chef, distanced myself from anyone contributing to my stress and anxiety, consulted the best doctors across traditional, functional, and Chinese medicine, and dedicated my time to meditation and prayer. And do you know what happened? Absolutely nothing. Despite these extensive efforts, my condition not only failed to improve but seemed to worsen. This outcome left me frustrated and confused, questioning why my strategy had failed and questioning the entirety of life itself.

Morally and physically defeated, I was beside myself. I knew I would have to drastically rethink my approach. Being familiar with the law of attraction, I wondered what the emotional payoff would be once, and if, I healed. I determined that my desperation to heal stemmed from believing that I couldn't love or accept myself until I was healthy, nor did I believe I was worthy of love from anyone else. Confronted with that realization, I became determined to accept myself despite my condition. Each day I lay in bed, hand over heart, focusing on self-acceptance and compassion. I coupled this practice with journaling my internal and external appreciations towards myself. Although small, I felt the shift within me.

About a week later, while sifting through emails one morning, I stumbled upon a video of a woman sharing her struggles with health and skin issues, mirroring my own. I was moved by her words as it felt so personal to me. With skepticism, I purchased the herbs she recommended, having already explored over 200 remedies without success. When they arrived, I swallowed them and prepared for disappointment. Astonishingly, these herbs effected a complete turnaround in my health. Within a week, most of my symptoms vanished, and I felt so revitalized that I planned a trip to France with my sister the following week — transitioning from being bedridden for a year and a half to traveling abroad was nothing short of miraculous. However, the herbs were also a crutch, and I had to master my mind even further to find permanent relief and freedom.

This transformation underscored a pivotal realization: the shift in my thoughts and beliefs had catalyzed this profound change. The solution had sought me out; I didn't need to search for it. This experience reinforced my belief in the significance of the unseen 99% of the universe — the energy, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that shape our reality. It is a powerful reminder of the intricate connection between our inner world and our external experiences.