When I read 'Conversations with God' (ISBN 0399142789) I wondered (while agreeing with much of the philosophy) how likely it was that God (if it exists) had chosen to communicate through a then obscure citizen of the USA. Does the author really believe he has had conversations with God? Does it matter?

The central question is, of course, does it work? By which I mean, if I operate according to the philosophy outlined, will my life be what I want it to be? The only way to find out is to try it and see what happens.

The same applies to 'The Secret' (www.thesecret.tv). A bunch of apparently successful people telling us how to emulate their success by the simplest imaginable methods. Does it work? Try it and see.

And I guess the same question and answer applies to all the self-help, personal development and 'magic' material flooding the world. You have to keep trying and trying until you find something that works for you. Then you can begin to believe in it.

Wait a minute though. Many of these wonderful ideas demand that you believe first! they say if you don't have faith, you won't get the results. Catch 22!

What to do? Well I have two suggestions.

One - try the parking space gambit. This is where you 'know' there will be a parking space for you when you arrive at your destination. You can't force a space by willpower, by trying; you simply have to 'know' one will be there. It works for me! Once itbegins working for you, you can begin 'knowing' other things - like your job application will be successful!

Two - do what you say you will do when you say you will do it. I find that, when I do what I say etc, my whole life works. When I don't, it doesn't. Simple really and really simple. Be your word.

Now I know that this is incredibly difficult to stick to. For example, you promise to meet someone and you get a flat tyre on the way. It's 20 miles and you have less than 30 minutes. Mostly we give up and call them to say sorry and fix another time. But what about calling a cab? Or borrowing a car (or even a bicycle!) There are a dozen ways you can keep your word and make that meeting.

Is it important that you keep your date? If you want your life to work, it is vital that you make every effort.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, you will be unable to keep your promises. What is important is that you never stop trying - even when others are telling you not to bother. Even when it's 'not important'.

Hard to believe, I know. Hard to have faith. So do it for just a week. For one short week, do everything you say you will do when you say you will do it. The results will astound you. I promise.

What has this to do with 'Conversations with God' and 'The Secret'? Well, one of the ways used to clarify our desires is through praying. I just wonder who we are praying to, and if we are really talking to ourselves. Could it be that we are creating our life as we go along? Could it be that we are creating the universe from moment to moment? Is it important that we know? Probably not - so long as life is working.