By Tammy Graham

The Law of Relativity teaches that nothing is inherently good or bad—it only becomes so once we compare it to something else that holds meaning for us.

It’s how we assign meaning that determines how we feel. This law can be a powerful tool for staying hopeful and grateful—because it reminds us that things could always be worse. When we choose to focus on the good, even in tough situations, we align ourselves with gratitude. And when we do that, we make room for greater blessings.

God honors a grateful heart. He asks us to be thankful—even when we’re still in the asking phase:

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." – Philippians 4:6

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." – Isaiah 1:19

I had to learn this law in a very real and personal way.

At 28 weeks pregnant, I was hospitalized due to complications that could have been fatal for my baby. I was terrified. The fear was so heavy, I couldn’t even allow myself to dwell on the worst-case scenario. But I instinctively leaned into the Law of Relativity to hold onto hope—telling myself things could be worse, reminding myself that there was still room for a miracle.

In the room next to mine was another woman—also pregnant, also with complications—expecting twin boys. Just days after I arrived, she delivered early, and both babies tragically passed away soon after birth.

My heart broke for her.

I remained in the hospital for six more weeks. At 34 weeks, I delivered a healthy baby girl—and just two days later, I got to take her home. I was deeply grateful. Through my fear, I chose to focus on hope and life. I imagined what it would be like to hold her, to be her mom, to bring her home. I filled my thoughts with expectancy and gratitude. I believe that choosing to focus on what I wanted, instead of what I feared, made room for a miracle.

Today, my biggest challenge is financial. I want abundance. Prosperity. Freedom. And I take the same approach—I look at the life I desire with both gratitude and expectation.

I could focus on lack. I could get caught up in fear. But I know where that path leads—because what we focus on is what we subconsciously move toward. I choose to focus on what I want, and let my energy follow that. I’ve seen how powerful that shift can be.

Yes, I can acknowledge that I have more than many. But I don’t stop there. I keep my eyes on where I’m headed, and I stay open to receiving all that I’ve prepared myself for through faith and action.

Some things in life simply won’t change. I’ll always have the same parents, siblings, children. I’ll always have pale skin and light eyes, a small frame, big feet, and funny toes. I’ll always live under the laws of nature, man, and God. I can’t control those things—but I can change how I think about them.

If I were to focus on what I dislike or can’t control, I’d spiral into discouragement. But I don’t have to. I can’t feel poor without comparing myself to someone richer. I can’t feel sad without comparing myself to someone happier. But instead of letting those comparisons steal my joy, I let them direct me toward gratitude—and possibility.

I stay aware of hardship—my own and others’—but I don’t live there. I let my focus return to what is good, what I want to create, and where I’m going. That’s how the Law of Perpetual Transmutation works—what I hold in my thoughts and emotions has the power to take form.

Tammy Graham is an Honors Graduate of the ThoughtsAlive.com Family Time & Money Freedom Course and is currently training to become an official ThoughtsAlive.com Mentor. A successful children’s teacher and author, she considers her greatest achievement being a mother to four beautiful, sweet children. She lives in Oregon’s stunning Willamette Valley with her husband, children, cat, and three pet frogs.