By Tammy Graham

We’ve all heard the phrase, “thoughts are things.” Our mind is a powerful tool that creates those thoughts—but because creation begins in the spiritual realm, we often don’t see the results right away. The Law of Perpetual Transmutation teaches us that everything in the universe—spiritual, intellectual, and physical—is in a constant state of motion, either growing or decaying, forming or dissolving. Nothing ever stays the same. This law operates whether we’re aware of it or not. Depending on how we engage with it, it can work for us or against us. I’ve seen both in my own life.

Every creation begins with a thought. When God created the world, He first formed it in His mind. In the same way, we are co-creators with Him in our own lives. The Law of Perpetual Transmutation works by moving our thoughts from the spiritual to the intellectual and finally into the physical—especially when those thoughts are charged with strong emotion and belief. As long as we don’t yank those ideas out with our doubts, they stay rooted and grow. Energy flows from the formless into form through us, powered by our will and desire.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I found myself daydreaming in class. Out of nowhere, a clear thought entered my mind: I would go to Ricks College, meet my husband there, and get married at 20. I also had a dream around that time where I saw a silhouette with just enough detail to recognize him later.

I went to Ricks right after high school. Three weeks before graduating, I met the man I would marry—and I was 20, just as I’d imagined. I’d forgotten about those thoughts and dreams, but they had taken root and quietly grown. It really can be that simple: if a thought is not rejected, it has the potential to flourish.

A wise person once said, “Change engenders fear because it opens the door to the unknown. People will stay in bad situations just because it feels safer or easier to them than change.” Creating a thought that doesn’t match our current reality can feel intimidating. I had to do just that when I made the bold decision to attend a five-day seminar out of state, leaving my four young children behind. I committed to paying for it in cash by a specific date—even though I had no idea where the money would come from. I chose to believe. I visualized it, felt gratitude, and got excited. The money came. So did a free place to stay.

Have you ever known a worrywart? I used to be one. Worry is a powerful emotion that fuels intense, consistent thoughts. When our words, tone, and body language are all aligned with fear, we generate strong, focused energy—just in the wrong direction. And since energy manifests in form, worry can become a magnet for exactly what we don’t want.

This happened to me during the birth of my fourth child. Out of ten midwives, there was only one I absolutely didn’t want: Jo. But I spent so much time and energy focused on not wanting her that I never chose who I did want. So guess who showed up? Jo. That’s where all my energy had gone. We attract what we focus on—whether we’re conscious of it or not.

I saw the same principle play out when my son was learning to ride his bike. He’d get nervous and look to the side instead of ahead—and sure enough, he’d veer into someone’s yard. But when he focused on where he wanted to go, that’s where he ended up.

Whatever we accomplish in life is directly related to the intensity and persistence of our thoughts—and the energy we give them, whether positive or negative. Our current reality—our home, car, job, finances, health, vacations—is a reflection of past thinking. That’s why it’s so important to relax, stay grateful, and expect good things. Because our thoughts are always creating—and we get to choose what they create.