Applause & Praise | idmw-lorriemarlow

The word "endorsements" (a corporate-speak word if ever there was one) will have to do (for now) to describe the words I share below from people who have experienced the benefits of embracing...marrying...their own lives in a deliberate, intention and thought-full way. My reason for needing to share the Vow Method and the material is propelled by this quote from Daisaku Ikeda: "Even if you have a kind heart, great ideas or wonderful aspirations, if you don't have the courage to translate them into action, you'll accomplish nothing with them. In fact, you'd be no different from someone who doesn't have such things at all." (The references below to a book refer to the previously widely circulated illustrated manuscript of "I DO ME WED: How to Marry Your SELF and Start Attracting the Love You Want" which is currently in the works!)

"Vow" is an action, a verb. Once you’ve made it, it’s a line you’ve crossed. It’s a public announcement, even if the mirror is your only witness. Once I spoke my vows aloud, I found I couldn’t go back. I was my own witness. I couldn’t disappoint myself. Liz, 20s, Administrative Assistant, Hollywood, CA

I DO ME WED has done so much. This process is not just about showing women how to expect the best for themselves in their relationships and their lives, it’s about how to value who we are, so that we can see past words (even those we say to ourselves) to what these thoughts do to us as human beings. It’s shown me how to draw boundaries with friends. I have one longtime friend who, for years, has intimidated and belittled me and my life choices, but I always forced myself to swallow the pain and anger in order to maintain the status quo. Now, I realize that I can and must say something, and if someone can’t or won't see how stinging their actions are then that is not a real friend. Once you vow to value yourself you’ll be unable to accept another person’s (unhealthy) version of friendship in the future. Bethanie, 26, Entertainer, Los Angeles

I DO ME WED is about how to value who we are so that we can see past words (especially those we say to ourselves) to what these thoughts do to us as human beings. Once you vow to value yourself, you’ll be unable to accept anyone's (unhealthy) version of friendship in the future. As I finally told my husband, 'Honey, if you want to be with me, then you have to treat me the way I’d treat myself without you." Monique, 50s, author, married, Beverly Hills

I know it (your process) works and it's more important than ever with all the messages young girls are getting. I work with so many young girls who are lost, lost, lost. Every day in my practice I see girls being messed up by following messed up boys. Our young women are now being sexualized and objectified at obscenely young ages on the altar of greed. Their window of opportunity to discover how intrinsically precious and appropriate they are, both in relationships and in the wider world, is shrinking. This friendly, non-traditional, non-patronizing approach makes the class especially suitable for them.

Loretta Greene,,Marriage & Family Therapist, works with at-risk youth through agencies in North Carolina & LA

I’m in love with this process! It was kinda freaking me out. I was crying and shit. It was like it was about me! And about my mom (who had recently died), too. It made me feel that this year is the year that needs to be for me! And that I need to believe this and do this. Shani, early 20s, Hairdresser

I kept thinking, "I wish I'd had something like this at the age of twenty." It would have made a difference. And guys too. I see this book in schools. We’re in some very deep times. And this book and the process! It's for the young people of this age right now. You have a responsibility. Someone, some young people, are waiting to be saved by this material. I know it helped me. Even a Mother and Daughter can share this book! If I had a daughter I would sit her down and say, "Let’s look at this together." I’ve always believed in doing goals and all that other stuff. But it was goals to get something; not the kind of vows to yourself. There’s a difference. You enable people to really understand the human psyche in that we have such great intentions, but then the slightest little thing, the slightest little moment can make us want to go back to where we were.

Joyce Sylvester, Playwright and Christian-Youth Outreach Guide, NY & LA

From a very young age we are conditioned to believe we are validated by the opinions of others. This is reinforced as we seek approval from our parents, teachers, peers and even strangers. With Lorrie's guidance, readers not only realize their worthiness, they learn that until they truly love themselves it is impossible for anyone else to truly love them. The biggest gift Lorrie gives others is the ability to discover self love Sylvia, Documentary Filmmaker

hi! love, light and laughter! thank you for having the courage to put into words what most women are searching for…being their own best friend. i believe when we take these vows we are sending a message to the universe: "this is how i want to be treated by everyone, starting with the most important person in my life--myself." also, the process of getting clear on your own vows gets you in touch with what is important in your life. when you know your own standards/boundaries then people will be less likely to cross them, they are clear and defined by taking back your power. setting the standards of how you desire to be treated gives women an opportunity to raise their energy vibration to where they will only attract what is good for their lives. Maggie, Reiki Master/ Spiritual Counselor/Healing Comedienne, Valencia, CA

After expressing initial resistance to the concept: I was struggling with how to communicate this experience to my daughter because I wished she had been there. Finally I just blurted out what I was feeling: "Afterward, my life just felt LARGE!" Shirley, 50s, health care worker