I appreciate all the excellent replies thus far. I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the variety of ideas and the serious thought Forum members put into their posts and responses. My wife thanks you, too...she's been pulling her hair out with my infernal questions that have a nasty habit of manifesting in my brain at just about the time we're supposed to be hitting the rack. And, incidentally, though she doesn't profess to be in the same metaphysical loop that most of us might claim, she was one of the first to suggest that I try to practice a little discernment and go with the advice that feels closest to my own perspective...which is to say, anything that adds to my sense of empowerment, rather than limiting it. Thus, the Abraham-Hicks material, as well as the IM methodology, is clearly my choice, and that is what I will go with.
I feel as if I've discovered a new group of friends. Cheers!