Good on this post. I feel like a dumpster fire lately. I'm trying everything to attempt to dig my way out of how I feel physically and mentally. I may have found something to help me so I'm sticking with it to find out if it'll work when nothing else has.
I love this, Donna. So, is the M-word your version of my G-word? I think it's a bit too woo, a little toxically positive, and certainly don't believe that getting a new credit card or line of credit is "manifesting" that money. I prefer "co-creation", working in tandem with The Universe to create what we want or need. I'm super good at parking spaces now (nothing to sniff at in Los Angeles), and better a keeping money...now I'm working on the accumulation of it (so I can turn around and spend it on a house). Baby steps, I guess. xo
I believe that I can manifest things, but sometimes it is the wrong thing to do. I worked in law enforcement for several years and really wanted a specific position. I focused on achieving it, and the manifestation worked. I got the position, but it was wrong for me in every respect. I was underqualified, ill-prepared, and others resented me. That experience taught me to include the words "thy will be done" because the universe always knows better than I, and may have a different plan in mind.
Janice thank you for illustrating what I was trying to say so perfectly!! I’m sorry this happened to you but it is a great example of how we collapse under the weight of things we aren’t ready for. It takes a lot of introspection and, as you said, surrender, to allow the right thing to unfold. Sometimes the right thing is not what we planned for.
I appreciate you offering such an important insight💕
It’s the little things — sleep, movement, good food, good friends, etc etc — done right (as close to right as we can), each day that move is closer to where we want to be. Do I think manifestation also helps… I’m not sure, but I’m pretty confident that if you don’t do the other stuff and you just lay around manifesting it won’t work out well hehe.
They likely go together. We need to be sure The Universe knows what we want. Perhaps this is less to do with any higher power and more to do with making sure our own neurology is clear on what we want so we recognize it when it shows up. Then we need to put in the effort to create a shift and surrender the outcome (which I believe is the hardest part).
As you and I have talked about we are on the path and supposedly it’s all about the journey. So they say😉
Thank you for this piece, Donna! Like you, I don't much believe in the word "manifestation." That said, I believe in letting The Universe know what we want, and then stepping back and saying, "Thy will be done." I've reached a point where I'm cautious about what I ask for, knowing The Universe will throw a bunch of tests my way to see if I can handle them (exactly what you are saying). We need to BE the person who can handle the gift before it is handed over. For me, it is not a manifestation; it is a co-creation. I have my part, The Universe has theirs, and together we will make it happen.
Yes! I'm with you on 'Thy will be done'. Getting to this place of acceptance, which for me is fluctuating but I'm working on it, has been a lifetime of work. Peace and contentment are my main drivers these days so that inner sense of surrender plays into that. However, if I do put a plan in place I remind myself to buckle up the chin-strap on my party hat because it's bound to get messy🤣
Thanks a million for your insightful comment Brooke, it's great to hear from you.
Love this so much Donna. I think that a lot of people think they're saying what you're ACTUALLY saying.
I do really struggle with the idea of manifesting a lot even though I'm drawn to it. I definitely have fallen into trap of 'why not me?! was I not positive enough?! did I not say the right affirmations?!. I posted a video last year about how a lot of the woo woo gurus out there have turned manifesting into just one more way to criticize and blame ourselves. (ex: 'it's not coming yet because you simply don't BELIEVE. Here's my 3 step, $3,000 plan to help make everything you want come true!')
What I love about your writing here is that I felt gently, compassionately challenged to reexamine what I'm asking for the universe for, what I have right now, and how I think my life will change once I get that thing(s.) The car metaphor is also so good, along with the part about giving our most precious item to this deeply unregulated person.
reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "I'm so glad I didn't get what I thought I wanted."
And also Martha Beck - "Peace is your home. Integrity is the way to it. And everything you long for will meet you there."
And last but not least, the idea that the universe is never going to deliver what you want/need, in in an environment you're not meant to stay in.
Alexa, I appreciate you mentioning that you struggle with the idea of manifestation while also being drawn to it. Your words made me realize I feel the same way! That language is my language and my heart is as woo-woo as it can be but it's the huckster mentality you mention that has turned us all off of the idea of this kind of goal creation. It's lacking substance but, at the same time, we are curious.
Your quotes are the best!
Thanks for your kind words about this piece, I am stoked that it made you think. 💕
Ahhhh, manifestation. I also have trouble with this word. I don't know how much I've ever actively manifested anything - I believe that I've been in the right place at the right time, I've capitalised on opportunities presented me, and I've done work to better my life. But I don't know how much credit I can take for all the wonderful stuff that's turned up.
I love this post. It's a great reminder to be ready. to have open hearts and hands so that you can make the most of this strange beautiful life. And that there is work you can do too, while waiting for the universe to bestow her magnificence upon you.
Evelyn, I love that you used the word magnificence! What a word.
I mostly write myself the reminders that I need to hear so I'm always thrilled when it lands in the heart of a reader and offers impact. I think you nailed my whole point perfectly, that when we have the capacity to show up fully it's more likely wonderful things will happen. Just as wonderful things happen but because we aren't prepared they don't amount to much.
I think that's the most important thing. I'm currently reading Mark Nepo's newest book about creativity in the second half of life and that's exactly what he talks about. As we get older we realize it's those little things and working it all from the inside out that matter most. I have found that to be true.
I need a bigger car is my first reaction Donna! Not in the physical, but in the metaphysical where my capacity to hold what is currently being thrown at me feels like me driving a mini and yet trying to accept a house clearance! 🤪 This metaphor really works for me and my over active imagination. I am 'manifesting' a Winnebago mainly because I can't say it with out smiling. Much love. xx
This makes so much sense! I'll admit I journaled my recent life sanctions with last week's passing New Moon, and now thinking dancing naked around a fire would be pretty cool. You've reminded me of the importance of smart choices, to tune-up or service hard challenges every day and I'm loveable along the way. Thanks Donna, hoping our passing dreams come to be.💓🙌
Birdy thank you for taking time to leave such a thoughtful comment. I’m glad the essay made sense for you and offered something for you to hang on to. Let me know how the naked fire dancing goes, I can imagine it would be very liberating!
Good morning. I am in bed, looking out my windows, having a coffee and responding to this post. Did I manifest this cup of coffee I desired? I asked for it. Requested it. Called my husband on the phone and politely asked for it. Sometimes you gotta' ask for what you want/desire. Imagining a "future me living my ideal reality with vibrant health, restorative sleep, exploding energy, etc." Is difficult for me. I try this often. Sometimes I try it simply to elevate my mood because I truly believe the state I am seeking is possible. for me and the curious journey towards that desired state delivers all sorts of gifts. The word manifesting has never rung true for me. Asking, trying, learning....those work for me. Have a great Sunday. Am I going to manifest some time to be outside today? No. I am just going to do it. Cheers.
I think the part I love about this is that you called your husband on the phone to bring you a coffee - especially if he was in the other room! That's awesome Adele, way to go💕
I'm not sure how how all this stuff works but perhaps it's more effective if we simply try to bump ourselves up a notch or two rather than shoot for the moon? I know all the influencers say to go big but I find my inner self can't get on board with that if I don't sense there is a grain of truth to it so I feel more locked in to my direction when it's attainable with effort.
Thanks for taking the time to comment from your snuggle-nest!
I miss you !!!!!🩷🤗❤️
Hey, there you are!!! I miss you too. I've been thinking about you and hope things are well in your world. Thanks for being here❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Donna. This post was sent to me by the Universe. Much love to you!
Oh Priya I am so glad💕 Thank you for being here with me. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Good on this post. I feel like a dumpster fire lately. I'm trying everything to attempt to dig my way out of how I feel physically and mentally. I may have found something to help me so I'm sticking with it to find out if it'll work when nothing else has.
Your post offered a bit of hope 🙂
I swear this app is haunted. I meant "good timing on this post."
I love this, Donna. So, is the M-word your version of my G-word? I think it's a bit too woo, a little toxically positive, and certainly don't believe that getting a new credit card or line of credit is "manifesting" that money. I prefer "co-creation", working in tandem with The Universe to create what we want or need. I'm super good at parking spaces now (nothing to sniff at in Los Angeles), and better a keeping money...now I'm working on the accumulation of it (so I can turn around and spend it on a house). Baby steps, I guess. xo
I believe that I can manifest things, but sometimes it is the wrong thing to do. I worked in law enforcement for several years and really wanted a specific position. I focused on achieving it, and the manifestation worked. I got the position, but it was wrong for me in every respect. I was underqualified, ill-prepared, and others resented me. That experience taught me to include the words "thy will be done" because the universe always knows better than I, and may have a different plan in mind.
Janice thank you for illustrating what I was trying to say so perfectly!! I’m sorry this happened to you but it is a great example of how we collapse under the weight of things we aren’t ready for. It takes a lot of introspection and, as you said, surrender, to allow the right thing to unfold. Sometimes the right thing is not what we planned for.
I appreciate you offering such an important insight💕
It’s the little things — sleep, movement, good food, good friends, etc etc — done right (as close to right as we can), each day that move is closer to where we want to be. Do I think manifestation also helps… I’m not sure, but I’m pretty confident that if you don’t do the other stuff and you just lay around manifesting it won’t work out well hehe.
A lovely piece Donna :)
They likely go together. We need to be sure The Universe knows what we want. Perhaps this is less to do with any higher power and more to do with making sure our own neurology is clear on what we want so we recognize it when it shows up. Then we need to put in the effort to create a shift and surrender the outcome (which I believe is the hardest part).
As you and I have talked about we are on the path and supposedly it’s all about the journey. So they say😉
Yes, agreed. I think all these things go together and help us pull on the right direction.
Hooray for the journey hehe :)
And new friends along the way! Yay us:)
Exactly :)
Thank you, Donna! This is exactly the message I needed today ❤️🙏
I’m so glad Joanna, what a lovely thing for me to hear. As always, thanks for your presence in this community❤️
Thank you for this piece, Donna! Like you, I don't much believe in the word "manifestation." That said, I believe in letting The Universe know what we want, and then stepping back and saying, "Thy will be done." I've reached a point where I'm cautious about what I ask for, knowing The Universe will throw a bunch of tests my way to see if I can handle them (exactly what you are saying). We need to BE the person who can handle the gift before it is handed over. For me, it is not a manifestation; it is a co-creation. I have my part, The Universe has theirs, and together we will make it happen.
Yes! I'm with you on 'Thy will be done'. Getting to this place of acceptance, which for me is fluctuating but I'm working on it, has been a lifetime of work. Peace and contentment are my main drivers these days so that inner sense of surrender plays into that. However, if I do put a plan in place I remind myself to buckle up the chin-strap on my party hat because it's bound to get messy🤣
Thanks a million for your insightful comment Brooke, it's great to hear from you.
Lol. I love that. It is bound to get messy. I agree that remembering to surrender is always a work in progress. Hard work, but good work. Thank you. 🙏
Love this so much Donna. I think that a lot of people think they're saying what you're ACTUALLY saying.
I do really struggle with the idea of manifesting a lot even though I'm drawn to it. I definitely have fallen into trap of 'why not me?! was I not positive enough?! did I not say the right affirmations?!. I posted a video last year about how a lot of the woo woo gurus out there have turned manifesting into just one more way to criticize and blame ourselves. (ex: 'it's not coming yet because you simply don't BELIEVE. Here's my 3 step, $3,000 plan to help make everything you want come true!')
What I love about your writing here is that I felt gently, compassionately challenged to reexamine what I'm asking for the universe for, what I have right now, and how I think my life will change once I get that thing(s.) The car metaphor is also so good, along with the part about giving our most precious item to this deeply unregulated person.
reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "I'm so glad I didn't get what I thought I wanted."
And also Martha Beck - "Peace is your home. Integrity is the way to it. And everything you long for will meet you there."
And last but not least, the idea that the universe is never going to deliver what you want/need, in in an environment you're not meant to stay in.
Alexa, I appreciate you mentioning that you struggle with the idea of manifestation while also being drawn to it. Your words made me realize I feel the same way! That language is my language and my heart is as woo-woo as it can be but it's the huckster mentality you mention that has turned us all off of the idea of this kind of goal creation. It's lacking substance but, at the same time, we are curious.
Your quotes are the best!
Thanks for your kind words about this piece, I am stoked that it made you think. 💕
Ahhhh, manifestation. I also have trouble with this word. I don't know how much I've ever actively manifested anything - I believe that I've been in the right place at the right time, I've capitalised on opportunities presented me, and I've done work to better my life. But I don't know how much credit I can take for all the wonderful stuff that's turned up.
I love this post. It's a great reminder to be ready. to have open hearts and hands so that you can make the most of this strange beautiful life. And that there is work you can do too, while waiting for the universe to bestow her magnificence upon you.
thank you
Evelyn, I love that you used the word magnificence! What a word.
I mostly write myself the reminders that I need to hear so I'm always thrilled when it lands in the heart of a reader and offers impact. I think you nailed my whole point perfectly, that when we have the capacity to show up fully it's more likely wonderful things will happen. Just as wonderful things happen but because we aren't prepared they don't amount to much.
Thanks for your insightful comment💕
Thank you for the reminder! I love reading your posts, they feel divined from the gods sometimes.
These days I am not loving on manifestation. I am working on appreciating the little things. The positives.
I think that's the most important thing. I'm currently reading Mark Nepo's newest book about creativity in the second half of life and that's exactly what he talks about. As we get older we realize it's those little things and working it all from the inside out that matter most. I have found that to be true.
👏🙏🌺
You said, "The thing we want already exists, it’s right there waiting for us to become the person who can hold it."
I needed to hear that.
Thanks for telling me Melissa. I’m glad those words landed where they were meant to go today and I’m so glad you’re here💕
I need a bigger car is my first reaction Donna! Not in the physical, but in the metaphysical where my capacity to hold what is currently being thrown at me feels like me driving a mini and yet trying to accept a house clearance! 🤪 This metaphor really works for me and my over active imagination. I am 'manifesting' a Winnebago mainly because I can't say it with out smiling. Much love. xx
What a great image Louise! I can see you driving a motorhome of hopes and dreams. May the right Winnebago fall in your lap💕 (Well, not literally🤣)
Love it Donna. My motorhome of hopes and dreams is on its way! 🚌🙏🏻
This makes so much sense! I'll admit I journaled my recent life sanctions with last week's passing New Moon, and now thinking dancing naked around a fire would be pretty cool. You've reminded me of the importance of smart choices, to tune-up or service hard challenges every day and I'm loveable along the way. Thanks Donna, hoping our passing dreams come to be.💓🙌
Birdy thank you for taking time to leave such a thoughtful comment. I’m glad the essay made sense for you and offered something for you to hang on to. Let me know how the naked fire dancing goes, I can imagine it would be very liberating!
Good morning. I am in bed, looking out my windows, having a coffee and responding to this post. Did I manifest this cup of coffee I desired? I asked for it. Requested it. Called my husband on the phone and politely asked for it. Sometimes you gotta' ask for what you want/desire. Imagining a "future me living my ideal reality with vibrant health, restorative sleep, exploding energy, etc." Is difficult for me. I try this often. Sometimes I try it simply to elevate my mood because I truly believe the state I am seeking is possible. for me and the curious journey towards that desired state delivers all sorts of gifts. The word manifesting has never rung true for me. Asking, trying, learning....those work for me. Have a great Sunday. Am I going to manifest some time to be outside today? No. I am just going to do it. Cheers.
I think the part I love about this is that you called your husband on the phone to bring you a coffee - especially if he was in the other room! That's awesome Adele, way to go💕
I'm not sure how how all this stuff works but perhaps it's more effective if we simply try to bump ourselves up a notch or two rather than shoot for the moon? I know all the influencers say to go big but I find my inner self can't get on board with that if I don't sense there is a grain of truth to it so I feel more locked in to my direction when it's attainable with effort.
Thanks for taking the time to comment from your snuggle-nest!
Love ❤️
Thanks Sweetie💕