A Few Things About Manifestation
One of the more frustrating points that come up frequently when people talk about manifesting (especially on social media) is this idea that you have to be/think a certain way in order for it to “work.” For those of us who are dealing with trauma, or who encounter feelings of unworthiness, it can be disheartening to hear that, essentially, you have to be healed or whole or completely free from negative thoughts. It’s bullshit, frankly, and it’s harmful.
Manifestation is the practice of focusing your thoughts, beliefs, and energy on a specific goal or desire. Yes, you need to work on aligning your mindset and your actions, and it does require a level of emotional alignment, but it does not require you to be free from being a complex human with emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that don’t always align with your desire.
You can manifest even if you struggle with limiting beliefs, even if you are depressed, even if you feel unworthy.
Manifestation is not off the table for you if you aren’t perfect. Perfection isn’t real anyway, and the universe celebrates our messiness.
Having said all that, I do want to mention that there are small ways to shift your mindset and create space for manifesting while still honoring your messiness. Practicing changing the language you use can be a really effective way to work toward alignment. I was reminded during a talk given by Wendy Mata that even the smallest alterations can make a big impact. Saying, “This isn’t in the budget right now” or “I am prioritizing other things” rather than “I can’t afford this.” Instead of telling yourself, “I have writer’s block,” try “I’m in a creative incubation period” or “I’m letting my ideas percolate.” Words are power. Pay attention to them.
Additionally, I encourage you to focus on possibility rather than lack. When we’re open to possibility and recognize when things go well for us, we move closer to abundance and align ourselves more fully than when we dwell on what’s missing.
The last thing I want to say about manifesting today is that it can be unpredictable.
A big energetic focus for me last week was on being magnetic, and out of the blue, someone from my past—who I hadn’t spoken to in years—reached out. This person plays a significant role in the story I’ve been writing and rewriting for the past four years. I immediately felt it was connected to my energy work and manifesting. Perhaps their reappearance is a sign that I’m ready to release or transform a particular energy, allowing me to shift into something more aligned with my current desires. By focusing on magnetism and prosperity, I may be unconsciously drawing in experiences and people that need to be processed, released, or integrated to make room for new opportunities.
When we focus on drawing abundance, we’re not just attracting material things; we’re shifting our energy in ways that can ripple through our relationships and experiences. Sometimes, we pull in unfinished business or connections that need to be processed or released, all as part of our growth. It can be disorienting and uncomfy, but it’s a necessary part of the journey.
This holds true no matter what you’re manifesting—there will always be lessons and energies that need to be addressed as we work toward our goals. Manifesting isn’t just getting what you want. It asks you to do the inner work that comes with it.