The Magic of Manifesting!

More words than pictures today, but I' hope you'll hang in there with me.

Manifesting. It really works. I know it because I've experienced it too many times in my life. Set an intention. Wait. Think about the intention. Take some action. Wait. Get serious about that intention and focus every bit of attention I have on it and BAM! things start to happen. Bits fall into place. And suddenly what I've asked for comes into being.

I wonder then why it's not sustainable. We go through ebbs and flows. Well, that's a good metaphor. The sea doesn't always stay at high tide with great surfing waves crashing upon the shore every day all day. So, why should I think or expect that I could/should be able to manifest instantly whatever I want whenever I want? It would be helpful if I even knew what I wanted all the time. Processing. That is … well, a process. It takes time.

I've also discovered over the last year that sometimes in order for me to move in a different direction and really be clear I even have to experience something unpleasant or down right awful! Another metaphor--sometimes creeks/rivers are beautiful and twist and turn in the directions they do because of the obstacles in the way of the flowing water. See, those rocks often cause the waves, splashes, and white water that we love to photograph. It's what makes the image more enticing.

So, how did I get off on this tangent? Well, 2011 was a challenging year. There were lots of good things along the way, but it was the rocks in the creek bed that caused me to venture out to local walking paths with my camera. It was my commitment to find beauty in the world in the face of adversity that led me to taking pictures every weekend and consistently writing about my experiences for a year. It was The Stroll that helped me keep my sanity and move forward. And when I was laid off in December, I was ready for a change.

The stars aligned. Oh, I know that sounds so cliche, but how else might you describe it. The dominos had been set and someone just pushed the first one setting the flow in motion. File for unemployment. Pursue job opps from Indeed.com and craigslist. Talk to people about what I was looking for. Get some sound advice. Move in a positive direction. Be at the right place at the right time.

Several months ago I wasn't ready for all this. I couldn't figure out what it was I was looking for. What I'd rather do and be. I remember saying to friends that there wasn't anything out there that called my name. But thirteen days ago, there was. With that said, I didn't even know it in its fullness until I began the interview process. The good news is I found a creative outlet in customizing the header of each submission to the brand of the company I was pursuing. All I needed was for one person to appreciate the effort; to see the value. Then I found a group of people who seemed to think like me and have a mission to work with companies that want to make a difference in this world. They made the interview process fun. Maybe not fun for some folks as some of the steps felt quite risky, but I came away feeling energized. It all makes me smile.

So here I am. I embark on a new journey next Wednesday. I'm really excited to walk this path, just as I was excited about My Camino. Hmmm, suddenly I remember a friend of mine asking if I'd experienced a shift after I walked 36 miles in four days. I think I've experienced several shifts since those four days at Thanksgiving 2011. ;-> I'm holding on. Guessing its going to be an exciting ride.

I'm working my One Little Word 2012: ABUNDANCE. In the world of gems, this moss agate represents abundance and new beginnings. It is also known to attract new friendships, new business opportunities, increase trust, and remove negativity.

I can only see from the vantage point from where I stand on any given day. This is my vantage point today. And it feels really good. I'm grateful for the trials now. Can't say I was very graceful while in the midst of them, but the experiences taught me things. Things I wouldn't have understood or known otherwise. Things that helped me grow and move forward. Looking forward to new possibilities!

There's magic in manifesting.

Texture thanks to Kim Klassen: ifonly
Join me at Kim Klassen's Beyond Layers.