Manifest.

This Monday I flew back from a bridal shower in NJ (Congratulations Kelly and Chris! So much love to you both!!) and I often use my long cross country flights to do some uninterrupted introspection (I also use them to catch up on sleep...airplanes, regardless of extreme caffeine intakes, knock me out pretty much the second the engines start).  On this particular flight I began to go over a mental checklist of expenses, both current and pending.  Needless to say I then began to have a bit of a panic attack.  Had I stretched myself too thin?  Had I been too careless as of late with my finances?  Was I going to be able to continue living the life I love while also managing to pay my bills and save for the future? Was I balancing my spending and saving appropriately? A couple quick calculations on my phone did make me feel much better.  I admit I even started squirming and sweating in my seat.  Get me off this plane!, I thought, I have to run to a financial advisor immediately or I will live in poverty starting tomorrow!! Funny how our thoughts tend to jump to such extremes once we are off on a mental tangent, isn't it?

Fortunately, after significantly raising my blood pressure, I was able to slowly talk myself out of the spiral without anyone else's help.  This is, admittedly, not always the case.  The mental/emotional calm-the-heck-down-you-coocoobird started when I looked out the window; wow, there were a lot of stars out tonight.  I've been on a thousand plane rides since childhood...have I ever seen stars so clearly out my window before? How beautiful.

Then my thoughts went something like this;

Deep breath.

One more...this time don't roll your eyes.

I am blessed with a wonderful career...a steady job you love that provides you with the means to support yourself.

I have been able to pay my bills, on my own, for years...regardless of my income level.  Somehow, I always just make it work.  I will continue to always make it work.

What does Louise Hay tell you to say? "I begin now, today, to open myself to ever increasing prosperity." Ever. Increasing. Prosperity.

Then I began to picture my debts being erased.  I pictured myself clicking 1, 2, 3 on my online accounts and seeing every balance become $0.00.  I pictured my savings growing.  I thought of how it would feel to see both the $0.00 debt balance as well as a boost in my savings.  I actually allowed for waves of relief and excitement to wash over me as if it were happening that very moment.  Every positive thought I was having was resonating in deeply personal ways; in my gut, I knew them to be true.  The panic attack ceased for the remainder of my trip. I watched 4 episodes of Holly's World and 1 episode of Californication (that show has boobs in every episode and man was it awkward with the dude sitting next to me peering over at my screen at the worst times...). Then I passed out til touchdown.

When I landed in San Francisco I was alerted to a number of texts/emails/voice mails I'd missed during the flight (excuse me for being so popular). One of which ended up giving me a piece of financial news.  Though I can't/won't share the exact details, I will say the following;

1. It was completely and utterly unexpected. A definite out-of-left-field moment.
2. It was completely "undeserved" in terms of me having taken no specific steps to earn it. I'd literally done nothing outstanding to suddenly be receiving such news (though I'll chalk it up to good karma).
3. It will do exactly what I had pictured on the plane; pay off my debts and boost my savings...almost to the very cent I imagined. Can you believe that? To the very cent.

I was shocked.  But then again....I wasn't.

Today I read another old CrazySexyLife post that confirmed the practice of affirmations. To get a simply laid out explanation of this practice, check out this post by Danea Horn on Affirmations.  For (hopefully) obvious reasons, I especially enjoy #5:

"5. Begin with gratitude.
If you are still having a difficult time convincing yourself of a reality that is only in your mind, begin with looking at your life as is. Make a list of all of the things for which you are currently grateful. Sincere gratitude is an affirmation. Start by recognizing and giving thanks now to attract more things to be thankful for in the future."

Is this post hokie enough for you, yet? Keep reading.

Here's what I know (yes, what I *know*, not just believe): Our thoughts, prayers and affirmations are powerful. The wavelengths of the Universe (or God or whatever else you may call it/talk to) are powerful...and they are waiting for your positive thoughts to guide them into giving you the kind of life you deserve and desire. I know that if we act out of love and kindness, great things will come our way.  I know that in saying my affirmations and boosting my self esteem by choosing thoughts that compliment my goals I don't have to know the exact route/steps needed to get there...if I believe them to be true, then that's all that I need to manifest them. It's never too late to start this practice.

Just when you feel super silly for talking to yourself and repeating positive thoughts...repeat them again.  Pardon my language, but manifest the shit out of your life.  I am living proof that it works. Infinite possibilities are waiting for you :)

In Gratitude,

trish