Manifest, Visualize, Pray, Work

What is manifestation?

For a while, I went down this manifestation path where I would wake up every morning and try to manifest a completely different life. I’d picture myself somewhere else — a new place, a new space. The version of me I imagined lived with ocean views, peace, calm, no noise, love. But the deeper I went into that fantasy, the more depressed and ungrateful I started to feel.

I kept asking myself: Am I wrong for wanting another life? For wanting more? Shouldn’t I be grateful for what I already have? I prayed for this life… so why am I not happy? (That’s a conversation for another day.) I grew up believing this was the life I wanted.

And it made me wonder — is there a correlation between the rise of manifestation and visualization and the rise in depression and anxiety? Because yes, you should want more for yourself. Yes, you should dream bigger. But you also have to work for it, while being grateful for what you have, grateful for the journey, and trusting the process. You can’t manifest your way into a healthy body or a dream home while sitting on the couch. Sorry babe, that’s not how life works. If it was, I’d have a G Wagon right now and be 25 pounds thinner!

You can’t manifest without the work.

Like the Bible says, faith without works is dead. Same goes for manifestation and visualization.

Visualize where you’re going (sometimes I cry doing this because I feel so far from my goals… I even question my goals). But still — write the plans, write the vision, pray, focus, and do the work.

I’m on a path of manifestation, visualization, prayer, healing, and gratitude — all at the same time.

I deserve to have the life I want. I deserve the world.

And here’s what I had to learn: wanting change or wanting more doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. “More” isn’t always material things. Often, it’s more time… more freedom… more peace… more money to enjoy life with the people you love.