We're Always Manifesting
Manifestation isn’t another thing we have to “do.”
Life is always responding to our beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and actions- working for us whether we realize it or not.
You’ve probably heard the saying: “You attract what you are.” But so often, we don’t truly know who we are yet- that’s what a lifetime is for. That’s also why conscious manifesting can feel elusive and easy to dismiss as “too woo-woo”.
The beautiful truth? We can be whoever we want to be.
So, I’m curious, what stories have you been telling yourself?
A SELF-WORTH MIRROR
After Sweet & Spark, I craved a fresh sense of hope and something solid to anchor myself in so I created what I now call a self-worth board. It was filled with Instagram posts I’d written, reminders of my Human Design gifts, feelings I wanted to embody, affirmations to shift my beliefs about money, and photos of people who inspire me.
I kept it propped up in my office and added to it as clients texted me kind words and friends sent thoughtful notes. I still have one that came along with flowers when S&S closed — it had a poem that read:
“Speak to the shadows, sing to the blue,
Dare to speak in color — a heart will soar and bloom.” – Tess Guinery
It inspired me deeply to keep trusting my path. That board became my mirror showing me who I was at heart, and who I was becoming. It held so much possibility while I navigated the uncomfortable void.
A new story became clear: I don’t have to prove my worth through what I achieve. It’s safe to take up space, share my heart, and be fully human, even in the messy moments. And when things fall apart, there’s still so much beauty up ahead. We don’t have to earn it by being perfect, it’s simply enough to just keep trying our best.
A NEW KIND OF BOARD
As I settled into this new vibration, the board shifted too. It softened into cozy, charming home decor inspiration, filled with pages torn from vintage coffee table books I’d found on eBay. Before I knew it, I was out antiquing again and redecorating my living room- a room that had been empty after I sold all my furniture to house the S&S headquarters.
Today, the board holds my next vision. It’s a living collage of words and images alive with possibility: vignettes of cozy, light-filled spaces for living and creating; snapshots of outfits I love; collections of art and everyday beauty. It’s a reflection of so many parts of me, all woven together in one place.
Each time I look at it, it reminds me to speak in color — boldly, gently, and true.
AN INTUITIVE NUDGE
The other day I felt scattered — prepping for a workshop, writing a new piece, finishing a Substack collage, giving feedback on a project. I could feel fear pulsing through my body while my mind raced with the thought: “You’ll never have what you want unless you keep trying.” I placed a hand on my heart and reminded myself, it’s safe to slow down and feel.
And just when I needed it, my higher self dropped in: Darling, you don’t have to push so hard. Think about all the things you’ve manifested in your lifetime. They came to you now, didn’t they?
A big part of manifesting is how safe we feel to receive. Our openness determines how much goodness we can hold without sabotaging it. Even though I know this, and even teach this, it’s still hard to relax sometimes. But the pausing and being is what makes room to hear the truth of our own love.
PROOF: A LIFE OF SURPRISES
As I sat there, slowing down, memories started flooding in- all the things that came to me with little to no effort, just by being me, believing in life, and trusting people. How could something miraculous like these not happen again?
My best friend literally arrived on my doorstep through a Craigslist post for a new roommate when I craved deep connection in a new city. Twenty years later, she’s still my person.
When I needed a new car, a friend moving back to Ireland needed to sell hers and it just so happened to be the exact one I dreamed of.
A business partner serendipitously showed up through a friend when I wished to share my love for vintage, style and creativity with someone.
The growth of my coaching business happened organically when an old friend reached out to work together, then generously shared her experience with her dedicated community.
The ex-boyfriend I lived with was introduced to me through that Craigslist bestie when I was ready for a fun loving partnership. We clicked instantly at the top of a ski slope.
THE PATTERN
Looking back the pattern is clear. Most of these things came from an authentic desire or need that I didn’t even realize I was feeling or calling in. Nothing was forced- and the exact timing and shape they arrived in didn’t really matter either.
All I can say is this: I’m grateful beyond words. And yet here I am again, using so much energy to figure out what’s next — when clearly, I truly don’t need to. Even with all this proof, it’s easy to forget because life is a constant dance of forgetting and remembering. That’s why I’m writing this all down and sharing it.
I’m going to print this list and pin it to my vision board as a reminder: I don’t have to work so hard. Rest, ease, ritual and rhythm are already mine — all I have to do is trust it.
RESTING IN THE GARDEN
It’s safe to receive the wisdom of our own love- right here, right now.
Writing is helping me do just that: slow down, go deeper, and notice what’s already here. It’s my way of resting into the garden that’s been right in front of me all along. Life has it’s own way of blooming when we stop trying so hard.
My hope is that this reminds you of all the good in your own life- and to rest into your own garden, open and ready to receive too!
