What’s the skinny on the best kept secret you ask? Well, I hate to break it to you, but the secret behind manifesting your destiny is not a secret at all. No voodoo magic, no happy pill. It’s simply about being brave enough to dream, setting a plan (because a dream is just a plan without a timeline), and getting yourself into the mindset where your daydreams of that plan are as real to you as your morning cup of coffee. Or, in my case, tea because no matter how much I try, I’m just not a coffee girl. I’m in that camp of people who love the smell but hate the taste unless, of course, you add tons of cream, sugar, and mocha. I love that mocha flavor! Arby’s used to make a “Jamoca” shake- it was a delicious concoction of mocha and coffee flavored syrup mixed with vanilla ice cream…mmmmm…I could drink those babies all day and still go back for more…. I’m not sure what the “Ja” in “Jamoca” is for- maybe Ja-maica? Oh, I loved Jamaica when I recently went with friends. Sun, sand, sailing, sangria….oops……but, I digress.
Anyway, as I travel through this journey we call life, (anyone else immediately hear “Prince” in your head? No, just me? Hum…) I try to keep myself open to new ideas and suggestions. I’ve had in-depth discussions on scientology, attended religious services from multiple denominations, thought about reincarnation and read books like “The Secret”, all in an effort to be open minded to the possibility of something more, and keep the old noodle hydrated. As a result of my curiosity, over the years I have developed my own set of beliefs and a strong moral compass. Basically, although I subscribe to the “live and let live” theory (as long as what someone believes in doesn’t promote harm to others), generally, I’m just happy if people believe in something. It makes conversation much more interesting.
Personally, I believe in universal energy and manifestation. Recently, I stumbled upon a podcast called “The Lively Show” with Jess Lively. Jess is a positive soul on a mission to help others work towards their happiness by sharing the power of intention and affirmation. Her stories are upbeat, she is well spoken and earnest in her belief. Currently, she is going through training on the Abraham-Hicks school of thought regarding the power of intention. Having never heard of this, I did that “googley” thing that we do and downloaded an audio book by the authors Ester & Jerry Hicks to find out more. So what is this all about you ask? Well, basically, Esther Hicks believes she is channeling the message of many souls that she collectively calls “Abraham”. She then uses the teachings of this collective to help others understand the power of the universe. If you’ve ever read/watched “The Secret”, there are many similarities. I can honestly say it was an interesting experience listening to Esther Hicks transform herself into “Abraham” on the audio version of her first book “The Law of Attraction” (she had a different accent and everything!) Now, personally, I don’t subscribe to the theatrics Esther and Jerry use to relay their message. I suspect that there is a population of people who believe in the power of intention who might get turned off from the whole idea of universal energy and manifestation as a result of this “other world” performance. In other words, the baby will get thrown out with the bath water. However, I do believe that if you can put aside the debate of whether she is in fact channeling souls, the message Esther is relating is relevant and important; ‘that which is likened on to itself is drawn.’ Or in other words, like attracts like and what you put out into the world is what you get back.
Just a few days ago, I had yet another experience with this exact thing. I’ve been working on a new collection and going through an online study course for jewelry designers. One of the suggestions from this course for supporting my business was to create a daily mantra around where you want your business to go. I figured I’d start out simple. Last week, I set a daily intention around growing my business by simply stating “I will make sales from my jewelry line to new customers.” I repeated this to myself daily and again in the evening using one of my newly created mala necklaces. Yesterday, I dropped by a local jewelry store that carries one of my lines to check on stock and freshen up the display. After chatting for a few minutes with the owner, she excitedly told me that she had just sold 2 of my pieces to a brand new customer! She then went on to ask me to participate in an event she is taking part in this summer called (you ready for this?) “The Best Kept Secret”! Secret huh? Who’d of guessed….
“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of the ocean” ~ Kahlil Gilbran