Star Light, Star Bright

"Star light

Star bright

First star I see tonight

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight"

I have a confession. Well, a lot of you probably already know this.

I love the idea of manifestation.

Put something out into the universe. Believe it’s possible. Picture yourself already living it. Then sit back while the universe gets busy rearranging the stars on your behalf.

Sounds fantastic doesn't it?

Unfortunately, I’m beginning to suspect the universe expects me to participate.

So rude.

I’ve made vision boards. I’ve written intentions. I’ve imagined different versions of my life while drinking coffee.

Some things happened. Some things absolutely did not.

And of course a few things showed up looking nothing like what I thought I had ordered.

Which has made me wonder if maybe we’ve made manifestation more complicated—and more magical—than it needs to be.

Maybe manifestation isn’t about wishing hard enough.

I've come to believe it begins with simply deciding what we want.

That sounds easy, but I don’t think it always is.

I've spent so much of my life doing what I was supposed to do. Working. Paying bills. Taking care of people. Being responsible. Checking things off lists.

Eventually, I become so busy living the life in front of us that I forget to ask what I really wanted.

Maybe I want to become someone I haven't even met yet.

This is where I think manifestation gets interesting.

I think once I finally name something, I'll start noticing things I didn’t notice before.

Maybe I overhear a conversation.

Or an opportunity presents itself.

I find a cheap flight.

I sign up for a class to learn Italian.

I meet a new person.

I have a tiny idea that pops into my head that makes me think, Hmmm…what if?

Was the opportunity always there? Maybe.

Did the universe send it? Maybe.

Honestly, I'm not really sure.

But I do believe that once I start believing something is possible, I behave differently.

I start looking. I start asking ourselves if maybe it is possible.

I buy the ticket.

I send the email.

I walk into the room.

That’s the kind of manifestation I like to believe in.

Dream a little bigger.

Pay attention.

Stay curious.

And when life cracks open a door, don’t stand there waiting for the universe to shove you through it.

Turn the knob.

My suggestion to everyone: Believe in the possibility of magic—and then be willing to meet it halfway.

Love to all!

Ruthie 🩶