family – The Manifest Study

Day 15: Dancing Dreams & Sunday Gratitude

I’m tired—but it’s the good kind of tired. The kind that comes after a full weekend of memories, movement, and meaningful moments.

Today was special. I got to take my daughter to her very first dance competition, and it felt like life coming full circle. I remembered being in high school, captain of my own dance team, and daydreaming about having a daughter who danced too. And here I am, watching her shine on stage.

Her team didn’t place—but that wasn’t the point. She looked so happy up there, totally in her element, and I couldn’t have been more proud. Watching the other dancers brought back a wave of nostalgia, and I loved every second of it. We even talked about next year, and I promised her we’d make a whole weekend of it. We’ll book the nice hotel nearby, bring the whole family, enjoy the pool and hot tub, and soak in every part of the experience together. When she asked again later if we could really do it, I said, without hesitation, “Yes! We can do that.”

And I meant it.

When we got home, I took a warm bath and imagined the joy of that future weekend—the laughter, the meals, the cheering section. It’s already on its way to me, I can feel it.

Tonight I’m grateful for:

A weekend filled with both joyful chaos and quiet moments
Laughing with my oldest son
An early bedtime
Time alone this morning with my daughter
A short afternoon nap
My husband braving the freezing temps to take our son to baseball
A delicious, home-cooked dinner
Time with my mom

✨ Manifestation Practice

I am so happy and grateful now that our life is filled with abundance.
We have more money than we ever dreamed of. We are prosperous, lucky, and supported by the universe.
Good things always come to us. We can be, do, and have anything we want.

I am so happy and grateful now that my husband and I both have our dream jobs.
I love writing and working from home, creating freely and on my own schedule.

I am so happy and grateful now that I can relax whenever I want, knowing everything is taken care of.

I am so happy and grateful now that we travel the world with ease and joy.
We just returned from an incredible trip to Italy with my husband’s family—an unforgettable adventure.

I am so happy and grateful now that I am at my ideal weight.
I nourish my body with foods I love, and it responds with energy, balance, and wellness.

Some days are big and loud. Others are soft and quiet.
Today was a little of both—and I’m so grateful for the harmony of it all. 💫

Day 12: I Am Calm. I Am Kind. I Am… Trying.

Self-loathing.
That’s what I feel right now.

Today felt like a continuation of yesterday. I woke up with a little less gratitude and a lot more noise in my head—thoughts racing a million miles an hour. I tried to shake it off, tried to set a positive tone, but… it didn’t really stick.

Kindergarten was… well, kindergarten. I’d love to say I was leading with light, but honestly? I was just trying to hold it together.

During our morning meeting, I introduced a new mantra to my students:

✨ I am calm. I am kind. I listen, I learn, and I shine. ✨

They loved it. The energy lifted—for about two minutes. But when it came time to put words into action? Total flop.

This year’s class is high-needs. The impulsivity is off the charts. But that’s the thing about kindergarten—you never know what you’re going to get. No labels, no diagnoses, just 17 little souls starting fresh. It really is like Forrest Gump said: a box of chocolates.

Last year, I got “easy.”
This year, I got “hard.”
But I love them all. I really do. Even on the days they make me want to walk out the door and not come back.

My husband has told me a story a few times about his fifth-grade teacher. She was young, carefree, and clearly in over her head. One day, the class got too wild, and without saying a word, she stood up, walked out, and never came back. Just left. Gone.

Some days, I think of her.
Actually, a lot of days, I think of her.

By lunchtime, my mood had tanked—and my choices followed. Carbs on carbs. They tasted amazing, but I know I’m going to feel it in the morning when I step on the scale.

And yes, I know that’s a toxic way to think. I’ve struggled with disordered eating in the past. I was so thin when I got married—like 105 pounds. Now I’m 43, I’ve had five kids, and I’m sitting at 135. I know that’s not “bad.” But I can’t help but feel frustrated. My ideal is 120. My dream? 110. And I hate that those numbers still have power over me.

Then there’s the wine.
Half a bottle on a weeknight isn’t unusual. On weekends? Don’t ask.
It’s my one exhale. My reset. But I know it’s a slippery slope.

My life is full. But also?
It’s a lot.

My kindergartners drain me. My five kids at home drain me. And I love them all deeply—but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.

And yet… even today, even now, I write. I journal. I recommit to my 365-day journey of manifesting the life I want. Not because I feel like it—but because I promised myself I would.

✨ Gratitude Practice

Today I’m grateful for:
Stretchy skirts. Comfy PJs. Warm baths. Patios on 70° days.
Our home. Our cars. My job. Our health.
My childhood. My husband. Green grass. T-shirts. TV. A comfy bed.
Mexican food. Air conditioning. Fireplaces. Swimming pools.
Books. Laughter. Electricity. Running water. The internet.
Our future. Our family. My students.
And always, always—my children.

🌟 Manifestation Practice

I am so happy and grateful now that money is abundant.
It flows to us easily, and our banks are overflowing. There is always more than enough.

I am so happy and grateful now that we travel the world, treating our loved ones to first-class adventures and five-star stays. Romantic getaways, family vacations, spontaneous trips—we do it all.

I am so happy and grateful now that we live in our dream home on the lake. It’s huge, breathtaking, and filled with peace, laughter, and light.

I am so happy and grateful now that I am a successful writer who works from home, living my purpose and loving every second of it.

I am so happy and grateful now that my husband is professionally fulfilled, doing work that excites and inspires him.

I am so happy and grateful now that good fortune is our norm.
Good things always happen to us. Miracles are constant.

I am so happy and grateful now that I drive my dream car—a white Escalade that fits our family and our lifestyle perfectly.

I am so happy and grateful now that my body is at its ideal weight.
I eat nourishing food that makes me feel good and never feel deprived.

I am so happy and grateful now that our life is overflowing with joy, love, and adventure.

So yeah… today wasn’t my best. But it’s one day. One imperfect, messy, real day in a long journey of becoming. And even though I didn’t lead with light every moment, I wanted to. I tried to. That counts for something. Tomorrow, I’ll try again—maybe with a little more grace, a little less Goldfish, and the same stubborn hope that keeps me coming back to the page. I’m not giving up. I’m just getting started. 🌙✨

Day 2: Quick but Meaningful

Today is a little bit quicker than yesterday. It’s been a busy Sunday filled with errands and sports practices and games for my boys. Now that it’s almost 8:00 at night, I don’t feel particularly compelled to sit and write for an hour—but I’m reminding myself that that’s okay. Even if it’s short, it still counts.

One thing I am proud of today: I started my morning with gratitude and made a conscious effort to carry that mindset with me throughout the day. So, without further ado, here are ten things I’m grateful for today:

My husband
My kids’ friends and their families
Soccer
Curbside grocery pickup
Our family walk
Seeing my students while out and about in the neighborhood
A home-cooked meal
A warm shower
Good TV
Community

And now, moving on to manifesting my future desires…

I am so happy and grateful now that I am a full-time writer.
I am so happy and grateful now that we live in our dream house on the lake.
I am so happy and grateful now that my husband has his dream career.
I am so happy and grateful now that we travel whenever and wherever we’d like.
I am so happy and grateful now that money is abundant. We have millions and millions of dollars in the bank. We can be, do, and have whatever we want.

Earlier today, while driving to my son’s soccer game, a song came on that sparked a quick visualization. As I listened, I closed my eyes and pictured our family out on the lake in our ski boat. I saw my son wakeboarding, the song blaring from the boat speakers as we all cheered him on. My husband was driving, hat backward, smiling. The other kids were chanting my son’s name to the rhythm of the music. The air smelled like sunscreen. It was such a joyful, vivid scene—and I can’t wait to watch it manifest for our family.

Last night and today, I read a little more from my book. It’s… meh. But I did take away one simple idea I really liked: Try to be a little bit better every day than you were the day before. That’s what I focused on today.

Spring break is officially over, and I head back to school tomorrow. My patience and sanity will be tested, I’m sure. But I’m determined to stay positive, to believe everything is unfolding exactly as it should. My manifestations are on their way. I will live in joy now. I will live in joy then. I can—and will—be happy with or without them. But I can’t wait to watch them come to life.

💫 Let’s Stay Connected!
If you’re enjoying these posts and want more daily inspiration, manifesting tips, and behind-the-scenes moments, come follow along on Facebook! I’d love to have you join the journey. 💕

#Gratitude #Manifestation #DreamLifeInProgress

365 Days to Abundance: Day 1 of My Manifestation Practice

Here we go. Day 1. Let the journey begin.

In all the books I’ve read about the law of attraction and manifesting desires, there’s one common thread: the power of gratitude. The more you appreciate what you have, the more the universe delivers things to be grateful for.

So, this morning—and every morning moving forward—I’m taking time to reflect on ten things I’m truly grateful for. Why ten? Because honestly, I could go on and on about the blessings in my life. Throughout my day, I find myself saying thank you for the smallest and biggest things. But starting with ten helps me center my focus and sets the tone for everything else that follows.

Here is my gratitude list for today:

Thank you for my family. I am so lucky to have them in my life.
Thank you for my home. It keeps my family safe, warm, and comfortable.
Thank you for my job. I love the people I work with and the opportunity to positively influence children’s lives.
Thank you for my car. It fits my entire family and allows us to safely get where we need to go.
Thank you for my extended family. I’m grateful to have a support system that loves me and my family unconditionally.
Thank you for this beautiful day. The sky is blue, the sun is warm, and I love sitting outside and soaking in the fresh air.
Thank you for our health. My family and I are so fortunate to live without limitations in this season of life.
Thank you for spring break. I’m so lucky to have a career that allows me to enjoy time off and make memories with my family.
Thank you for the healthy, fresh food we have access to every day. It nourishes us and gives us energy.
Thank you for my newfound knowledge of Kabbalah. It’s been a grounding force and has renewed my spiritual energy in such a meaningful way.

I plan to reread my list several times today and truly sit with the feelings of gratitude that come from reflecting on all that I’m thankful for.

With my gratitude practice complete, I’m now setting clear intentions for what I want to call into my life. I’ll write as if these dreams are already my reality, feeling the emotions they bring.

✨ I am so happy and grateful now that I am a full-time writer working from home. Each morning, I start my day with a warm cup of coffee in my favorite cozy spot, sunlight streaming through the windows as I write with ease and inspiration. I love the flexibility of my career—it allows me to set my own schedule and be fully present for my family. The financial freedom it provides has given us the ability to travel, create beautiful memories, and live comfortably. I feel so proud of the recognition and respect I’ve earned by doing what I love, and it fills me with joy to know my words inspire and connect with others around the world.

✨ I am so happy and grateful now that we live in our dream home. Our house is spacious and welcoming, with enough room for each of our children to have their own space to relax and grow. We have a bright game room filled with laughter, a cozy movie room where we snuggle up for family nights, a workout room that keeps us energized, and private offices where my husband and I feel focused and inspired. Outside, our beautiful pool sparkles in the sun, and the outdoor living space is perfect for hosting friends and family. The sprawling green lawn is where the kids play freely, their laughter filling the air. We love entertaining here—there’s always so much to do, and our home feels warm, immaculate, and inviting for every guest who visits.

✨✨ I am so happy and grateful now that my family is able to travel the world together. Our options for transportation, destinations, and experiences are limitless. I am always filled with excitement and anticipation for our next adventure. Sometimes it’s just my husband and me, reconnecting on a romantic getaway; other times, we travel with the kids, extended family, or close friends, creating lifelong memories together. Our children embrace each new culture with curiosity and gratitude, growing into compassionate, open-minded citizens of the world. Every journey brings us closer as a family, and I love the joy and wonder we share exploring this beautiful planet.

The last part of my daily manifestation practice is to choose one scene to meditate on. Today I am going to imagine my family and I enjoying a day at a resort in Virgin Gorda called Oil Nut Bay. I have found pictures online of the exact villa we will stay in. As I imagine, I am going to use my five senses to bring the scene to life. Here are a few pictures that I will use for inspiration.

I’m wrapping up today with 30 to 60 minutes of reading from this book. I’ll let you know what insights come up tomorrow! That’s it for Day 1—cheers to 364 more days of manifesting greatness ahead!

#Gratitude #Manifestation #DreamLifeInProgress

I Will Live in Joy!

I have felt so emotional watching the extensive coverage of President Bush’s death over the past few days. My emotional response has taken me by surprise, in fact. And it is not so much about the loss of a great man, which he was, but something deeper and more personal. Feelings that lie dormant, deep inside until something, such as President Bush’s passing, hit an emotional nerve.

The fleetingness of life.

Doesn’t every death remind us that life is short, often too short, and if not lived consciously every single day, can slip away before we understand why we are really here to begin with?

Too often I find myself on autopilot, going through the motions of each day but numb to the experience of it all. I often strive to just get through the day, which is really sad when I think about it.

Each day that passes is one day closer to the end, and I am spending that precious time watching the clock, waiting for the stress of my day to day life to subside for an hour or two before closing my eyes and waking up to the same meaningless existence again.

There are things in my life that matter. Most importantly, I am a mother to four beautiful children. I am a wife. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a friend. But I am really none of these things if I am not present to experience the gift of each role.

Family, friends, love, kindness, joy.

This is what matters. This is why I was brought forth to live this life on earth. But I am missing it. And too soon it will be over. It will be too late to seize the utter beauty of my existence and the incomprehensible magnificence that is life.

“Life is not about tomorrow. It is about right now. You are not on a quest to move forward. You are here to experience outrageous joy.”– The Teachings of Abraham

So today, I am declaring to myself and the world, that I will live in joy.

I WILL LIVE IN JOY!

I will choose joy when I am stressed out. I will choose joy when I am frustrated or my patience has worn thin. I will choose joy when I would normally choose anger.

I will look for the positive. I will appreciate. I will exude unconditional love. And on days when I struggle to find the joy, I will read, and reread my words from this moment in time. I will channel the raw emotion I am feeling in this very moment. And I will live in joy.