Manifesting Your God-Given Purpose
By
Does it ever feel like everyone around you knows what they want to be when they grow up, and you're just trying to figure out what you want for lunch? Does it ever feel like everyone else seems to have it all figured out while you're trying to figure out how to survive the day? With endless possibilities and the pressures of comparative culture, it's easy to get stuck, especially when society dictates the timeline. God may have created the Earth in six days, but you don't have to create your life in the same time frame.
You may have heard the word manifesting in news stories or mixed in with self-help jargon but manifesting simply means focusing on what you want and willing it to happen. This concept stems from the power of positive thinking. However, there is more to manifesting than simply wishing and praying.
First, we have to make some decisions. If we don't know what we want, that's okay. We can start by wanting to know. We could look at physical things, such as a job, car, or significant other, but we can also manifest abstract concepts, such as strength, love, and forgiveness. The goal of manifesting is to put these desires and needs into the forefront of our minds and ask God, the Universe, or whoever you look to for guidance, how to get there. It doesn't mean our wishes will magically come true, but like everything, thoughts are energy. The more energy we put out, the more we will receive in return.
How to Manifest
There are many ways to manifest what you want. An easy access point is writing. Writing releases emotions and experiences from our body, writing expresses ideas that can connect us to other people, and writing can help us manifest what we want. We just need to take the time to think. When manifesting, it's important to be clear about what you want, and if you don't know, write down the things you don't want. When you figure out what you don't want, this creates space to figure out what you do. For example, if Colby wants to go to college, but he has no idea what he wants to major in, he could focus on what he doesn't like. He decides he doesn't like heavy reading, he doesn't like dealing with people face-to-face, and he doesn't want to do hands-on tasks. After some time, he begins to weed out some options and realize a few things about himself. He enjoys math, he likes playing on his computer, and his friends always go to him for tech questions. He decides to take some coding and IT classes to get the ball rolling. Another example is Caleb. Caleb isn't like Colby because Caleb knows what he likes. However, he has no idea what he wants to do. He loves reading and writing, he loves talking to people, and he desperately wants a job that will allow him to travel. He keeps focusing on these qualities and starts weeding out his options. He doesn't want to be a teacher, he doesn't want to work in sales, he doesn't want to be an author, and he doesn't want to sit at a desk in an office. After speaking with an academic advisor at a local college, he decides to start as Journalism/Communications major and see where it takes him. In both scenarios, notice it's not about the end game; it's about looking for the next step on the path. We don't have to figure it all out. We just need to take one step forward and reassess.Vision Boards
Another way to manifest is by creating a vision board. These come in all shapes and forms. It could be a piece of paper with a few magazine clippings/drawings focused on a specific idea, or it could be a huge piece of poster board that contains words, phrases, and pictures that connect to the person you want to be and the future you want to live. Kevin is working on his vision board. He's decided he wants to be a dentist and build cars in his free time. He cuts out pictures of various cars and car parts. He makes a list of goals, such as the colleges he wants to attend and the classes he wishes to take. Kevin also sketches up what his dream office would look like. Lastly, he cuts out some phrases for inspiration: Never Give Up, Follow Your Dreams, Be Flexible, and Enjoy the Ride. Maybe Kevin's dreams will come to fruition or maybe this board will help Kevin grow into the person he is meant to be. Either way, he's gained confidence and hope by working on this project.The Power of Positive Thinking Plus One
Manifesting is the power of positive thinking, plus one. This means you can't simply think it; you also have to make moves. Think back to Kevin. He doesn't have to figure it all out, but even something as simple as looking at graduate programs online can get the energy flowing. He can't just sit there and wish his dream life into reality. Colby might be working on what he doesn't want, but realizing anything, even the negation, can get him moving in the right direction. No matter where you are right now, you have the power to move forward. All you need to do is look for the doors marked opportunity and take one step forward. Do something, anything, that will show God and the Universe you are ready to step into your God-given power.God gave you a purpose, but God also gave you the right to treatment. If you or an adolescent you know is struggling to find your way through addiction, call Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center today at (662) 478-9463. Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we fall. The staff at Stonewater are here to pick you back up, brush you off, and get you back on the path God intended.
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