Alright, so 2023 was winding down, and honestly, I was feeling a bit… meh. You know? Like I was just going through the motions. I’d heard people talk about manifestation, and usually, I’d just roll my eyes a bit. Seemed a bit too woo-woo for me. But I figured, what have I got to lose for 2024? So, I decided to give it a proper shot, my own way.
Getting My Head Straight First
I didn’t just wake up on January 1st and start wishing. Nah, that’s not how I do things. I spent a good week or so in late December just… thinking. Really thinking. I grabbed a battered old notebook, one I wasn’t scared to mess up, and just started scribbling. What did I actually want? Not like, a million dollars tomorrow, but real stuff that would make my day-to-day feel better, more purposeful.
It was a bit messy at first. Lots of crossed-out things. But eventually, I kind of whittled it down to a few core things. I didn’t want a massive list that would feel overwhelming.
My Shortlist for 2024
So, what did I land on? Pretty simple stuff, really:
- More genuine peace and less pointless stressing. Seriously, I was getting worked up over nothing half the time.
- Actually finish that creative project I’d been putting off for, like, ages. You know the one. We all have one.
- Better connection with my close friends. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let things slide.
That was it. Seemed manageable.
The Nitty-Gritty: My “Process”
Okay, so this is what I actually did. I got myself a new, clean notebook – nothing fancy, just something dedicated to this. And I wrote those three things down, nice and clear, on the first page. Seeing them in my own handwriting made them feel a bit more… real.
Then, most mornings, not all, because let’s be honest, life happens, I’d take maybe 5-10 minutes. Before all the chaos of the day kicked in. I’d read my list. Then I’d close my eyes and try to visualize it. Like, what would “more genuine peace” actually feel like in a stressful moment? I’d imagine myself handling something calmly instead of flying off the handle.
For the creative project, I’d picture myself actually working on it, making progress, and even that feeling of satisfaction when it’s done. This was tough sometimes. My brain would wander. But I’d just gently bring it back.
Sometimes, and this felt super awkward at first, I’d say stuff out loud. Quietly, mind you, just to myself. Things like, “I am feeling calmer today,” or “I am making progress on my project.” Felt like a bit of a weirdo, but hey, no one was listening except me and maybe the cat, and he doesn’t judge.
The biggest thing I tried to do was to feel it. Not just think about it, but actually try to drum up the emotion of already having it. That’s the kicker, I think. It’s not just wishful thinking; it’s trying to align your insides with what you want on the outside.
And, importantly, I didn’t just sit on my butt waiting for things to fall into my lap. For the project, I started blocking out tiny bits of time, even 15 minutes, to actually work on it. For the peace thing, when I felt myself getting stressed, I’d consciously try to take a breath and remember what I was aiming for. Small actions, you know?
Keeping it Going (and Doubting Myself)
Was it a perfect, smooth journey? Heck no. There were days I totally forgot. Days I felt like, “This is silly, what am I even doing?” The skepticism would creep in. But I just told myself, “Look, you said you’d try it for the year. Just pick it back up tomorrow.” No beating myself up about it. That would defeat the whole “more peace” thing, right?
It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about being persistent, in a chill way.
So, How’s It Going?
Well, we’re a good chunk into 2024 now. And honestly? Things are… better. It’s not like magic fireworks went off. But that sense of peace? I’m definitely feeling it more often. I’m not reacting as much to little annoyances. It’s like my default setting is slowly shifting.
That creative project? I’m actually making progress! It’s not done, but it’s moving, and that feels amazing. I’ve been more proactive about scheduling those little bits of time.
And my friends? I’ve made more of an effort to reach out, make plans, even if it’s just a quick call. And those connections do feel stronger.
It’s subtle. It’s not like everything is suddenly perfect. But there’s a definite shift. I feel more intentional. Maybe it’s just the focus, maybe it’s something more. Who knows? But something’s working for me.
So yeah, that’s my manifestation journey for 2024 so far. Still learning, still doing it my way. But I’m glad I decided to give it a go. No harm in trying to steer your own ship a little more, right?
