Blog #4- Magical Manifestation

It's not really magic, but it's powerful. A popular trend among young people is the idea of manifestation. For those of you who are unaware of the topic, manifestation is speaking your desires and beliefs into life. However, it isn't just speaking what you want, you have to put in the effort to make those desires come true.

In my Communications class, we touched on the subject of "labels" and how they can shape our reality. When we label ourselves as negative ideas, even in a joking manner, we end up believing those things about ourselves. On the opposite end, complimenting ourselves gives us the boost we need for some positivity. 

For the longest time, I had dealt with self-doubt, self-hate, and self-loathing, and it was destroying my soul. I would "joke" about how much of a horrible person I was and complain about my looks; it was a dark time that affected every aspect of my life. I didn't want to go to school, and I stayed in isolation. I didn't want to be left alone with my negative thoughts, but I didn't want to be surrounded by people who I thought hated me.

Thankfully, I started to change those habits. Instead of pointing at what I wanted to get rid of, I started to look at how it helped my body function. Instead of looking down on my habits, I started to develop better ones to replace those. Whenever I was given a compliment, I wouldn't deflect it, I would accept it and give one in return. Whenever I put myself down, I would remind myself of how great I am. 

Eventually, I would start to take care of myself for myself, not for others. I started to go on walks, eat better, and develop a skin-care routine. I am a person who is heavily influenced by music, and I realized that many songs helped me feel confident. As a result, I began to develop a playlist of those songs and listen to it when I do my skin-care routine. I would start the day with confidence, and end my day with confidence.

Now, you may be wondering "Juju, its great that you're doing better, but what about manifestation?". In the movie, The Help, Aibileen Clark, an African-American maid, takes care of a baby, Mae Mobley, who is constantly put down by her own mother. Aibileen frequently tells the baby, "You is smart. You is beautiful. You is important". This is manifestation. Aibileen is helping Mae develop the idea that she is smart, beautiful, and important, even if the her mother doesn't see it. 

You see, I kept on hating myself and picking at what I didn't like, but I never put in any effort to improve myself. Even if I did, it was never for the right motives- the acceptance of others. The moment I decided to focus on myself and my needs, was the moment I began my manifestation journey. I wasn't even aware I was manifesting my growth until my siblings informed me of this trend. 

When I first heard of this trend, it reminded me of a lesson my Youth Pastor told us when I attended church regularly. I don't remember the full message, but a point that stuck out to me was meeting God half way to get what you wanted. Similarly, with manifestation, you must meet the universe half way to achieve your goals. You can't just beg and beg for a new car, you must work hard, save money, and do research for the new car. If we want to change or better an aspect of our life, manifestation helps us stay on this track

To Be Continued . . .