Inspiration is an energy that ebbs and flows — sometimes, when it is at a height, when it is overflowing, I feel like anything is possible. I’ve been having this kind of feeling lately, and I wish that I could bottle it up. It is a great feeling! I am hearing great news from friends, I feel like more and more creative opportunities are arising, and even if things fall through (which they do), there seems to be this certainty within me that everything is going to just work out. If I can’t bottle this feeling up, maybe a writing it up in a blog post is a good second resort.

I have always thought to myself, if I write my memoirs, or even a novel based on some aspects of my life, I would title it, fate, timing, and magic. I feel like that is the magical trifecta of manifesting dreams. But, what does that even mean? Do you believe in it? Some people are drivers of change. They actively seek out ways to make things happen. I like to think that I am that kind of person…sometimes to a fault. I find it hard to rest, and to fully let go (hello, type A personality). Some people are more passive. But I can’t simply hope, wish or pray for my dreams to come true.

My mom gave me a Japanese daruma figurine a couple of years ago as a gift. If you read up on it, or you’re familiar with it, you’ll know that it is not just a doll, but a little token that is packed with symbolism and intention. When you receive a daruma, both of the figures’ eyes are white. The recipient is supposed to paint, or draw, eyes in only ONE of the eyes (the left). When doing this, the recipient is also meant to do an important thing: they are to identify or define a goal. Once they reach the goal — it could be days, weeks, months, or a lifetime — they take the daruma, and draw in the second eye.

I have drawn my eye in my daruma and I can very clearly visualize my dreams. But instead of simply calling them “dreams,” I prefer to think of them as goals. I prefer to occupy a mindset where I believe I can cause change through my actions, and therefore get closer to my goals. I also believe that every person I meet, every opportunity arises, every situation that happens -- it's like an opening door. It may lead me to my goals, or lead me to other opportunities to get closer to my goal. Sometimes it isn’t about action, however. Sometimes there are moments when it’s better to let go, or bow out. Sometimes when opportunities arise, you’ve got to say no. That’s not a bad thing, and it’s not a good thing. It is just how it is.

If you have a dream house, a dream job, a dream lifestyle, a dream accomplishment -- I urge you to visualize it. I urge you to truly see it in your mind's eye with visceral detail. What are your goals? What is your purpose? It’s okay for these things to change, and I firmly believe that it is all about the journey getting there.