As so often happens with my daily card pull, today's card from Mike Dooley's "Notes from the Universe on Abundance" deck got my wheels turning. I was thinking about the saying "be careful what you wish for" and the importance of being clear on what we want or need. I admit that I lean toward paranoia when it comes to blowing out my birthday candles and making a wish. For example, I don't wish for money. What if I got that money as a result of a serious accident, or one of my parents passed away and I inherited it? I typically wish for "happiness and good health for myself and my loved ones." That feels safe.
I do believe that our thoughts and words have power. I do believe that if I obsess over something negative happening, it is more likely to happen. I have experienced it. Whether we are subconsciously making choices that lead us to that outcome, or there is some greater force at work, I can't say. I just know that, in my experience, the energy behind your thoughts and actions matter.
In January, I took a workshop on manifesting. The idea is that you figure out what you really want, and you put only positive energy toward it. The key is to be specific. You can't just say "I want financial freedom" and expect your bank account to triple overnight with no action on your part. That's not how it works. As with everything in life, there are no easy solutions. More importantly, what if financial freedom means you lose everything that weighs you down financially? Or you come into a large amount of money, but suffer a terrible loss as a result? Sounds like my birthday wish conundrum, doesn't it?
A few years ago, a couple of people in my life were looking for their ideal partner. I asked each of them to make a list of the characteristics they wanted in a mate. I told them to be as specific as possible. A year ago, one of them started dating someone and I'll be darned if they didn't check every single item on their wish list!
Today's card is a reminder to take a step back and evaluate what it is you think you want. Then drill down and get specific. Do you want a new job? Or do you want a job that you can't wait to wake up to each day because it fills your soul and serves a bigger purpose, all while providing the salary you need to live a comfortable lifestyle? Do you want a partner? Or do you want a soul mate that makes you laugh and brings joy into your life? It is worth the time and energy to make a detailed list of exactly what you want and what it will look like when you get it. After all, be careful what you wish for - because you just might get it.
