10 minute read
D R E A M B I G: Manifest the Life You Desire with Carla Hall
The idea of manifesting a dream/goal into reality can sound daunting What exactly does it mean to 'manifest' something into your life? It often sounds like magic or mystery, something that happens to some people but feels out of reach for others. Happily, I’m here to tell you that manifesting is something that we are all capable of doing And while it isn’t magic, it can certainly feel magical as things fall into place as you desire.
Our thoughts, intentions, actions, and energy shape our reality by influencing the world around us Manifesting is directing your energy towards your goals in a way that opens doors and creates opportunities
It still sounds a little vague?
Okay - we ’re going to walk through some of the ways that I manifest my own dreams into reality, and together we are going to brainstorm ways you can take small steps to add this way of thinking into your own life!
Origins Of Manifesting
Manifesting draws on the idea that the mind is powerful, and by focusing on specific desires or outcomes, we can bring them into existence. Humans have manifested their goals and dreams throughout history Practices like prayer and meditation can be seen as forms of manifesting, focusing energy on desires and sending that energy out into the Universe. Books and explorations of ideas like “The Power of Positive Thinking” also hinge on the idea that the Universe reacts to the energy we put into it.
While this can sound mystical, just think about it - if you direct your energy toward what you want, you're more likely to notice opportunities and take actions that lead to achieving your goals Right? Your mind becomes attuned to the things that match your desires, like when you want to buy a red car and suddenly you start seeing red cars everywhere. By consistently focusing on what you want, you “train” yourself to see the paths to get there.
MANIFESTING ISN’T MAGIC IT’S WORK
Let me take you back to when I first started thinking about manifesting. At the time, I was focused on the little things, like finding a parking space I’d say, “Divine order, perfect parking!” and before I knew it, boom parking spot! Now, it might sound silly, but those small moments taught me something important: manifesting begins with belief You’ve got to believe in what you’re saying or thinking for it to work If you’re just going through the motions without believing, it’s not going to happen.
But that’s only the beginning. The real work comes when you start aligning your actions with your desires
For example, let’s say you are manifesting a new car. Yes, you can think about the car you want and what it will be like to drive it, but manifesting is also figuring out what the steps are that will take you from dreaming to owning.
Ask yourself, "What needs to happen for me to get this car?" Do you need to save money, improve your credit score, or explore financing options? Break these steps down into manageable actions You might decide to save a certain amount of money each month or look for additional sources of income This way, you’re not only visualizing the end goal but actively taking steps toward it
Next, stay open to opportunities The car you manifest might not come in the exact way you imagine. Be flexible. Maybe a friend is selling a car at a great price, or you find a financing option you hadn’t considered The Universe often surprises us with options that align with our goals but arrive in ways we don't expect.
START BY CREATING A PLAN
Be patient Manifesting doesn’t always happen on your timeline, but trust that everything is unfolding as it should.
You might not own the car tomorrow, but each step gets you closer to your goal Stay open to unexpected opportunities perhaps a bonus at work, a promotion, or even someone offering you a great deal on a car you hadn’t considered. These little moments are often nudges, letting you know that you're heading in the right direction.
By focusing your energy, aligning your thoughts with your actions, and staying open to possibilities, manifesting your new car becomes an achievable goal that you actively work toward not just a distant dream
HOW I AM MANIFESTING MY ONE-WOMAN SHOW
One of the biggest things I’ve manifested in my life is my one-woman show. And let me tell you, it didn’t happen overnight. At first, I kept the idea to myself, rolling it over in my mind and imagining what it might look like
Eventually, I started saying it out loud to the right people, of course. I didn’t go around telling everyone, especially those who might have doubted me Instead, I spoke with people who understood my love for theater and who could offer advice or feedback that would help me grow. It’s important to share your dreams with people who will support you If you don’t have your goal solidified in your mind, someone else’s doubt can derail you. You have to believe in your dream so strongly that no one can shake you That’s what I did I began talking to people who were already in theater, and soon enough, I was attracting the right people who could help me take the next steps.
THE PROCESS - LIKE COOKING A GOOD MEAL
Manifesting is not an instant process—it’s like cooking a good meal. Some things you can whip up quickly, like a stir-fry, but others, like baking a cake or smoking meat, take time. My one-woman show was definitely a project that needed time to develop, like something that has to smoke for hours.
For example, I submitted the idea for the show to a team at the Apollo Theater and nothing came of it. At first, it felt like a setback, but I realized that every 'no' can help shape the path to your 'yes.' I realized that submission pushed us to create a formal outline, making the project more tangible and helping us move forward in other ways. Every step, even those that seem like setbacks, contribute to success if you stay open and flexible.
Manifesting Isn’t About Perfection
One of the biggest challenges people face when they’re trying to manifest something is the fear of failure. And I get it—when you really care about something, it can feel precious, and you become afraid of making mistakes. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Manifesting isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about staying open to the process and learning along the way.
In fact, I’m still in the process of manifesting my show - and that’s part of the reason why I’ve been sharing news of it in interviews and here with you!
I didn't tie my dream of performing to one specific outcome like Broadway By staying open to different ways the dream could take shape I discovered opportunities I might have otherwise overlooked, such as meeting my co-writers and developing the show at the Olney Theater. I continue to manifest my dreams for that show and find ways to grow it.
STAYING OPEN AND TAKING SMALL STEPS
If you’re new to manifesting, here’s a tip: start small Begin with something you want to add to your life but isn’t essential. That way, you can practice the process without the pressure of needing it to happen Whether it’s manifesting happiness, contentment, or even something as simple as a parking space, the key is to keep your energy open.
You also need to visualize the small steps, not just the big dream. If you’re thinking about writing a book, start by visualizing yourself writing short stories or essays Breaking down the process makes it feel more achievable, and it helps you understand that big dreams take time to grow
A COMMUNITY WILL HELP YOU
Something I always remind people is that manifesting isn’t something you do alone Yes, you’re manifesting your dream, but you’re also manifesting the people who will help you along the way. For my one-woman show, I wasn’t just thinking about the performance; I was also manifesting the team who could help me bring it to life. The more
I talked about it, the more I attracted the right people people who were excited to work with me and move the project forward
You’re never going to find those people unless you put your dream out there. Don’t be afraid to talk about what you want You might be surprised at how many people are willing to help you
MANIFESTING IS A JOURNEY
Finally, remember this: manifesting isn’t about reaching a specific destination It’s about the journey As you grow and change, your dreams might change too. That’s okay! Keep an open mind, stay flexible, and trust that every step you take is leading you toward something amazing even if it’s not exactly what you expected.
The Universe is always working with you, even when you don’t realize it So keep moving, keep dreaming, and keep manifesting. I promise you, the results will be worth it.
How to Actively Manifest
SET CLEAR INTENTIONS
Be specific about what you want The Universe responds to clarity, not vagueness.
Write down your desires or visualize them in detail
Focus not just on what you want, but also why. What will achieving this goal bring into your life? How will it make you feel?
Connecting emotionally to your goals amplifies their pull
BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE IT
Belief is key in manifesting. You have to truly believe that what you’re seeking is possible and that you’re worthy of receiving it. If you have doubts or limiting beliefs, it can block the flow of energy toward your goal.
Practice affirmations or meditation to reinforce this belief Replace negative self talk with positive, empowering statements
Regularly imagine yourself living in the reality you want to create. Visualization helps to keep your mind focused and aligned with your desires
While visualizing, feel the emotions that would come with achieving that goal. How would success, happiness, or fulfillment feel?
TAKE INSPIRED ACTION
Manifesting isn’t passive You need to take steps toward your goal. This could mean learning new skills, reaching out to people, or making daily choices that align with your intentions.
Pay attention to signs or opportunities that arise. Once you’re in the mindset of manifesting, you’ll notice things you might have previously overlooked that can help you move closer to your goal
TRUST THE PROCESS
Trust that things are unfolding as they should, even if you don’t see immediate results. Patience and persistence are crucial in manifesting. Sometimes what we want doesn’t arrive in the form we expect, or on the timeline we imagine.
STAY POSITIVE AND GRATEFUL
Gratitude amplifies the energy of manifestation
By appreciating what you already have, you open yourself to more abundance. It shifts your focus from lack to plenty
Maintain a positive attitude, even when challenges arise.
Every obstacle is a lesson that helps you grow toward your goals.
GET A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM CARLA
HOW TO ACCESS MY SPECIAL MESSAGE
Scan the QR Code with your phone camera
Download the McKenna App (No signups required)
Open the McKenna app and select "View Domain"
Scan the QR code AGAIN using the app
Slowly move your phone a few inches above the QR code and look through the screen!
