The Power of Manifesting: How Aligning Our Actions with Our Intentions Creates Magic

Do you remember what it felt like to make a wish as a child? There was no hesitation, no doubt—just pure belief that if you closed your eyes tight enough and wished with all your heart, the universe would listen. Songs like When You Wish Upon a Star reinforced this innocent, deep faith in the power of dreaming. But somewhere along the journey of growing up, life’s realities start creeping in. We begin to second-guess ourselves, to let logic outweigh possibility, and to dismiss the very dreams we once held so close.

In many ways, manifesting greatness in your life is a lot like wishing. However, the difference—and the real secret to manifesting—is that it’s not a secret at all. It’s a well-documented scientific method, one that researchers have laid out step by step. Mel Robbins, in her podcast on manifesting, discusses this concept with a researcher who identifies four daily steps to take for manifesting success. (I highly recommend listening to that episode here).

For me, manifesting is more than just a personal belief—it’s a powerful tool that I’ve seen work in my own life and in the nonprofit sector, where big goals and bold visions require more than just hard work. They require faith in the unseen, trust in the process, and the willingness to take aligned action.

And here’s my own story of manifesting in action.

Since moving to South Florida in 2009, I’ve envisioned meeting one of my biggest idols—Gloria Estefan. To some, it may have seemed like a far-fetched dream. But I believed. I held onto that vision and allowed every small sign and opportunity to reaffirm that it was possible.

Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself receiving an invitation from a dear friend to attend a luncheon where Gloria would be the keynote speaker. I thought, This is it! I will be in the same room as her—manifesting, done. But here’s the wild thing about putting your desires out into the universe: when you are truly aligned, the universe doesn’t just listen—it delivers beyond expectation.

That day, as I walked into the luncheon and found my seat, I realized that Gloria Estefan wasn’t just in the same room—she was at the table right next to me.

I could write an entire book about that day—how inspired I was by her keynote, her story, her presence. But this blog isn’t about my moment with Gloria. It’s about your moment. It’s about leaving space for you to manifest the things that matter most to you.

So here’s my challenge to you: take a moment right now to manifest. Say out loud what you want. Write it down. Ask, believe, and receive.

And for those of us working in the nonprofit sector, let this serve as a reminder that manifesting isn’t just about personal dreams—it’s about the collective dreams we hold for our missions, our organizations, and the communities we serve. When we align our beliefs, actions, and intentions, we attract the right partners, funding, and opportunities that turn our vision into reality.

What will you manifest today?