Live the life you have imagined.
-Henry David Thoreau
To Panama and Back Again
I have always gravitated towards alternative ways of thinking and living in hopes of achieving a blissful, prosperous life but I was never really able or willing to put it all together. I figured success, wealth, happiness and journeys to exotic places were for other people... then something strange and wonderful happened - I discovered that I am one of those people! It all started like this...
Several winters ago my partner Michael and I started daydreaming about taking little trips to sunny, warm destinations in far away places (you've got to look far from Montana to find sunny and warm in the middle of winter). One of the locations we happened upon, thanks to some great travel articles at Escape Artist, was Panama. I was immediately interested and started researching madly online, learning about the country, the people and the current attitudes towards visitors. We searched for great little bed and breakfasts, restaurants and the ideal destinations that we would like to visit on our trip to Panama. This trip we were "planning" was mostly for mental entertainment in the dark days of winter, but we got every detail down. I thought it would be a great retirement haven for my folks and even made a custom full-color "brochure" telling them where they would stay and what fun they could have on their trip to Panama.
Somewhere along the way this fantasy vacation started to solidify into existence without my even realizing it. My father was taking me up on the offer, but wanted me to go along as his tour guide and travel agent. He'd been thinking that he wasn't getting any younger and it was time to start doing some of the things he'd always wanted to do but had been putting off. Since there are beautiful islands off the coast of Panama we could both have our wish, as I hoped to see tropical water and white sandy beaches for the first time! Next thing I knew, we were booking our flights for Dad and I to go to Panama for three whole weeks in February, 2006. I planned our itinerary across the country and reserved rooms at all the beautiful places we had found and researched. And somehow, even though I didn't know how it would happen, plenty of money showed up in my travel fund jar!
That was when I started to realize just how powerful visualization can be. I have had a few experiences like this in the past and I noticed how quickly things can move when your intent is strong. I have manifested a Toyota 4-Runner which I had always wanted but figured I could never afford. The moment I started looking and "pretending" that I could own one, the magic started and I had a beautiful 4-Runner sitting in my garage within two weeks! Several years ago I thought that I might be able to help a few folks with their computers, and I now have a successful computer training and consulting business which enables me to work for myself on my own terms and I have the most wonderful clients! The key to all these things, though, is being brave enough to act upon them when the wheels start turning, because it's exactly as I've heard from others: The Universe likes speed! As soon as you start to believe, and SEE yourself in the circumstances you would like to have, the process has begun.
So how did 'Panama Jenn' come to be after just one trip to Panama? There are several facets to this. Realizing that I could travel to Panama and watching the pieces fall into place so perfectly was a magical turning point of hope and possibility; I feel like a new person! My experiences, conversations and adventures with the people of Panama were all so positive and beautiful - we were welcomed warmly by complete strangers who turned out to be new friends. I saw first hand that how you treat others and what you expect will form what kind of experience you have. I have a special place in my heart for the country of Panama and it's people and can see myself living a peaceful, quiet life there one day.
So what started as a fantasy trip to relieve the winter doldrums, turned into a renewal of my zest for life. I realized that I can do and be anything and so can you!
After I returned from Panama, I made a decision to change my diet, lose weight and get fit so that I may better enjoy what life has to offer. Not too long after that came a huge lightning-bolt that shook up the rest of my world: a beautiful film called "The Secret". It was an hour and a half that truly changed my life. I highly recommend that everyone watch this, young or old - it is a special jewel that can bring hope and excitement and success into your life, too!
I have made a commitment to myself to live my life in joy, gratitude, hope and love. I believe that as this way of thinking becomes a way of living, wealth and prosperity in all things will follow. In addition to my computer business, I am a member of Success University, an online personal development program with income opportunities. What a world we live in, where we can travel, meet new people, share our experiences and earn an income all at the same time! Meanwhile, I am learning each day how to better live my life in harmony and accept the gifts the universe has for all of us.
As with all things, this process is a journey. I am not even close to perfecting any aspect of my life, but each day that I follow this path, I feel better, look better, am more joyful and appreciative of what I have right now, and I know that I am finally doing it right! Each morning I wake up excited and curious about what the day will bring. When I go to bed at night it is with gratitude for all the treasures I have in my life, and in anticipation of what adventures will come tomorrow...