Change Such a small word. Such a significant impact. Typically, people tend to shy away from change. They unknowingly cling to the familiarity of the status quo, even while longing for change. When it comes to manifesting a new reality people often desire profound external changes. In essence, that is what manifesting seems to be all about. One thing often missing from the equation, however, is that in order to include expansive new things in one’s reality, there first needs to be a shift within. This is the change that reaps the ultimate rewards. This is the change that is important. This is the change no one wants to entertain. Why then, when one perceives themselves to be doing absolutely everything correctly, do they never enjoy the fruits of their labour? Perhaps it is because there is something IN them that keeps the perceived dream external. It is helpful to become aware of what exists within your inner world, as it is directly reflected in your external world. To help drive this concept home, I was once asked what my initial response would be if I was told my dream home was ready to move into by tomorrow. It was suggested that I answer the question honestly. The FEELING I had was instant elation—then my ego consciousness kicked in and my thoughts turned to, “Oh! Well, now I have to do a major purge, and then pack and possibly sell off items in a hurry!” While the elation was powerful, the drudgery of what needed to be done before I took possession of the home was horrendous. To be honest, it shook me to my very core. How could I let the mundane details and the heaviness of ‘having’ to do that which I didn’t want to do override my happiness? It’s easy. The key is to be honest with yourself because noticing what surfaces is showing you exactly what is stopping you from realizing your desires. These subtle nuances in how you think, especially in times of knee-jerk reactions, are what you want to notice. Why? Because your nervous system has kicked into overdrive insistent upon finding the hiccup, the issue, the problem. This is what we call ‘conditioning’. It isn’t right nor wrong. It just is. Nothing is keeping your desires away from you because you do not deserve them; haven’t suffered enough to warrant them, or because you are not supposed to have them. It is all within you and that very powerful nervous system. What a relief to know that it can be calmed, soothed and taught that it is safe to experience something different.