For years, I dreamt of adopting a puppy.

& When I say “dreamt of” - I mean: I purchased dog treats. I posted a “Think Pawsitive” sign in my office. I scheduled “walk dog” in my calendar.

…Ladies & gentlemen, I literally “walked my dog” every day, & although one important aspect of this task was missing - the dog - I spent each minute of my walks manifesting a some-day reality.

After hosting a retreat for my coaching clients this September, I shared my dream of owning a dog alongside a puppy image on my vision board. In that moment, I experienced an unsettling “of course.”
 “Of course Marin wants a dog,” was the response from retreat participants. I’ve wanted a dog for years, & I’d spoken with many of the retreat attendees about my desire (numerous times.)

“Of course I have a puppy on my vision board,” was my own response. In fact, a puppy has been on the last four vision boards I’ve created.

It felt redundant. Why do I still not own a dog?

Today as I sit at my desk, Aatto’s little paws are in the air & his belly is to the sky as he enjoys a morning snooze in my living room.

I strongly believe I attract what I think about, & anything I desire is possible. (I strongly believe this for you, too.)

From this foundation, I assumed my intent focus on adopting a dog was the “right” way to manifest one.

I assumed daily “dog walks” & vision boards & speaking as if my future dog was a reality equated to manifesting.

Moreover, I assumed manifesting guaranteed a dog would somehow arrive at my doorstep.

In my “of course” moment, I realized I missed a laughably obvious step: ACTION.

Mindset & belief & preparation are powerful measures to pursue our dreams. My walks & vision boards & conversations were valuable in their own right. And. I had been reflecting with these aspects for YEARS.

What was required was a little partnership with the universe. Aatto, the perfect rescue puppy, was waiting for me - & I had already created the lifestyle & habits & mindset to adopt him. The missing link was action. The missing link was emailing Happy Tails Rescue, driving to a meet & greet, & submitting payment for my furry companion.

I shake my head & smile at how easy it was to bridge the gap between desire & reality. In hindsight, I wonder how many “Aatto’s” had been available for me to adopt.

This same experiment of how to balance manifesting, trusting the universe, & showing up to embrace what is available has come up with many clients recently. I feel crystal clear in sharing an answer that feels right for me:

Yes, &.

Yes, dream & paint vision boards & share your desires with dear friends. And, open your eyes to YOUR role in literally creating the dream.

Yes, trust the universe & know there are infinite possibilities for how your dreams will unfold. And.

Remember you, too, are the universe; you, too, hold capability & possibility to actualize what you desire.

For years, I dreamt of adopting a puppy. And one September evening, I adopted one.

What if your dream is right in front of you? What if you showed up for it? What if you said yes?