On second thought, there may be a stripper in Tampa with that name. Tampa has lots of strip clubs that employ lots of people. Good one you MD, if you're out there, but this blog isn't about you.
It also isn't about the 19th century notion of manifest destiny that contends the United States was fated to expand democracy and capitalism to North America. If you have read any other posts on this blog, you will know I never get into anything that serious or educational.
The manifestation that I am talking about is the stuff that is flooding my social media. It is the belief that positive thinking and daily affirmations can bring great things to your life. I am torn between rolling my eyes and calling it all hooey to fervently joining and being a card-caring manifester.
I do know becoming negative and cynical can really take its toll on one's mind. We have all probably worked in a toxic environment where the negative energy made the place feel unbearable. I once heard a comparison that being around toxic people was a bit like being around cigarette smoke, even if you don't participate, the pollutants still permeate your being.
Conversely, we have all probably known some really lovely people whose joy is contagious. If that's the case, then shouldn't we all try to put a brighter spin on life's outlook? I know it's easier said than done, especially when life doesn't feel bright or happy all the time. Also, sometimes it's more fun to be the cynic in the room (especially as a comedian). But does that behavior alter the very reality that your grumbling about?
Counting your blessing, practicing gratitude (whatever you want to call it) has also been known to produce happier lives. Is it because you manifested something or is it that you realized that there is joy and beauty in every day, even on the hard days?
I once took a religion class in college. (It was actually community college.) The only thing that really stuck in my mind was an argument called Pascals's wager. (Holy cow, is this becoming an educational blog?) Blaise Pascal was a scientist and philosopher who contended: that if you believe in god and god exists, then you get into heaven. If you don't believe in god and god exists then you go to hell. But, if you believe in god and god doesn't exist then none of it mattered anyway. He contented that it is just better to be prudent and believe in god. It has the safest outcome.
I have decided to take that wager and apply it to manifesting. It could very well be all hooey. However, I know that the days when I have a happy mindset (i.e. I appreciate a cool breeze or remind myself of the fantastic people in my life) feel better than the days that I am in a shitty mindset and I think about something someone said to me years ago and I get mad about it all over again. (Stupid TSA agent, of course I forgot about the 3oz liquids rule or I wouldn't have put hairspray in my carry-on. Fine, confiscate it. I hope my giant coiffe haunts your dreams.)
So, I have decide to hedge my bets and make it a daily practice to be appreciative and grateful to all the things in my weird little world. I am also putting this post into the universe (internet) in hopes that it manifests happiness, good health and a monthly $1 million dollar blog residual. :-)
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