No, I didn’t have a psychedelic trip. And it wasn’t a dream. I set out to manifest a Pink Flamingo—wearing a Santa’s hat, no less. Why on earth would I do this? Let me back up a little. A few months ago, I was working in my office and had a realization that it had been a long time since I had connected to joy and silliness. Sure, I had some laughs with family, friends, and clients, but I hadn’t connected to child-like joy in quite a while. I love manifestation practices, but my practice had become rote. I was going through the motions, but not really feeling it—which is the most important ingredient. I’m really good at coaching others, but not always great about taking my own “medicine.”
I decided then and there that I was going to do something about it. The next morning, I set an intention to manifest something a little crazy, something a little out there. Whatever popped into my mind first would be the thing I would manifest. Well, what popped in my head was a pink flamingo wearing a Santa’s hat (it was about a week before Christmas). It was ridiculous and so out of left field that I knew I had to go with it. Spotting a pink flamingo in New England during the holidays was going to be a challenge. But I trusted the image I received.
I headed out to the lake near my house, checking out all the houses and yards. Was it possible that someone would have a pink flamingo lawn ornament with a Santa hat? No dice. Driving home there was more traffic and every time a truck or van passed by, I’d crane my neck to see if maybe an image of a pink flamingo was painted on the side. Nada. It was still early in the day so I wasn’t giving up.
After lunch, I had a quick errand to run. Once again, I found myself scanning lawns, peering at stickers on cars, and looking at billboards. Still nothing. Hmmm. Half the day was over and I hadn’t seen anything close to a pink flamingo—let alone one wearing a Santa hat. Maybe I had picked something that was too hard for the Universe to deliver? “No, that can’t be,” I thought. As Abraham-Hicks always says, “This is the Source Energy that creates worlds and keeps the Earth spinning on its axis.” Certainly, a pink flamingo dressed in its holiday best wasn’t that tall of an order. I decided to let it go.
Around 7:00 PM I realized I had forgotten to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. I hopped in the car and headed out. It was cold and dark by then, but I was cheered by all the Christmas lights. When I got to the pharmacy, I cut through the greeting card aisle. As I passed, I noticed a flash of pink in my peripheral vision. I turned to my left and scanned the cards. I couldn’t believe it. There in the middle of the display was a Christmas card with a drawing of a pink flamingo. And on his head—you guessed it—a Santa hat. I laughed and let out a loud “NO WAY!” You can’t make this stuff up. I was giggling with glee all the way home.
I share this story as a reminder of how powerful we are. It’s not about hard work, but play. When starting a manifestation process (or in my case, re-starting), start small. Start with something where you don’t have a lot of “skin in the game.” Let it be fun and easy.
As you set intentions and begin to draw things or experiences into your life, you’ll become more confident in the manifestation process.
Life is freakin’ magical! All you have to do is show a willingness to play.
I would love to hear your “pink flamingo” story!
Dear Carol,
I can’t help it, but When I go for a walk in the countryside I think I may be looking out for a pink flamingo in a Santa hat! However it will probably be a heron without a Santa hat! I just love your story, your journey from the thought, an idea to reality. Wonderful description.
As for my pink flamingo experience, I can’t think of one, but must have had one decades ago! But I shall try your ideal that became a reality and see what happens.
Jus love this, Carol. I did leave a comment I’m on LinkedIn. Thank you for the mention. 🙏
Lucky for you, you have all kinds of wonderful sightings where you live. But definitely let me know if you see a pink flamingo! 🙂
Thank you, Simon. 🙂
Thanks for this inspiration, Carol
It seems that the specificity is as important as the feeliing – lest we wish for “world peace” and manifest “whirled peas.”
Love that you reconnected with childlike joy – recreation is re-creation.
I think the universe has a sense of humor and expects us to laugh -mostly at ourselves and I will remember that
“Life is freakin’ magical! All you have to do is show a willingness to play.”
Thank you.
Alan
I agree, Alan! The Universe absolutely has a sense of humor. With everything going on in the world, sometimes I forget about that momentarily. “Whirled peas.” 😂 Thanks for taking the time to read my essay and to comment. Much appreciated!
Dear Carol,
What a truly inspiring essay! It is as if a wish is stored somewhere in the Universe, materializing when least expected. It is said that there is no such thing as coincidence. You were looking everywhere for a pink flamingo………preferably one with a Santa hat!
The chances of realizing this surreal wish can, I believe only be manifested through some form of intervention. You are always investing others with your vocational mission to enhance their abilities. This was a signal for a returned favor. It is a powerful signal that there is much we do not understand in the Universe.
Wonderful essay, Carol.
The closest I get is looking for herons on a river bank. Not wish a Santa hat though.
Simon
Always fun to experience things like this. Oh I love seeing herons on the river bank. I saw one this morning in fact. So majestic!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I always enjoy your perspective. 🙂
Wow to awesome. Whats the odds of you finding that card? Did you buy it? I would have. This was a refreshing write. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Thanks Eva. I didn’t buy it. I thought of it, but took the photo instead. I think because I wouldn’t want to have parted with the card! 😁
Your imagination is fertile and rich my friend, Carol.
I loved the way you proceeded to turn your imagination into a life lesson “As you set intentions and begin to draw things or experiences into your life, you’ll become more confident in the manifestation process.”
I have a question for you? Why did you not imagine a carol bird as your name is? Carlos are nature’s singers.
Thank you, Ali. Whenever I set an intention to manifest something a little silly, I just use whatever pops into my mind. 🙂