Many ideas about manifesting focus on fixing something we think is missing in our lives. I used to believe that if I just wanted something enough, I could attract it. But over the years, I’ve realized that chasing after what feels out of reach usually just left me feeling like I was not enough. My experience has shown me that true abundance starts from wholeness inside, not from a sense of lack or brokenness.
Why Focusing on Lack Does Not Create Real Abundance
The most common advice about manifesting says that if you focus, visualize, and “want it” enough, you’ll attract what you desire. I used to follow this approach, and it felt exciting for a while. But often, I was acting from a place that assumed I was missing something. Every affirmation about what I wanted made me more aware of what I didn’t have. Even when things did show up, I noticed I was still striving, still chasing, and never quite feeling the satisfaction I expected.
This kind of lack-focused manifesting creates a loop where I’m always running after something to fill the gap. It becomes an endless game. Even when I reached a goal or got that new opportunity, the feeling of “not enough” came back. I’ve talked to many others who experienced the same cycle: brief excitement, followed by emptiness or the desire to move the goalpost yet again.
Manifesting From a Place of Wholeness
I began to see a difference when I switched up my mindset away from “I need” toward “I am.” Manifesting from wholeness is about recognizing my value and completeness right now. Instead of believing I have to fix or add something, I turn my attention to what I already am and what I can express. For me, this meant seeing abundance as something that naturally flows out from my true self, not as a prize waiting outside me somewhere.
This process became more about expressing who I am, rather than fixing, hustling, or proving myself. Manifesting becomes a natural unfolding rather than a battle for something out of reach. The “need” energy transforms into calm confidence. I notice that people who feel whole tend to attract better opportunities, healthier relationships, and more creative solutions, because they’re not trying to fill a hole, but simply sharing their overflow.
In this way, the focus is no longer on the external things to get, but on staying rooted in the internal sense of being enough. Even in moments of doubt, if I remind myself that I am already whole, I feel relief and see new possibilities more easily. Manifesting from wholeness isn’t about pretending to have it all together but about accepting every part of my experience, both strengths and weaknesses, with compassion.
The Foundation of True Abundance
When I think about what really leads to lasting abundance, three things stand out from my experience:
- Emotional Alignment: When I feel at peace within myself, accept who I am, and hold compassion for my own story, I notice that opportunities tend to appear more naturally. Calm and clarity become my guide, rather than anxiety or desperation.
- Integrity: Acting in ways that match my true values is super important. When I am honest with myself and others, I feel lighter. Decisions get easier. People trust me more, and I trust myself more. This honest alignment opens the doors to real abundance, as I don’t drain my energy trying to keep up appearances.
- Presence: When I focus on what’s happening right now and do my best in this moment, I’m able to see new possibilities. Projecting myself constantly into a “maybe someday” future always left me anxious. Staying present keeps me grounded and open to creative solutions that are right in front of me.
Building on emotional alignment, integrity, and presence creates a steady base for abundance to grow in every area, including relationships, career, and personal growth. Each step toward wholeness seems to ripple out, creating more positive talk, opportunities, and even a sense of peace in chaotic times.
Simple Practices to Help Manifest From Wholeness
Switching from lack to wholeness does not happen overnight. I’ve found some practical habits that make a real difference. Here are the ones that helped me the most:
- Meditation: I take a few minutes each morning to sit quietly and breathe. I notice my thoughts, especially the selfcritical ones, and gently bring myself back to the feeling of just being okay right where I am. Even five minutes a day helps.
- Journaling: Writing about my feelings and daily experiences lets me spot old beliefs about not being enough. When I see a thought like “I’ll be happy when…” I pause and ask myself if that’s really true.
- Mindful Movement: Walking outside or light stretching helps me reconnect with my body. I find that if I move with attention, my mind gets clearer and my emotions settle down.
- Releasing Old Stories: Whenever I catch myself thinking that I have to struggle to be worthy, I pause. Reminding myself “I am already whole” helps me notice how often I fall back into old patterns. Gently letting go of the need to fix myself is a powerful act of self-kindness.
- Gratitude: Each day, I name three things I already have that make me feel nurtured. This habit changes my focus from “what’s missing” to “what’s here.” It grounds me in the abundance that’s already a part of my world.
- Inspired Action: Instead of forcing myself to hustle, I listen for the actions that feel natural and energizing. When I act from inspiration rather than force, things come together much more smoothly.
Additionally, practicing patience and selfforgiveness supports this shift. If I notice myself slipping back into old ways of thinking about lack, I remember it’s normal and just keep returning to the present moment. Practicing these steps over time has made the biggest difference in how abundance shows up in my life.
From Struggle to Flow: A RealWorld Story
A friend of mine, Sara, once tried to manifest a new job by focusing every day on wanting more money and respect. She made vision boards and recited affirmations, but the process left her drained. She finally decided to change her approach by first working on how she felt about herself, letting go of stories like “I’m not qualified” and “I have to hustle for worth.” She started focusing on activities that made her feel proud and present, like volunteering and learning new skills for fun, not just for a paycheck. Within two months, she got a job offer that paid better and actually matched what she enjoyed. She told me she stopped trying so hard to “make it happen” and simply showed up as her whole, true self. That swap made all the difference.
I share this because I’ve watched similar swaps in my own life. The more I center myself in wholeness, the more naturally opportunities begin to appear. There’s much less struggle and a lot more ease. I’ve noticed that even my relationships started to feel lighter and more honest. By showing up as my full self, rather than hiding behind what I thought I lacked, people responded with more openness in return.
The Ripple Effects of Manifesting From Wholeness
Living from wholeness isn’t just about getting what you want. I see the impact touch my relationships, my work, and my creative ideas. When I feel abundant and whole, I become a better listener and a more reliable friend. My work flows easier. New ideas show up unexpectedly, and I approach challenges with more patience.
I’ve noticed that when I show up in this way, other people respond differently too. Conversations get more honest, and working together feels easier. Creative projects also benefit because they’re not forced or filled with anxiety about results. Instead, they come from a genuine place and often go further than I could plan for.
This kind of abundance builds a life that actually feels satisfying, not just one that looks good on the outside. It creates a sense of flow that supports me and those around me, without feeling like a constant uphill climb. Even small steps in this direction make a huge difference in well-being.
Notice Where Your Manifesting Begins
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if I work harder, want it more, or keep making lists of what I need, I’ll finally feel abundant. My experience proves that lasting abundance starts from recognizing I’m already whole. The more I rest in that feeling, the better things seem to unfold. Instead of asking, “What do I need to fix?” I now ask, “What can I express from my wholeness today?”
Maybe you’ve noticed moments where you felt whole, calm, present, and enough. Using those moments as your starting point can change the whole process of manifesting. That’s the path I walk each day, and it’s the foundation I trust for building true abundance. If you’re curious where your manifesting energy is coming from, either lack or wholeness, try a few of the practices above. It might surprise you how much easier life can feel when you’re building on solid ground inside yourself. You may even stumble upon new ways of showing up that bring more lightness and fulfillment to your days. With practice, you’ll likely spot the unique, natural abundance that wants to come through in your own life as well.
Raya Griggs – Feel It To Free It