EP 77: Birthday Reflections: What I Manifested and Didn’t Manifest this Last Year
Welcome to the Breathe More Birthday Edition. I just celebrated my 44th birthday, and I’m feeling reflective—looking back on the past year, the highs and lows, the challenges I navigated, the lessons I learned, and the unexpected blessings I received. Let me take you on a journey through my year. 🌟
Saying Goodbye to Los Angeles
After nearly 20 years in LA, I made the huge decision to leave the city that had been my home for so long. It wasn’t easy. LA was where I built my business, friendships, and community. But by the end of 2022, circumstances—health challenges and housing frustrations—nudged me to explore a new chapter. That’s when Idyllwild, a charming mountain town above Palm Springs, entered my life.
My first rental in Idyllwild was a dream: a remodeled home with a hot tub, a seasonal creek, and proximity to town. It felt like the perfect place to land as I transitioned to this slower, more intentional way of life. The goodbye to LA wasn’t just about moving—it was a ceremony of gratitude for all the growth, healing, and memories that my time in the city brought.
Adjusting to Mountain Life
Living in Idyllwild has been a mix of expansion and adjustment. Snow and icy roads were completely new experiences for me—I had to learn how to put chains on my car and face my fear of driving in tough conditions. Meeting new people was surprisingly easier here than in LA, where my social circles had shifted and friendships often felt transient.
One of the biggest gifts of this move has been my weekly connection with Ana Flores, the founder of We All Grow Latina, who also lives here. We’ve shared so many moments of encouragement, brainstorming, and dreaming bigger together. Having her in my corner has been grounding during moments when the quiet of mountain life felt isolating.
The Challenges of Finding "Home"
This year also brought unexpected hurdles in my search for a permanent, safe home. While my first rental was idyllic, subsequent homes came with significant issues—one even triggered severe health setbacks due to mold and rodent infestations. These experiences forced me to reexamine my relationship with safety.
I realized I’d been relying on external factors—homes, income goals, career success—to feel secure. But the truth is, safety must come from within. It’s about cultivating a sense of trust in yourself, no matter the circumstances. This realization has been one of the most profound lessons of my 43rd year.
Manifesting Unexpected Joy: Meet Max
Amidst the challenges, life brought an unexpected blessing in the form of Max, my sweet cat. If you’ve followed my journey, you know I wasn’t planning to adopt a pet—especially not a cat! But Max arrived at the perfect time, fulfilling my craving for connection and companionship. His presence has brought so much joy, laughter, and healing.
Max has also been a gentle reminder to take breaks and embrace the present moment. Whether it’s his healing purrs or our morning ritual of deep belly breathing together, he’s taught me that love and joy often come in the most unexpected forms.
A Year of Growth and Big Dreams
Professionally, this year was about planting seeds. I invested in my health, my business, and myself in ways that required courage and trust. While I didn’t hit all my business goals, I gained clarity and confidence for what was to come. The grind of 43 has set the stage for the abundance and fun I’m calling into 44.
One of my biggest dreams—hosting transformative retreats—continues to thrive. I’m thrilled to announce that my next retreat will be in Sedona from October 22–26, 2025. Save the date because it’s going to be an unforgettable experience of deep healing and growth!
Reflection and Gratitude
As I reflect on this past year, I’m filled with gratitude—for the lessons, the challenges, and the incredible people in my life, including all of you who support this podcast. Thank you for listening, sharing, and allowing me to live out my soul’s purpose.
This year has taught me the value of celebrating not just the wins but the journey itself. And as we approach the end of the year, I invite you to do the same. Take some time to reflect on your own year:
What worked for you?
What didn’t work?
How did you grow?
What are the blessings and lessons you can carry forward?
Moving Forward with Intention
As I step into 44, I feel a renewed sense of hope, stability, and excitement. I’m ready for more abundance, adventures, and ease. And I can’t wait to see what this year will bring—not just for me, but for all of us.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to dreaming bigger, embracing the unexpected, and always remembering to breathe more.
See you next week, my friends. Until then, keep breathing. ✨
WORK WITH ANA:
FREE – Start the Manifest Abundance Challenge
CONNECT WITH ANA: