When I first learned about « The Secret » in 2008, my eyes were opened to a way of thinking and living that was absolutely mind-blowing. Suddenly, I was open to the idea that ANYTHING really is possible, and that with a will and fervent desire, there is ALWAYS a way.

Within the past years I have also manifested many wonderful things, such as a trip to Iceland, reuniting with my best friend from early childhood, meeting a famous DJ, seeing several favorite artists up close or front row in concert, a trip to southwestern England, receiving money when it was needed, and lots more as well.

For the past few years though, I had gone through a rough time. Heavy depression, despair, and overall unhappiness with where I was in my life. There were times where I tried very forcefully to apply The Secret, but I felt trapped and as if that which I really wanted was out of my reach. So of course, I usually didn’t manifest my desires.

The school year of 2010-2011 was my first year at university. Though I feel lucky to have had the chance to attend such a prestigious school, in my heart I didn’t desire to be there. Overall it was a good and fun year though, as I tried to focus on the good and soaking up the wonderful experiences that crossed my path.

Throughout that year I had felt a strong urge to go back to Paris and a persistent feeling that I would get there that summer. In autumn and winter I had been looking into several options for spending 1-3 months in France. By spring though, it had disappointed me that none of these options were going to work out. I was disappointed and was considering alternative plans for the summer, looking on the bright side that maybe there was something better ahead, and that Paris was not meant to be. Nevertheless, somewhere deep inside, I had a strong but calming feeling that in the end, I would end up going to Paris – a deep comfort that somehow, things would work out yet again.

In April or May, just when I thought that all hope was lost, out of nowhere it seemed that arrangements for my trip began to fall into place. I don’t remember exactly how, but doors opened unexpectedly and I was able to go forward with planning my stay in Paris. I arranged to spend all of July in the city and went ahead to plan things to do, book airfare and accommodation.

It was lovely to finally be back in the La Ville Lumière. I saw and experienced so much of what I had visualized about Paris for the past several years. Soon after arriving, I met up with a friend that my mother and I met during our trip there six years ago. During one of our conversations, my mind was opened to the possibility that if I really wanted to, I could stay in Paris. Suddenly, I didn’t feel so trapped anymore – a light bulbed flashed inside of me and shifted the world as I knew it! Since I was very young I had always dreamed of living in Paris, and now this dream could come true sooner than what I thought would be realistic. I decided that I would find a way to stay, and with the utmost fervor I pursued the goal to be living in Paris by autumn.

After researching several options concerning how to live in Paris, I decided on becoming an au pair. A few days before I was scheduled to leave, I secured a good job with a family in a fairly central area of the city. It had taken much time and effort to find a job and gather all the necessary information for obtaining a visa, but the process was nevertheless very exciting and motivating. I did it and felt so proud of what I had accomplished!
After returning home to obtain my visa and other necessary documents, within two months, all the papers were ready and I was set to go back. The day after my visa arrived, I was on the plane back to Paris!

I have been here for several months and am feeling more adjusted in living here as time goes on. I love being in the city and exploring its many beautiful sights and quartiers. It’s truly a living museum and I am very thankful to be here. There have been some very trying times during the process of moving in a rather short span of time, but when I look back, I am astounded by what I have achieved. I dreamed, believed, and went out and got it. Of course, I do believe that something greater played a big role too. Things always ended up being okay and fell into place, even when situations looked down, there didn’t seem to be enough time, etc. I lived on my beliefs, on my conviction that things would work out as they should and be okay, and that I would get to where I wanted to go.

Furthermore, in Paris, I am now pursuing another dream: modeling! Since October, I have done 7 photo shoots and have more to come. I am now working to get signed with an agency and turn this into a career. When I feel that I don’t have enough time, that now is too late to start, I remember that things will always work out and to stay relaxed and gracious. When there is a will, THERE IS A WAY. It is my plan to continue living in Paris to pursue yet another dream of mine, but more to come in the future… 🙂

Remember that things will look up, they always do. This may sound Pollyanna-ish, but the dreams of your heart WILL come to pass. Have FAITH in your dreams, BELIEVE in the Universe, and TRUST YOURSELF.

May your dreams all come to you, and may you be blessed to see the beauty in every moment.