By the age of 28, I’d assumed that my lifelong love affair with my dance career was over. So, imagine my surprise when a college friend who was the leader of a rival dance team asked me to be a backup dancer for a recording artist for whom he was a choreographer, one of the legendary Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark-Cole.
After experiencing the excitement of performing to her powerful vocals and live band on several stages across the country, I couldn’t imagine anything better. My belief for what was possible was quickly stretched when I was given the opportunity to audition for her niece, gospel recording artist Kierra ‘Ki Ki’ Sheard. Kierra was slated to go on a ten-day, three-city tour in Japan and she was in search of one more dancer. As our choreographer was sharing this news, I began to visualize myself dancing on that stage with her.
On the day of the audition, I walked over to him seconds before we were about to begin and said confidently, “I want to go to Japan.” When the music started, I poured everything I had in my soul onto that dance floor.
She watched intently as we performed a series of dances for her and her team. I danced, not as if I was auditioning, but as if I had already been chosen for the position. I left no space for limiting beliefs even though there were several factors that I could have allowed to infiltrate my confidence. I was nine years older than her and ten years older than her other dancer. I was not the traditional size that the dance world found to be acceptable, and I had absolutely no idea where my passport was. If I had given power to any of those thoughts, I would have defeated myself before I even began, and it would have shown up in my performance.
She traded whispers with the other dancer as she watched, and with our choreographer after we had finished. The suspense was extreme. When she left, he pulled me to the side and said, “I hope you have your passport because you’re going to Japan!”
A few short months later, that clear vision that I had imagined on audition day had become my reality as I danced on stages in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
During that entire process, I never wavered from the belief that I deserve great things. It’s that belief that sustains me when the unexpected challenges that life brings seem insurmountable. This was a sign of extreme growth for me because there was a time when I operated purely on fear and self-doubt. This shift in my mindset and belief about myself and my ability has led to so many amazing experiences manifesting in my life. We don’t get what we want because we don’t believe that we deserve it.
I learned that the only person who can sabotage any of the plans that I have for what I want to achieve is me. In shifting to this attitude of expectation, I began to visualize everything that I wanted as already being mine.
It is important not to confuse expectation with entitlement. I am grateful for every opportunity and take great care to maintain all that I am given by putting in the necessary work to support my faith.
Be present to the power of asking for what you want. When you think about it, put it in writing, and speak it out loud, you will most likely get it, so be prepared. We often get what we ask for then don’t know what to do with it because we aren’t ready for it.
As you work to cultivate your attitude of expectation, make sure that you are simultaneously in a state of preparation.
Get Legit. You increase your ability to take advantage of amazing opportunities when your affairs are in order. I was excited to celebrate with one of my clients recently when she won a grant for her business. She attributed it to our mutual business coach who taught us how to make sure our business operations were organized and more than just a side hustle or hobby.
Access Accountability. Every now and then, life may cause us to forget who we are. In these instances, it’s important to have someone who will remind you. Having an accountability partner is also a powerful way to make sure you are sticking to the goals you set and keeping your promises to yourself.
Be Proactive. If you are believing for a new home, start packing up your existing home. Start getting ready for what you want before it arrives as if it is already here.
This week I challenge you to change your mind. Expect greatness. Believe that amazing opportunities, connections and experiences are yours for the taking…they are just waiting for you to realize it.
Manifestation Affirmations
I expect great things.
I believe in me.
I deserve amazing opportunities and experiences.
Master Your Mind + Master Your Body + Master Your Money = Manifest a Life You Love Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide
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