If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stuck, manifesting abundance might seem impossible—or even like a kick in the face. I get it. But I’ve been there, and I’ve found ways to practice gratitude and manifest abundance even when life feels overwhelming.

Trust me, I get it. I’m in the thick of it right now. I don’t have a full-time job. I had to leave California, where I felt healthy and free. I’ve been living with my parents at 37 for the past eight months. And keeping a healthy relationship? Forget it.

Hitting rock bottom—contemplating suicide, driving to the psych office, being handed a prescription—was my breaking point. My last anxiety attack of the year, my final suicidal thought of a lifetime, made me realize something crucial: it was me—and only me—who could turn things around.

When I say “turn things around,” I mean in every aspect of my life. Listening to Mel Robbins daily, meditating, praying, going to therapy three times a week (yes, maybe a little overkill), and caring for my ride-or-die Frenchie, Ziggy, was my attempt at doing my best.

But the real shift came when I listened to myself and the Mel Robbins’ podcast—again—titled #1 Neurosurgeon: How to Manifest Anything You Want & Unlock the Unlimited Power of Your Mind (In Memory of Dr. Jim Doty). And myself I mean, started chugging my positive outlook/happy tincture you can learn about here.

Man, I wish this doctor were still alive. I recommend listening to it multiple times and taking notes. After my third listen this morning, something clicked. I realized I had the power not just to change my circumstances, but my mindset about my surroundings and life.

I’ve heard about manifestations, asking God for your wishes (which I still do), positive mindsets, and daily affirmations. But I didn’t realize there was a special way to manifest and practice gratitude for the best possible outcome.

It takes practice—but what doesn’t? Dr. Doty started every day with this simple routine, which transformed his life, and could transform ours too:

1. Box Breathing – Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold again for four. Do this for a few minutes, lying down, sitting, or cross-legged like in elementary school. Your body doesn’t care, but your nervous system does. This shifts you into your parasympathetic “love mode,” rather than the sympathetic stress mode.
2. Awe and Wonder – Think of the joy of simply being in this world. Sit for a minute or two, marveling at everything God created.
3. Manifestation Practice – In this order:
   • Write down what you desire
   • Repeat it silently in your head
   • Visualize it happening
   • Repeat consistently

Dr. Doty also emphasizes recognizing our negative beliefs—the “shadow self” formed in childhood—but separating them from our desires. Negative self-talk manifests if we give it power. Instead, acknowledge the thoughts, let them pass, and intentionally redirect your mind toward the positive. Through meditation and prayer, I began manifesting abundance in small but meaningful ways each day

When you practice this daily, you put positive energy into the world and imprint intentions on your subconscious. What fires together, wires together. Habits—negative or positive—shape reality. This exercise engages your senses and rewires belief systems. Manifesting abundance isn’t just about thinking positively; it’s about shifting your mindset and daily habits

He also recommends writing down at least three positive things each day. In my group Catholic therapy, we call them “beautiful moments.” Whether blessings are big or small, putting them on paper reinforces what we’ve already manifested and shows us how far we’ve come.

The biggest takeaway? Beyond morning practice and gratitude, Dr. Doty said:

“When I changed how I looked at the world, the world changed how it looked at me. I realized that so much of what I thought I wanted was meaningless. What truly matters—what gives life purpose and activates every part of your mind and body—is being of service, being connected, and caring for others.”

I love this. I love this new practice. It’s already reshaped my mindset, refocused my mornings, and reinforced what I’ve learned through faith. Doing everything through love and service, asking daily, ‘How can I help at least one person?’—that’s not just what God asks of us. Practicing gratitude, meditation, and reflection brings real joy and transformation.