How To Have Fun With A Wish List

Have you ever been around a child who, with single-mindedness of purpose, has got just what they wanted - like a puppy, a new pair of shoes, a treat of some kind? Perhaps you have achieved the results of clear, unfettered focus, going for something you really wanted, that was important to you.

One of my most dramatic experiences of this came about through an exercise in a personal development programme. There were over 200 of us in the group. We were told to approach fellow participants, one by one, and ask for whatever we wanted. The other person could give you a "yes" or a "no". Then, that person asked you for what they wanted. The game was that for every "yes" you gave, you had to give 9 "no's".

Whether you received a yes or a no was random. What I was asking for at that time was totally out of the question. My partner's business was going through a rough time and there were no funds for my request - to travel around the world first class. I had so much fun asking for what I wanted. The energy in the group built as we spoke our requests. There was no investment or attachment in the outcome beyond simply asking for what we wanted.

8 months later, my partner was talking about going on holiday. We could go to the Scilly Isles (off the coast of Cornwall). At Easter time, the daffodils would be lovely there. Or we could go round the world first class. There were airline deals that considerably reduced the costs. He did not know about the game I had played. So after a little careful consideration, I chose the first class travel option. It was the experience of a lifetime for me.

It is too easy when being deluged with bad news to lose sight of your dreams and give up hope. The good news about a changing world is that it is just that. Changing. The further good news is that each one of us can creatively have an impact and choose the positive changes for ourselves that we do want.

Perhaps in recent years, you have been used to being able to buy pretty much anything you wanted. These days, possibly not. You are having to be careful with your finances. I have been learning from friends a process I call Wish Listing. Here is how it goes for those things you would really like to have, but for which you do not have the money immediately to hand.

There is power in an innocent request.

1. Make Your Wish

What is it that you would really like? A carpet for your living room; a new winter coat; a holiday; a job that really matches your skills and aspirations; an outing which brings you joy. This can be a List - you might have more than one.

2. Rate Your Wish

On a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is strong and 1 is weak, how much do you want your wish? This is more of a heart feeling, not so much a rational reason. If the number is less than 7, you may not want it that much.

3. Write down the details of what you want

Make a description of your wish, as vividly as you can. See yourself with it. Feel the pleasure that it gives you. Hear others celebrating with you. Experience it as fully as you can.

For example, if your wish were for a renovated kitchen, imagine the pleasure of preparing meals there for family and friends and the little touches that would make it special for you.

4. Put your wish on a card...

.... and put the card somewhere you see it frequently - on your desk; in your car; as a bookmark; in the bathroom (plasticized !); on the fridge.

5. Engage wonder

This process was taught to me by a retired US Air Force Colonel. You write on a separate 5 x 3 card: I wonder how it is possible for me to.... and you fill in your wish. So it could be: upgrade the kitchen; find a great weekend bargain break; create a memorable birthday party for Susie.

Last thing at night, or first thing in the morning, repeat the I wonder statement a few times when your mind is most receptive. Do this for 3 days.

6. Take action

Start to explore where you can realize your wish. You might go on the internet; find garage sales in your neighbourhood; get on the phone and talk to people who might be able to assist you.

7. Keep an open mind

Allow time and and be receptive about when and how your wish may be delivered to you. Be prepared to be surprised.

In these times when life is challenging for many of us, please do not lose sight of your dreams and aspirations. They were never more valuable. Working towards what you really want in your heart of hearts, will give you the fuel to keep going; to overcome the obstacles; to achieve even what may seem impossible.

Do you have a secret dream that you have tucked away in the back of your mind? Are there people around you with whom you can brainstorm and get encouragement to go for what you want? Have you ever had a heartfelt wish come true?

Please feel free to leave a comment below, or contact me at [e-mail]. I would love to hear how you are being resourceful these days and creatively achieving outcomes that are important for you.

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Comments

[James M. Lynch - Huffpost Blogger]

HuffPost's Pick

Anne,
I love this post! My son is 9 and has an ongoing wishlist. He makes two copies, one for me and one for my wife. Then he explains what each item is and some details about them so that we don't get it wrong. It works. It may not work immediately but we tuck his requests away for things like birthdays and Hannukah and he gets what he wants. I love that he does this because he comes from a place of believing that if he asks for it and believes in it that it will eventually come. He doesn't make a fuss if he can't get something, like the dog he's been asking for as long as I can remember, and is pretty matter of fact about the whole thing. He even does the 'how is it possible' part of the exercise and will occasionally buy something off the list by asking for paid chores, etc. Your article reminds me of how simple it all is and how hard we try to make it. I'm taking the lesson from you and from my son and will pass this wonderful tool on.
Thanks,
James.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear James,

Thank you very much for your comment and the wonderful illustration of how your son so successfully works the process. Very creative of him!

Working a Wish List takes the pressure off a need for "instant gratification". Getting the things we want can be really fun. If it is important enough, it will happen. To me that is very cool. I am happy that you plan to pass it on.

Warmest regards,
Anne

[Kari Henley - Huffpost Blogger]

Lovely post, Anne! I have been out of town and just got to the Huff Po- I miss it when I am gone!
I recently led a retreat about helping women make changes and implement dreams in a very similar way. We also had "magic wands" made out of simple wooden stars on a stick- all painted and sparkly! It was great fun to walk a labryinth, think about what you "Really Want" and then pick out a magic want to carry out as your symbol of it already coming true.
I find wishes come true if there is that sense of expectation- Of Course it is going to happen!
Thanks again!
Kari

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Kari,

So lovey to see you here again! Welcome back.

I love magic wands - and the creative way you used yours. There is something remarkable about being in a retreat where you get to what you know, deep down, you really want. It becomes then like an anchor .. an important step away from coming true. As you say, that sense of expectation. These expansive moments are so precious!

With love and appreciation to you,
Anne

[timezone]

This is another one of yours I'm saving, Anne! I love this. There's a book that was published years ago, called WISHCRAFT. It's about zeroing in on your dreams. This is like a concise way to do just that. Thank you for another great article.

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Timezone,

How great to see you here again - thanks for dropping by! Yes, I remember WISHCRAFT as a title, but I am not sure I ever read it.

May you be very blessed, and all your dreams come true!

With love,
Anne

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Dear Anne,

I've been away for several weeks and what a comfort to see your blog here on the Living page. It was like coming home to a warm cup of tea!

I've been doing a 40-day Propserity consciousness project which encompasses some of the ideas you mention in your article. I haven't attached specific outcomes however, just focusing on connecting with the energy of abundance, the consciousness of infinite prosperity as who I am.

It all comes down to awareness, doesn't it? What we focus on increases.

I visited your web site and love the wedding video. My daughter just got married and I'm still basking in the enchantment of her ceremony. It was exceptional!

Thanks for linking to my web site. Now that you're up and running, I'll put a link on my site to yours.

I've missed you! It's good to be back in the groove..........

Much love,
Judith

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Judith,

So very good to see you hear again. What a joy it must have been to be with your daughter for her wedding. Those occasions are just so deeply special in my experience.

It sounds like you might have been doing the John Randolph Price 40 Day process. Yes, I certainly think it does come to awareness - the awareness of the magnificence of the larger world of which we are a part, and that magnificence within us. And we can choose where we place our focus. We are richly blessed.

I love that you are back here now - I am enjoying a cup of tea right now. Actually a mug! First one of the day.

I have missed you too - thanks for coming back. Your words as always are very welcome.

With love and blessings,
Anne

[Nathaliefranks]

Last year in December I wanted to attend a retreat in America, it was very costly and I made my request
within a couple of days a friend rang and said she wanted to give me a gift of a training of my choice.
I was supposed to go this year, and then an even greater opportunity of a special anniversary trip came up. I asked if she would transfer the gift to this other trip and voila I am on my way next Saturday.

I was very amazed at how quickly my wish was granted, my teacher John-Roger says "Be careful what you ask for, because you might just get it, he then added and you will get everything that goes with it.'
Always ask for the highest good of all concerned.

Blessings to all

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Nathalie,

Thank you very much for your comment. Oh yes, it is always best to make a wish for the highest good of all concerned. To me that is like upgrading the wish to something even better than I could have imagined.

Have the most amazing trip next Saturday. I have no doubt it will be very enriching.

With love and blessings to you,
Anne

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Anne,
I trained in India to be a Yogi. Part of the training is laarning Yoga Nidra. I call it

Inner Conscious Relaxation. You don't make a wish particularly but rather a positive affirmation.

When you are in deep relaxation and plant a seed of love. Love will flower for sure.

I enjoyed your blog.

Love

Ed

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

HI Ed,

Thank you so much for stopping by - always a joy to see you here. What a lovely thing - to be planting seeds of love and to witness love flowering. This is exquisite.

I really appreciate your presence and your comment - and indeed your presents - the blessings that you are.

Joyous Sunday beams to you,
Anne

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Brava Anne!!
Another great post! I just love that part of the fun of a wish list is taking action!

I've been doing just that for the past 8 weeks and am noticing some big changes in my life. (Shot a TV pilot and am shooting another project this week.) For me it is the fulfillment of a very long held wish- to be able to reach large numbers of people and give them very useable tools.

Thank you once again,
Eli

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Eli,

So good to hear from you! Oh yes the fun part is definitely the action.

I LOVE what you are doing to reach out and touch and inspire so many. What a beautiful fulfillment - way to goooooo! Please keep me posted with your developments.

Blessings to you,
Anne