Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year 2024: Manifest
When the Cambridge Dictionary crowned "manifest" as the Word of the Year for 2024, it resonated deeply with the power of intention and clarity. To manifest something is to make it evident or bring it into existence, often through focused thought and purposeful action. This idea has applications far beyond its linguistic roots. For those of us managing diabetes, manifestation offers a profound framework for envisioning and creating a healthier, more balanced life.
Let me be honest. I wouldn't have believed you if you had approached me about manifesting and visualization a couple of years ago. I would have answered that this was too much for me. I started playing around with meditation, but manifesting? For sure, no. But I tried it often over the last year, and it has helped me. That’s the reason why I wrote this blog post and included it in my latest guides and books.
Managing diabetes involves a series of daily decisions, actions, and adjustments. The process can feel overwhelming, from monitoring blood sugar to planning meals and incorporating exercise. However, what if we reframed these responsibilities as opportunities? What if we harnessed the principles of manifestation to approach diabetes not just as a condition to manage but as a catalyst for positive transformation?
The Essence of Manifestation
Manifestation starts with setting a clear intention. It’s about knowing what you want—better glycemic control, more energy, or a peaceful mind—and aligning your thoughts, choices, and actions with that goal. It’s not about magical thinking or simply wishing for something to happen. Manifestation involves actively cultivating a mindset that propels you forward and inspires consistent effort.
Manifestation can be a tool for empowerment. By envisioning what a healthy, vibrant life looks like, we start to believe in the possibility of achieving it. This belief is crucial because it shapes our decisions, from choosing the foods we eat to prioritizing self-care practices like mindfulness and exercise.
Visualizing a Healthier You
Visualization is a practical way to bring manifestation to life. It involves vividly imagining yourself achieving your health goals and experiencing the associated emotions. This mental rehearsal strengthens your resolve and prepares your mind and body to make those goals a reality.
Picture yourself starting the day with confidence. You wake up refreshed, check your glucose levels, and see them within your target range. You prepare a low-carb breakfast that nourishes you and sets a positive tone for the day. Imagine walking in the crisp morning air, your body energized and your mind clear. As you visualize these moments, notice how your feelings shift. You might feel hopeful, capable, or even excited about the day ahead. Visualization transforms abstract goals into concrete possibilities.
This technique also helps during challenging moments. Stress is a common trigger that can disrupt blood sugar levels. Instead of reacting to stress with frustration or fear, you can pause and visualize yourself responding calmly and effectively. Imagine your breath slowing down, your mind centering, and your body relaxing. Visualizing a positive response helps you embody that calmness in reality, reducing stress and its impact on your health.
The Role of Mindfulness in Manifestation
Manifestation and mindfulness go hand in hand. Mindfulness grounds us in the present moment, creating the mental clarity needed to focus on our goals. As I discuss in my book The Mindfulness Toolkit for Diabetes Management, stress and anxiety can elevate blood sugar levels and make diabetes management more difficult. However, practicing mindfulness can break this cycle and approach our health with greater intention and resilience.
Mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, which is particularly helpful when setbacks occur. For instance, if your blood sugar levels are higher than expected, mindfulness helps you respond with curiosity rather than criticism. Instead of thinking, “I failed,” you might ask, “What can I learn from this, and how can I support myself better moving forward?” This shift from judgment to understanding fosters self-compassion, essential for long-term health.
Manifesting a Holistic Approach to Health
A holistic approach to diabetes management perfectly complements the principles of manifestation. In my book How to Manage Diabetes: A Holistic Approach, I emphasize the importance of integrating mindful living, low-carb nutrition, and low-intensity exercise into daily routines. Manifestation enhances this approach by helping us maintain clarity and focus on our ultimate goal: a happy and healthy life with diabetes.
When you manifest your health goals, you align your actions with your aspirations. For example, envisioning yourself enjoying a nutritious meal might inspire you to try a new low-carb recipe. Imagining the satisfaction of completing a gentle yoga session might motivate you to unroll your mat and begin. The act of manifesting doesn’t replace action—it fuels it.
Cultivating a Manifestation Mindset
Manifestation is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing practice. It involves setting specific goals, visualizing success, and celebrating progress, no matter how small. Gratitude plays a key role in this process. By acknowledging the steps you’ve already taken—choosing a healthier snack or finding a moment to breathe deeply—you reinforce your commitment to your health journey.
Consistency is another cornerstone of manifestation. Small, daily actions add up to significant change over time. You build momentum and confidence when you consistently focus on what you want to achieve and take steps toward it. Each positive choice brings you closer to your vision of a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The Science Behind Manifestation and Health
Manifestation is not just a feel-good concept; it’s supported by scientific research. Studies show that visualization and mindfulness practices can reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and enhance self-regulation—key factors in effective diabetes management. These practices also promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself in response to positive experiences and behaviors.
When you visualize stable blood sugar levels or a successful workout, you train your brain to prioritize the actions needed to achieve those outcomes. Over time, this rewiring creates new habits and reinforces a healthier lifestyle.
Embracing the Journey
Manifestation is not about perfection. It’s about progress, resilience, and the belief that you can shape your health and life. Diabetes management will always require effort, but you can approach it with greater clarity and purpose by manifesting your goals and aligning your actions with your vision.
As we celebrate "manifest" as the Word of the Year, let’s make 2024 the year we manifest our dreams and best health. Remember, you are more than your diabetes. You can create a life of vitality, joy, and fulfillment with intention, focus, and consistent effort.
