#14: May Is For Manifestation
5 Science-Backed Strategies to Call In What You Crave
Listen, I’m all for a good moon ritual, charging my crystals and an affirmation in the mirror, but manifestation is more than just good vibes and vision boards (though we love those too). If you're a busy mama who barely has time to pee alone, the idea of manifesting your dream life might sound like one more thing on your plate — right next to cold nuggets and existential dread.
But here's the truth: Manifestation isn't magic, it's all about mindset — with a sprinkle of science. And May? May is the perfect time to shake off the dusty old narratives and call in the life you’ve been dreaming about… intentionally.
Let’s dive into five real-deal, research-backed manifestation methods that work — and how you can actually use them in your real, loud, chaotic, beautiful life.
1. Get Crystal Clear on What You Want (Clarity Activates the Brain)
You wouldn’t start a road trip without a destination, right? Manifestation works the same way. Neuroscience tells us that when you have a specific goal, your brain activates something called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) — a filter that helps you notice things aligned with your goal and ignore everything else.
Translation? Clarity trains your brain to spot the people, opportunities, and ideas that get you closer to your dream.
Tips to Practice Clarity:
Write your dream life out like it already exists. Example: “I wake up in my dream home feeling calm, energized, and free.” Go all in on the details.
Set a ‘dream theme’ for the month. Is this your month of abundance? Peace? Passion? Pick a word and let it guide your choices.
Say it out loud. Your nervous system responds to voice and repetition. Claim that dream in the mirror with your full chest.
2. Visualize Like It’s Already Yours (Because Your Brain Can’t Tell the Difference)
Visualization isn’t just for Olympic athletes or Jim Carrey and his famous check. It’s legit science. Studies show that visualizing success can activate the same brain areas as actually doing the thing. That’s wild, right?
When you mentally rehearse your goals, you’re rewiring your neural pathways and building belief — and belief is the fuel for action.
Tips to Practice Visualization:
Create a 5-minute “movie” in your head every morning. See it, feel it, smell it — like you’re already living it. No half-assing it. Channel full-on main character energy.
Anchor your visualization with music or scent. Play a certain song, frequency or light a candle so your brain connects the scene with the vibe.
Do it with your kids! Teach them to visualize confidence before school or sports. Manifesting isn’t just for grown-ups.
3. Use Affirmations (But Ditch the Toxic Positivity)
We’ve all seen the cringe-worthy quotes like “Good vibes only” — but real affirmations go deeper. Repeating a positive statement can help counteract years of negative self-talk and literally rewire your subconscious over time.
That being said, don’t gaslight yourself with fake joy. If you’re crying into your coffee, saying “I am full of joy” won’t help. What will help? Affirmations that are empowering and believable.
Tips for Effective Affirmations:
Use bridge language. If “I love my body” feels too far, try “I’m learning to appreciate my body more every day.”
Make it personal and present. Example: “I’m creating a life that supports my peace and power.”
Stick them where you’ll see them. Bathroom mirror. Phone lock screen. Your kid’s forehead. (Okay, maybe not that last one.)
4. Take Aligned Action (Because Dreaming Without Doing is Just a Nap)
This is where a lot of people get stuck. They think they can manifest a new job, a happier marriage, or a six-figure business by journaling and moon water alone. Listen, dreams don’t work unless you do.
Manifestation only works when you move. Even baby steps send a signal to the universe — and your brain — that you’re serious about this life you’re calling in.
Tips for Taking Aligned Action:
Break it down. What’s the tiniest step you can take today? One email. One walk. One “no” that protects your peace.
Use Tam Kaur’s “Portfolio Of Proof” Keep track of signs, wins, or things that are working in your favor — big or small. They keep you motivated when doubt creeps in.
Ask yourself daily: What would future-me do? Then do that, even in a small way.
5. Let Go of the “How” (aka: Surrender Isn’t Giving Up, It’s Trusting the Process)
This one’s the hardest, especially for us control freaks (hi, it’s me). But neuroscience and psychology both agree: obsessing over outcomes creates stress, and stress shuts down creativity and intuition.
When you cling too hard to how it’s going to happen, you block the flow. Letting go doesn’t mean quitting. It means trusting that what’s meant for you will find you — especially when you’re showing up as your truest self. (To get more in depth on this topic, click here to read my last week’s blog on how to surrender and learn to detach)
Tips to Practice Surrender:
Use this mantra: “This or something better.” It opens you up to unexpected blessings.
Do grounding activities to release control. Walk barefoot, journal it out, pray, scream into a pillow — whatever works.
Remember your job is the “what.” The universe handles the “how.” Stay in your lane, mama.
RECAP ( In Case You’ve Been Interrupted by a Snack Request 47 Times)
Clarity activates your brain’s filter system and helps you spot opportunities. Be specific, be bold, and speak it out loud.
Visualization lights up your brain like you're already living it. The more senses involved, the more powerful it becomes.
Affirmations work when they’re believable and rooted in truth. No toxic positivity allowed.
Aligned action tells the universe you're serious. Even tiny steps build momentum.
Surrender is about releasing the how, trusting the process, and staying open to surprises.
Your Power Isn’t in the Manifesting — It’s in the Becoming
Manifestation isn’t about magic spells or wish lists. It’s about deciding who you want to be and showing up for her — again and again, even when your kid is screaming, your house is a mess, and your bank account is laughing at you.
You don’t have to be perfect to call in your dream life. You just have to be honest, aligned, and brave enough to believe it’s possible.
So this May, manifest like a mother.
Big dreams, bold moves, and a whole lot of messy, magical you.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other tips on self-care for busy moms, or browse my full collection of motherhood hacks to make life a little easier! Thank you so much for reading, remember to follow me on all my socials and don’t forget to subscribe to my website to be the first to read my weekly blog.
If no one told you today, you are an amazing mom and I see you. You wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t and I am SO proud of you. Keep loving yourself too, mama.
With Love, Caitlin Nichols
