Set the intention on 11/11

​Hello friends,

​Today is a special day. Today is the biggest manifesting day of the year.

​Why, you ask? Well, you may have heard someone say, "Hey, it's 11:11!" The numbers 11:11 are actually called angel numbers, and the significance of 1111 is powerful for setting your intentions.

​Seeing 1111 (or 111) means that your thoughts are manifesting quickly, and it is a call to focus on your desires rather than your fears.

​When I see these numbers, I am led to say a prayer:

​"Thank you, Universe, for aligning my energy with my highest desires. I trust in the power of my thoughts."

​I learned about angel numbers while doing a "Trust the Universe" challenge with Gabby Bernstein. This was a 21-day challenge focused on letting go of a fear-based life and trusting that the Universe has your back.

​You know that your thoughts create your reality, right? I mean, think about it. If you have negative thoughts, do you feel positive or inspired? Of course not. However, if you set positive intentions throughout your day, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to be more inclined to feel... well, positive.

​Have you ever heard the saying, "Where your attention goes, your energy flows"? It's true.

​I am not saying that you won't have a bad day, or that you won't face any challenges—those are the "spiritual assignments" that cross our path to help us grow.

​I am setting that intention today, and you should too. You don't have to be "woo-woo" or anything like that—it's easy. Start talking positively, and start thinking positively. That is when the shift happens within you

I thought I would share my intentions with you  - I welcome you to share yours. 💜

Thank you Universe for the many blessings in my life, for the lessons that have shaped me and for the beautiful opportunities that are unfolding before me. 

I trust that I am divinely guided, supported, and exactly were ai need to be on my journey. 

I am attracting meaningful work that energizes and excites me, aligns with my values, supports my family, and allows me to use my unique gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

May the work I do bring purpose and fulfillment, allowing me to be a source of light, love, joy, encouragement and inspiration to those who cross my path.

I welcome extraordinary opportunities, amazing experiences, and lasting relationships that enrich my life and the lives of others.

I am open to unlimited abundance and financial prosperity, creating lasting wealth, freedom, and security for myself, my family, and those around me, while doing work I genuinely love.

I release fear, doubt, and the need to control how my blessings arrive. I TRUST that what is meant for my HIGHEST GOOD will unfold in divine timing and in ways more beautiful than I could ever imagine.

May I ALWAYS lead a life full of gratitude, kindness, compassion, and an open heart. 

I am worthy of success, happiness, abundance and a life filled with PURPOSE.

I surrender...and then I surrender some more with regards to the how and remain open to unlimited possibilities.

I trust. I believe. I am open. I receive.

And so it is. 💚

Forever grateful for this beautiful life,

Claudine

A Letter To Our Daughter on Gotcha Day

Happy Gotcha Day, Lydia. 💜

Eighteen years ago, on November 10, 2008, in China, we met you for the very first  time. It is hard to believe that 18 years have passed since the little girl who changed our lives forever - became our daughter. 

As you know, our journey began way back in 2005. There were so many ups and downs, so much waiting (longest pregnancy on paper!), uncertainty, hope, and much anticipation. But through it all, there was one thing we knew in our hearts - we were waiting for you. 

Then one day, there you were.  Face to face. Cheek to cheek. 

Your dad and I leaned in from either side and kissed your cheeks, squishing you right between us. Eighteen years later, we still do it. 😁 Come on, it isn't that bad!

The moment we had dreamed about for so long - was no longer a dream. You were real, you were with us, and somehow our family felt complete in a way it never had before. 

We spent two unforgettable weeks in China, and on November 19th, 2008, we brought you home. 

We didn't know then ALL the adventures, challenges, laughter, tears, and many memories that lay ahead. We only knew that we loved you and that our lives would never be the same. 

And what a beautiful journey it has been, right? 

This Gotcha day feels A  LOT different. For the first time (ever), we won't be together in person to celebrate. And while we wish we could wrap our arms around you, and give you one of those squishy kisses -  please know that distance could never change what this day means to us.

Looking back we remember standing in that big room in Nanning City, with the other adoptive families we traveled with, all of us waiting for the moment we had dreamed and prayed about for, all of us nervous, and quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect. Heart pounding. Thoughts racing. Camera's ready. Backpacks full of toys, diapers, and just about everything else. 

As each family received their child, there was so much crying coming from every corner of that room - not only from the parents, but children alike. It was so emotional seeing families finally together, that we often joke that it sounded like we were in a room with a bunch of women who were in labor at the same time. 😂

Then  all of a sudden, it was our turn. The Director of the Orphanage brought you to us. In a single moment, the waiting was over. The piles and piles of paperwork, the uncertainty, the thousand of miles, many, many prayers, and the years of hoping, preparing...all led to you. I cannot really describe how we were feeling at that moment, besides the overwhelming sense of joy and love we had. Next thing you know, all three of us were in our hotel room and I was giving you your first bottle (which your dad made).

This was the day we met our daughter. This day we became a family of three. The day where our journey to you became one of the GREATEST gifs of our lives.

You may not remember that first walk into the USA with us, but we will never forget it. Your tiny hand in ours. The beginning of a new chapter. A sigh of relief to know that we were all together.The realization that the little girl we had waited so long for - was finally our daughter. 

Do you remember all the people waiting at the airport to meet YOU for the very first time? So many of them had been on this journey right alongside us, and truly, we couldn't have made it through without their support.....they could hardly wait to see you and welcome you home. There were so many prayers, sweet girl....so many. 

As we look at that picture (above) of the three of us walking through the Louisville airport after a VERY long flight home from China (you did great - your dad ad I were on the struggle bus!), we are reminded that although that little girl is much bigger now, the love behind that picture has never changed. 

Lydia, We are so freaking proud of the young woman you have become. TRULY. At 19 years old, with your own dreams, your own adventures, and a whole life unfolding in front of you, we are constantly amazed by your strength, your badass personality, your kindness, your generosity, and your fire-blazing determination (even when you don't see it within yourself). 

No matter where life takes you, how far away we may be from each other, or how much time passes - you will always be our girl. 

Thank you for who you are. Thank you for who you are becoming, and thank you for giving us the privilege and joy of being your parents. 

We love you more than words could ever fully express. Today, tomorrow and always.

Happy Gotcha Day Beautiful Girl. Here's to many more beautiful moments.

All  our love,

Mom and Dad 💗

The Art of Letting Go - Finding My Faith - Learning to Trust the Journey

Do you ever wonder why things happen the way they do? Or why sometimes the very thing you think you want so badly just doesn't seem to happen, no matter how hard you try?

For quite some time, I was convinced that real estate was where my career was headed. I've always been drawn to the industry, and after moving to Florida, I thought this might finally be my opportunity. I made connections, submitted applications, updated my resume more times than I care to admit, and tried every avenue I could think of.

But the doors just weren't opening.

The reality was that getting into real estate would require some pretty significant sacrifices. Unless I was ready to leave my job at Wells Fargo Advisors, go to real estate school, get licensed, and take a financial leap into an incredibly competitive industry, as a beginner, it wasn't going to happen. And as the breadwinner in my family, that simply wasn't an option.

I tried to find a way in through transaction coordination or even a real estate executive assistant, where I could learn the business from behind the scenes. But without direct experience, I wasn't even getting a second look.

I was frustrated. Beyond frustrated, actually.

I have YEARS of experience in the service industry. I've built relationships, supported clients, managed operations, and made a career out of making other people's lives easier. Wasn't that enough?

Apparently not.

And after countless applications, cover letters, and attempts to get my foot in the door, I started questioning myself. Was I not good enough? Was I missing something? Had I somehow lost sight of what I was capable of?

I was beginning to fall into a pretty dark place, and I didn't like it.

You see, working at WFA wasn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I am incredibly grateful for that chapter of my life. It provided stability, allowed us to purchase this beautiful place we now call home in sunny Florida, and gave me opportunities I will always appreciate.

But deep down, I knew it wasn't where I was meant to stay.

You know that feeling. Square peg, round hole.

I had spent years doing what I knew how to do, always taking a job out of convenience (you know life happens!) but I was ready for something different. Something that energized me. Something that allowed me to use my gifts in a different way. I wanted to feel excited about what I was doing again.

And there was another piece of this that weighed heavily on my heart.

As many of you know, one of the best humans I know, my man, also known as my husband, John, was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy 11 years ago.

You would never know it right off the bat. His spirit is amazing, and he is one of the most courageous people I know. But the reality is that his disease IS progressing. We don't know what the future will look like, and quite honestly, that's something I think about more than I probably let on.

I don't know how much longer he will be able to work outside the home. I don't know what the next few years will bring. What I do know is that I need to be prepared. I need to make sure that we have financial stability and that I can provide for our family, whatever the future holds.

That's a big responsibility, and it's one I take seriously.

This wasn't simply about finding a job I loved. It was about creating a future where we could feel secure, where I could continue to support our family, and where I could still find joy in the life we are building together.

So, there I was, trying to figure it all out.

The problem was that I was trying TOO hard. I was doing all the things. I had a vision board, manic manifesting, positive affirmations, podcasts, books, and just about every inspirational tool I could get my hands on.

I was desperately trying to make something happen.

Nothing was working. NOTHING.

Until one day, I came across some wise words that stopped me in my tracks.

STOP TRYING. LET IT GO. Say your prayers and LET IT GO.

Now, let me tell you, that was easier said than done. I am what you might call a control freak, if you will. I like a plan. I like knowing what's next. I like having some idea of how things are going to work out.

Letting go? Not exactly my strong suit.

There were days when I would simply cry. I would sit out on my lanai in the moonlight, searching for an answer. I was so focused on what wasn't happening that I wasn't paying attention to what was happening within me.

I began to realize that I was living a fear-based life. I was making decisions from a place of worry, uncertainty, lack, and the need to control the outcome.

I wasn't looking at life through the lens of love.

And that realization started to change things.

Now, a little backstory...

I have been an Orthodox Christian for the past 17 years, faithfully. My spiritual journey, however, has taken many turns. I grew up Catholic and, throughout my adult life, experienced Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist, Calvinist, Presbyterian, and eventually Orthodoxy.

Each chapter has been part of my journey. Each has taught me something, shaped my beliefs, and brought me to where I am today.

But over the past couple of years, I began to feel a shift. There were things that no longer sat quite right with me, and I found myself wanting something more personal. I didn't want my relationship with God to be based on obligation or simply following a set of rules. I wanted to experience that connection in a way that came from my heart.

When we moved to Florida, I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to do things simply because I felt obligated to do them. I wanted to be intentional about where I spent my time, what I believed, and how I chose to live.

I haven't attended an Orthodox church since moving here, but that doesn't mean I've turned my back on my faith. Quite the opposite. I think I've been trying to rediscover it in a way that feels authentic to me.

I needed space to question, explore, and develop my own relationship with God.

And that's exactly what I've been doing.

At the beginning of the year, I started meditating every day. I became much more serious about it around midyear, really wanting to find peace in my heart and soul. I started my mornings with gratitude, listened to positive music and uplifting content, explored chakra healing and crystals, and read about Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose and living a meaningful life.

I even attended my first Reiki healing session in April, followed by another in September.

And somewhere along the way, I came across Gabrielle Bernstein.

I started listening to some of her podcasts on YouTube, and so much of what she shared resonated with me. Her book, The Universe Has Your Back, which I read in September, was particularly transformative.

One of the biggest lessons I took away was that we don't have to force everything. We can surrender, trust, and allow ourselves to be guided by something greater than ourselves.

For me, that meant changing the way I approached life.

I didn't stop manifesting. I stopped forcing.

I didn't stop praying. I started releasing the need to dictate how those prayers would be answered.

I stopped chasing every opportunity as though my happiness depended on it.

Instead, I began having this constant dialogue with the Universe. I prayed, expressed gratitude, and tried to find joy even in some really difficult moments. I started trusting that I was supported, even when I couldn't see what was coming next.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace.

I have never felt more loved, supported, or guided than I do now. 

I am finally allowing myself to live without feeling like I need to have every answer.

And then, something happened.

Oh, yea...about that job!

I had a few interviews along the way, including one serious job offer. Then, a woman from a company called Family Office Growth Partners reached out to me.

Quite honestly, I had forgotten I had even applied. And to be even more honest, I couldn't remember what position I had applied for!

The position was for a Client Engagement Manager. 

I went through the first interview, then the second, and eventually had an opportunity to meet with one of their current Client Engagement Managers.

And let me tell you, throughout the process, I kept looking this company up to make sure I wasn't being scammed! They were incredibly accommodating, kind, laid-back, and understanding of my situation.

I remember thinking, "Is this too good to be true?"

But everything continued to fall into place. The conversations felt natural, the people were wonderful, and I could genuinely see myself being part of this company.

Then came the job offer. 

And there it was.

The opportunity I had been praying for.

A position that aligned with my strengths, allowed me to build relationships, use my organizational skills, and create meaningful experiences for others. It offered the flexibility of working remotely while providing the financial stability and opportunity I needed for my family.

There was an affirmation I had been saying every single day for months...

I am attracting work that energizes me, aligns with my values, supports my family, and allows me to use my gifts and talents while creating meaningful experiences and lasting relationships, and earning an abundant income that gives me and my family financial freedom.

I joyfully and with much gratitude accepted the position. 😁

Leaving Wells Fargo Advisors wasn't easy. It was the end of a chapter that had been part of my life for almost 9 years. But I knew it was the right decision, and I felt at peace with it.

Looking back, I can see that something much bigger was happening.

I was so busy trying to force one particular door open that I wasn't paying attention to the possibility that another door might be opening somewhere else.

Maybe real estate wasn't the destination. Maybe it was simply part of the journey that helped me recognize what I really wanted.

Maybe all those unanswered applications, frustrating conversations, and closed doors weren't signs that I wasn't good enough.

Maybe I was being redirected. Maybe it was the obstacles that turned into opportunities. Maybe the rejection was the protection.

I don't pretend to have all the answers. I'm still learning, still growing, still figuring things out. But I do know this: I feel different. Lighter. More connected. More at peace.

And I am grateful for every bit of this journey, even the parts that brought me to tears.

Because somewhere along the way, I learned something that I hope I never forget.

I release what was heavy.

I welcome what is Light.

My mind is clear. My heart is open, and I am at peace.

I am grateful for the journey that led me here. I know this is only the beginning.

And maybe that's something worth thinking about...

How many times do we become so attached to the way we think our lives should unfold that we miss the beauty of what might be waiting for us?

How much energy do we spend chasing, forcing, worrying, and trying to control things that were never ours to control in the first place?

What if we took a breath, said our prayers, trusted a little more, worried a little less, and allowed life to surprise us?

I'm not saying it's easy. Trust me, I know it's not. But I'm learning that surrender doesn't mean giving up. It means doing your part, showing up NO MATTER WHAT, having faith, and releasing the need to control the outcome.

This journey wasn't about finding a job after all.

It was about finding myself.

The journey continues...

Welcoming what is the HIGHEST good for all.

XOXO,

Claudine