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The Ripple Effect of Following Your Desires: How Saying Yes Changes Everything

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I want to share a story that truly highlights the magic of following your desires—and how doing so can open doors to unexpected opportunities while inspiring those around you in ways you may not even realize. When James and I lived in Santa Barbara, we dared to think big. We started exploring multi-million-dollar homes, not […]

I want to share a story that truly highlights the magic of following your desires—and how doing so can open doors to unexpected opportunities while inspiring those around you in ways you may not even realize.

When James and I lived in Santa Barbara, we dared to think big. We started exploring multi-million-dollar homes, not because we were ready to buy one at the time, but because we allowed ourselves to dream about what was possible. 

Pro Tip: Whenever I have a big dream that feels out of reach, I ask myself how I can step towards it starting NOW. For example, touring the house, test-driving the car, going to the store…you get the idea! More on that below.

So during that time, we found a real estate agent to help us explore the options. Even though that dream didn’t come to fruition (and we actually ended up moving to Austin, Texas—a story for another day!) something amazing happened…

Fast forward five years, and that same real estate agent joined my Manifesting Money Workshop last week, eager to take her business to new heights and reach her own financial goals. I was taken back that she was there live on the line but was so grateful for the reminder of how us going for our desires not only impacts us, but everyone around us (whether we know it or not). 

Hear me when I say: Following your desires is never just about you. It’s about the ripple effect you create when you say yes to what excites you. 

Marianne Williamson said it beautifully:

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

When you give yourself permission to pursue what truly lights you up, it’s a gift to everyone around you. Even if your dream doesn’t come to fruition right away—or in the exact way you imagine—the act of dreaming big changes you. It helps you trust yourself, break through limitations, and align with who you’re truly meant to be.

And yet, so many of us are dimming our lights. We’re not even allowing ourselves to move forward with the exploration process. We worried about failing, about it not happening, about what people will think…and while you’re in that place, you’re literally not impacting anyone! There’s no light there. And you continue to get more of the same.

I know that may be hard to hear, but it’s true.

So what do we do to create a change? I know many of us are looking at how we can attract more of what we want in 2025 and show up in a more bold and aligned way. 

Here’s how…

Below are some prompts and exercises to help you uncover what you truly want and take bold steps toward it.

I recommend carving out an hour over the next few days to go through these prompts. (And if you need some help, there’s an opportunity below to support you further.)

Here we go:

Step 1: Uncover Your Desires

Exercise 1: List Your Desires

Take a quiet moment for yourself, grab your journal, and answer these questions:

  • If there were no limits—financial, time, or otherwise—what would I create in my life?
  • What experiences, people, or achievements make me feel most alive and fulfilled?
  • What is one dream I’ve been afraid to admit, even to myself?

Exercise 2: Evaluate What You’re Tolerating.

Think about what’s annoyed you this week.

  • What am I currently putting up with that I’d love to improve?
  • What is currently draining my energy?

Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how impractical it may seem. 

Exercise 3: Identify Anyone Who’s Activating You

I love using jealousy for good and then moving through it.

  • Who’s life would I love to have (and why)?
  • Who triggered/activated me on social media this week? Why?

Step 2: Identify Your Next Bold Step

Now that you’ve explored your desires, take it further:

  • What’s one bold step I could take this week to move closer to that dream?
    (It could be researching a course, booking a call with a mentor, or simply visualizing the life you want in detail.)
  • Who can I share my dream with for accountability and encouragement?

Step 3: Anchor Into Your Vision

Each morning, spend 5 minutes visualizing your dream life as if it’s already happening. Feel the emotions of success, joy, and excitement. Then ask yourself:

  • What’s one thing I can do today to bring that vision closer to reality?

Step 4: Share Your Dream

There’s magic in sharing your desires with others. Not only does it make them more real, but it also opens up opportunities for support, connection, and inspiration. Who knows? Your courage might just spark something in someone else.

Feeling Inspired? Take It to the Next Level

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the process of manifesting your desires and creating the life you dream of, I highly encourage you to check out the replay of my How to Quickly Manifest Money Workshop.

This workshop was designed to show you how to combine the magic of manifesting with concrete, actionable steps to create the abundance you desire. (This works for manifesting anything…not just money!)

Here’s what one participant had to say:

“It was really inspiring and motivating to see that the manifesting process isn’t all ‘woo.’ Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the woo, but this workshop provided really concrete steps and actions to make creating the abundance you desire a reality. I came away with lots of inspiration AND action steps that I know will get me to my goal. Thank you, Emily!!” —Jess Spinner


This is your opportunity to access the same tools, insights, and guidance that have helped so many others take their lives (and bank accounts) to the next level. 

Click here to purchase the replay and start your journey today!

You’ll also get some bonuses that will change the game for you and support you in the exercise above…big time! 

You’ll get my… 

✅ 7-Figure Money Mediation

✅ The Cost & Priority Of Your Desires Money Spreadsheet + Training 

Remember, the act of dreaming big is about so much more than achieving a goal. It’s about who you become in the process and the ripple effect you create for others. 

So I’ll leave you with this question:

What bold desire are you ready to say YES to today? Here’s to embracing your dreams and stepping into your fullest potential—you never know who’s watching and feeling inspired by your courage. 

With love and encouragement, 

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ABOUT the Author

I’m Emily. I had a Tumblr blog back in the day, but this cooler. 

Over a decade ago, I found myself in a quarter-life crisis—broke, unfulfilled, and wondering when life was finally going to “get good.” What changed everything was learning how to follow my desires, shift my mindset, and rewrite the beliefs that were keeping me stuck. Today, I’ve built a multi–seven-figure brand, written a bestselling book, and coached thousands of women around the world to do the same.

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