Manifesting magic: playing with the universe

I love playing little games with the universe—it’s such a light and easy way to let loose, while continuing to strengthen my relationship with my co-creative partner. Recently, I shared some of my latest manifesting adventures on social media, and I’ve received a lot of questions and requests for more information from members of the UpGrade community. So, today, I’m sharing this playful experience with you!
Play and have fun
The night before a recent trip to the UK to receive an award at the Houses of Parliament for ‘Most Inspiring Personality,’ I decided to play with the universe and manifest some free “stuff.” Now, I didn’t necessarily need anything—everything, including travel and accommodations, was already organized and paid for. But I seized the opportunity to have some fun with it. I find great satisfaction in testing, challenging, and practicing these principles just for the joy of it.
So, I looked up at the universe and said, “Okay, let’s play! Let’s co-create as many fun freebies as we can in the next two days!”
Broaden the brief
The ‘conversation’ here is rooted in two core beliefs:
Notice that I didn’t ask for specifics—just “free stuff.” And while there’s nothing wrong with being specific, sometimes, we limit ourselves by being too detailed. This game works best when we let go of logic and invite more gut feeling, intuition, and inner guidance into the mix.
Feeling good
The mind loves detail, and it also loves to chatter negatively when things don’t go as hoped. This can pull us right out of our happy place. When it comes to manifesting, our mood, state of mind, and energetic vibration are key. Thoughts, feelings, expectations, and perceptions all contribute to our frequency. If we’re feeling low or stressed, the process slows down.
Fun, exciting things—anything aligned with our UpGraded version—can only come to us if we’re a vibrational match for them. Pay attention to how you feel, and if results seem delayed, try relaxing and doing something unrelated. A shift in focus creates a shift in energy, which puts you back into a more conducive manifesting state.
Keep it simple
The first thing I manifested during my two-day game was a free coffee. Not a life-changing manifestation, but it was significant in its simplicity. It was one of those small, seemingly unimportant manifestations that helps us strengthen our belief in our abilities and communication with the universe.
I didn’t ask for it. I wasn’t expecting it. But it happened because I was open to receiving it. I followed an inner urge to walk into a specific coffee shop at a certain time and interact with a particular barista. That interaction led her to offer me a free coffee—no questions asked. It was easy, effortless, and a perfect example of how manifesting flows when we’re in alignment.
Drop the control
Sometimes, we get caught up in the specifics of what we want to manifest—details, timing, quantity—and it can slow the process down. Micromanaging causes pressure, which leads to blocks. By broadening the brief, we allow things to unfold in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
If you’re struggling with manifesting, check your level of obsession. Ask yourself: How could I loosen the reins a little and hand over some control to the universe? Trust is key here. It’s not always easy, but when we step back, the possibilities increase beyond imagination.
Reduce the necessity
When we feel a deep need for something, we introduce fear, anxiety, and lack into the equation—all emotions that aren’t conducive to expansion, growth, or manifesting. Whether you’re seeking a new job or a particular outcome, the moment you attach desperation to it, the process becomes blocked.
Instead, train yourself to expect great outcomes, regardless of whether they fit the brief. Let go of rigid expectations and stay open to how your desires may be fulfilled. It will bring you back into your power as a co-creator, working with the universe rather than against it.
Manifest by default
Manifestation is always happening—we’re constantly attracting things and situations, whether they align with our desires or not. After my two-day manifesting game, I called in a free coffee, a free bathroom visit (weird, right?), and a VIP UpGrade to my hotel. These gifts from the universe were subtle, easy to miss, and often came in different forms than I expected. But I was tuned into the frequency of “free stuff,” and the universe responded by placing me in the perfect situations to receive it.
Stay awake
You may already be great at manifesting, but what needs to improve is your ability to notice it. Awareness is crucial—pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and ensure they align with what you desire. Life will give you feedback: if you’re not getting what you want, that’s your cue to course-correct. Stay aware, fine-tune your requests, and stay focused on your manifesting journey.
Your natural state of being is one of a powerful creator. If you find yourself off balance, don’t worry—just return to the basics. Get playful, and have fun co-creating with your most trusted partner: the universe!
What fun and playful manifestation would you like to create this week? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!