I’ve told and retold the story of Melissa’s 100…. well, about a hundred times. But I’ll do it one more time, in the interest of this post. I made a list of things to do while my ex was deployed, some more impressive than others. I worked my way through it, and by the end of my journey, had met Sophia Bush, gotten Denis Leary’s autograph, cooked with a professional chef, and went indoor skydiving. I felt like a boss. 

With Sophia Bush
With Sophia Bush

Since then, I’ve been a believer two things:

-Making lists.
-Asking for what you want.

First, I’ll tackle asking for what you want. When I decided it was *time* to go to Iceland, it took me two weeks to make it happen. I emailed about twenty people, mainly in the travel industry, and just asked for what I wanted. It only took one yes. Same goes for the first Melissa’s 100. I asked Sophia Bush directly for her help, and within an hour, I had a yes. I’m not promising this will always work, but if you don’t ask, you’ll never know. Dig it?

So now, lists. I’m not talking grocery lists. I’m talking life lists. I’m talking about writing out EVERYTHING you want out of your life. I don’t recommend posting it up for the world to see, but I can tell you this: I truly believe that if you put out what you want into the Universe, to God, it/he will deliver it to you (with exceptions, of course).

It goes along with similar strategies – you remember that book, The Secret, and the vision board trend that was happening for awhile. It’s all about envisioning your future and sending out positive vibes. Don’t believe me? Let’s ask a pro.

Jim Carrey, to be exact. 

Jim being awesome.

Jim Carrey is one of my all-time favorite actors – and a delightful and hilarious. Have you seen his website?! The guy is nutty and wonderful and I love him for it. He recently did a commencement speech at Maharishi University where he specifically talked about asking the Universe for things.

“So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality,” Carrey said. “What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it.”

I can’t tell you how long I hoped, in my heart, that I would go to Iceland. I put it on multiple life lists. I told myself, believed in that truth – I will go to Iceland. I will work for a travel company. I will create this future.

And I did, seemingly, out of thin air. All I had to do was make a list, and ask.

So this is my challenge to you, driftees. Make a list. Do it now. After you’re done, ask for the things on that list. Believe that you deserve them. I hope that doesn’t sound hopelessly naive, but in my experience, even if you get a “no”, you’ve put it out there: this is what I want, and I’ll do anything to get it. 

Take it from a girl that has always gotten what she’s truly, honestly wanted.