When I was preparing to move into my new house, the realtor asked me what first thing I intended to change about the place. I replied that I would remove the carpet in the the great room and put down some sort of hardwood flooring.

Well I’ve been in my house for two years now and the old carpeting remains underfoot. It’s brownish-gray (or maybe grayish-brown?), stained, and likely a breeding ground for all sorts of microscopic critters. On the plus side, the cats really seem to like to claw at it.

I entertained a guest at my home the other day and I was aware that I felt self-conscious about the carpeting as we sat in the living room. He spoke about how lovely the view was and I responded by digressing about home improvement projects and my intention to replace the carpet with hardwood flooring.

While it’s been my intention to replace the carpeting, I have not taken any action besides collecting some samples over a year ago and placing the picture of a nice floor on my vision board. It’s been bubbling up in my thoughts more and more and I’ve been thinking that I could use some of the proceeds from the sale of my parents house to fund the project.

The other evening before dinner I nested myself in the great room. I enjoyed the warmth of the wood stove, a good magazine, and a decent glass of red wine. Karin called me to the dining area and as I rose from my seat, I bumped the table that held my glass, and splattered red wine all over the carpet.

I noticed I had little reaction and just proceeded to try the ole carbonated water and table salt trick to prevent staining (BTW, I’ve heard white wine is great for taking out red wine stains. Fresh outta white wine though). At this point, I figured I had done all I could do, and went on with my evening.

I had forgotten about the incident unitl a moment ago when I walked past the deep crimson stain the size of a three-egg omelete.

Attraction requires action (and often money), so the "accident" of spilling the wine looks like it will be the catalyst  that leads to the creation of my new wood floor.

Yes, our desires often cost money and I estimate my new floor will be a several thousand dollars. But I believe that these events are the universe’s way of organizing the details to move us toward our intentions.

On a related note, years ago I wanted a new car. I had done some looking around, but hadn’t gotten serious because I did not have the money for such a purchase. One day after a snowstorm, I went to enter my vehicle that was parked on a side road. The entire driver’s side had been struck and totaled. In a couple weeks, I had manifested the new car I had been intending.

When my car was totaled I made eight thousand dollars a year. Looking back, I clearly wanted to experience having more money in my life (but I felt clueless as to the "how" part). Buying my $10,000 Honda Accord made me stretch and upgrade my relationship with money to the point where I learned the essential lessons that continue to serve me well today.

I’ve noticed that it’s really important not to judge incidents as "good" or "bad." Sometimes "bad" events like spilling wine on your carpet or having your car totaled are the perfect bridges to having your intentions manifest.

Having your intentions manifest requires you to recognize the opportunity in any situation, to take a stand for your desires (instead of your fears), and to follow through by taking action.