Hello September! We are so blessed to call Danielle Forte our September Mega-Manifestor! Wife, mother, business woman and clothing designer (which caters to women in every stage of motherhood)- Danielle Forte was kind enough to share her tips on faith, manifesting, meditation, and motherhood!
What are some of your daily rituals to keep yourself in manifesting and receiving mode?
Between my hectic everyday schedule of juggling marriage, motherhood, 828 Clothing and the What's Your Forte Foundation; it's imperative that I adhere to my three go-to rituals. The first is reading scriptures from my Bible and praying, which provides me with clarity and motivation for my day ahead. The second is working out. It's pivotal that I get my body moving and raise by endorphin levels during some form of activity. The third is spending time with my husband. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and motherhood and sometimes neglecting your partner. If I slack off in any of these areas, there is no question that I'll lose my balance for the day.
Who has inspired you most to go for your dreams/goals?
Without question, it's the two men in my life. My father and my husband inspire me daily to be the best that I can be. They are both very determined, hardworking men who are always up for achallenge no matter how big or small. I have observed them for years and am in constant awe of how they are constantly striving to achieve their dreams. They both fuel me to achieve my own goals.
What is your earliest memory of the power of manifesting working for you?
My fondest memory was when I finally began college. From the age of thirteen, I had told my parents that I was going to attend Columbia College Chicago to receive by B.A. Although I had been accepted to several other leading schools, I stood firm with my original first choice and reaped the benefits by following by instincts.
What were the affirmations you used and books you read to help turn your dreams of owning your own business into a reality?
To this day my biggest affirmation is Romans 8:28. "And we know that all things God works for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to His purpose." This verse has been my moral compass. No matter what obstacle I face, I recite this to find clarity. I have also found comfort in devotional books such as "Me, Myself, and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild, as well as "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene. These readings have equipped me with the drive to carry out my business in the manor I intended.
What do you do to avoid negative thoughts and fears when it comes to manifesting?
I tend to pray, meditate, workout or go back to my roots. "Going back to my roots" means reverting back to a solo activity that makes life seem uncomplicated. For me, this can mean lying on the floor listening to soothing music on my headphone with only a candle illuminating the room. Sometimes it can mean grabbing my Nikon camera, wandering the city and taking shots of whatever catches my eye. During these times there are literally no worries and no distractions.
What is the biggest gift you’ve received through the power of manifesting?
My biggest gift has simply been experiencing someone feeling good about themselves. Whether it results from me giving an individual a compliment or watching them feel elated when putting on an item from the 828 Clothing collection, those little things feed my soul. Feeling good about themselves whether it be from me saying something or them putting a piece of clothing that makes them feel great.
Tell us about 828 clothing!
828 Clothing is my baby aside from the sweet little angels that I have at home. It was birthed after I had our daughter, Nahla. I had nursed her and our son Matt each for one year and could not seem to find any clothing that was functional for feeding, and that complimented my changing body. My husband, Matt, suggested that I create my own line. So, I took that idea and I ran with it. As my journey into motherhood evolved, so did my collection. I ended up developing a line targeting every stage of motherhood from maternity to nursing to post-baby. I wanted to create designs that empowered mothers to look good and feel great while also washing well following sticky finger situations with little ones. It has been a great blessing so much so that Matt wanted to join me in this endeavor. He is actually the mind behind 828 Baby.
Do you have any meditation techniques you’d like to share with our readers?
I like to ensure that I set myself up for success when meditating, so choosing the right space is key. For some reason, a dark place and candles have been a staple for me since I was in high school. Meditation takes much practice and certainly more practice once you've become a mother--but totally worth it.
Being a business woman and mother is quite the challenge! What are some of the ways you balance work and family life without losing yourself in the process?
It's a huge challenge, but I always strive for balance. I make it a priority to set aside time outside of mommy hood whether it be alone or spending some quality time with my husband. As long as I'm mindful of taking that break without guilt ensuing, the balance unfolds beautifully. As a mother, there are countless times when we stretch ourselves too thin trying to please everyone. We then forget about our own well-being and everything begins to spiral.
Are there any self-care techniques that you’d like to share with our MoMas?
My only other suggested self-care techniques are spending time with friends that allow you to be yourself and that don't cast judgement. You should also find a sacred space in your home to call your own! As silly as it sounds, it can even be a closet. Clear it out and decorate it with items that trigger positivity and relaxation.