Continuing our celebration of remarkable women in history, today we honor Florence Scovel Shinn—a metaphysical teacher, artist, and author whose work laid the foundation for modern manifestation techniques. Long before “law of attraction” became a buzzword, Florence was teaching people how to align their thoughts, words, and beliefs to create the life they desired.

Born in 1871 in Camden, New Jersey, Florence started her career as an illustrator before stepping into her true calling as a spiritual teacher and writer. She was a pioneer in New Thought philosophy, blending Biblical wisdom with the power of affirmations and visualization. In 1925, she self-published her groundbreaking book, The Game of Life and How to Play It, which remains a staple for anyone on a manifesting journey.

Florence believed that our words hold creative power, shaping our reality in ways we may not even realize. She taught that by aligning our speech with our desires, we can shift our circumstances and call in abundance, love, health, and success. Many of her affirmations—such as “I now release the past and move forward into the divine plan of my life”—are still widely used today.

Unlike many teachers of her time, Florence didn’t just focus on positive thinking; she emphasized the importance of divine timing, faith, and letting go of resistance. She described life as a game played according to spiritual laws, and those who mastered these laws could create lives filled with ease, prosperity, and joy. Her teachings on synchronicity, intuition, and trusting the Universe continue to inspire modern-day spiritual seekers.

Florence’s work paved the way for today’s manifestation movement, influencing countless spiritual teachers, authors, and coaches, like me! Her message—that we are powerful co-creators of our reality—is just as relevant now as it was a century ago. She reminds us that faith and fearless belief are the keys to unlocking infinite possibilities.

Want to bring Florence’s wisdom into your own life? Try one of these to honor her today:
✨ Speak your desires into existence—affirm out loud what you wish to manifest.
📖 Read or listen to her books—start with The Game of Life and How to Play It (my audiobook on YouTube)
🌀 Trust the divine flow—release control and allow the Universe to work its magic.

Florence Scovel Shinn taught us that life is a game—and those who learn to play it with faith, intention, and joy will always win. Are you ready to play? 🎲

Florence Scovel Shinn remains one of the best-known American advocates of New Thought philosophy. In New Thought circles she is best known for her first book, "The Game of Life and How to Play It" (1925). This edition of the collected works reprints "The Game of Life and How to Play It" as well as "Your Word Is Your Wand", "The Secret Door to Success" and "The Power of the Spoken Word."