'I fled an unhappy relationship and manifested my dream husband!'

Finding herself at rock bottom after a failed 17-year relationship, Claire Rodrigues Lee used the law of attraction to find happiness

- LUCY ROBINSON

Ten years ago, London-based songwriter Claire, 44, was languishing in an unhappy relationship and saw no way out. But a spiritual book taught her how to will her dreams of a perfect husband and career into existence. Here, she tells her story...

'As I walked through Venice with my boyfriend Ryan, I wondered why he was taking me on the longest walk in the world. Then, as we crossed a bridge, he suddenly stopped. "Take a look at this view," he said.

When I turned around, he was down on one knee. "Will you marry me, Claire?"

After excitedly telling everyone we met that I'd got engaged, I remembered a journal entry I made before I met Ryan. I'd described a romantic trip to Italy with a mysterious man. I realised that this moment was what I'd been waiting for – I'd manifested my proposal without even knowing it.

Before meeting Ryan, I'd been in a 17-year relationship with a person who wasn't right for me. During our time together, my confidence was at rock bottom. I worked at my ex's business and had spent half my life with him. It seemed like there was no way out.

Then, in 2011, my dad pulled me out of that relationship. Arriving at my house, he said, "You're coming home with me and you're never going back." At 34, I returned to my parents' home and my life began again.

The first thing I did was join Facebook. I began reconnecting with people and organised a coffee date with someone I'd known as a teenager.

WRITING DOWN INTENTIONS