What’s My Vision?

For the past three years, just as the year is ending a new year is on the horizon, my daughter and I have made a trip to the local craft store where we purchase a generous amount of miscellaneous supplies including stickers, markers, poster board, and decorative paper. Before returning to the house, we pick-up Starbucks and some snacks as we prepare to set the stage appropriately for our annual Vision Board extravaganza – including reflection time with our current Vision Boards and intention setting for our newest creations!

I find this process and time with my daughter to be a highlight of the year. Not only am I given a privileged view into my daughter’s dreams and aspirations for the year, I too am able to set an intention for my own dreams and aspirations for what is to come. I am always struck with the final product, and I am always taken back a bit during the vision board re-cap at the end of the year – a time I find so very telling!

As the New Year approaches, the air is filled with anticipation, reflection, and, for many, the hope of a fresh start. This season invites us to set resolutions, dream big, and visualize what’s to come. But let’s face it: New Year’s resolutions can often feel like a daunting laundry list—a mix of ambition and obligation that quickly becomes overwhelming. Enter vision boarding, a creative and inspiring way to approach the New Year.

I forgo the creation and concept of setting resolutions many years ago. For me, resolutions are often tied to specific, measurable goals—like losing 20 pounds, writing a book, or saving a certain amount of money. While these goals are commendable, they can feel rigid, and the pressure to meet them can lead to frustration if life takes an unexpected turn – as it so often does!

Vision boarding, on the other hand, is about dreaming without constraints. It allows us to tap into our creativity and align our aspirations with our values and passions. Think of it as giving yourself permission to explore the unencumbered side of your imagination.

In case you are not familiar with what a Vision Board is, it’s simple: A vision board is a collage of images, words, and symbols that represent your goals, dreams, and intentions. It’s less about creating a to-do list and more about visualizing the essence of what you want to experience in the coming year. Your board might include pictures of a dream vacation, words like courage or balance, or images that evoke a sense of joy and possibility. It’s your personal treasure map, crafted with creativity and anticipation.

A few tips on how to create a Vision Board:

1. Set the Stage: Carve out time to reflect on what you want in the New Year. Light a candle, play your favorite music, or sit in silence for a bit.
2. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a board (poster board, corkboard, etc); magazines; printed images; scissors; glue; and markers.
3. Dream Freely: Think about different areas of your life—relationships, career, health, spirituality, adventure. Let your mind wander, and don’t be afraid to include unencumbered dreams that feel big and unconventional.
4. Select and Assemble: Cut out images and words that resonate with you, and arrange them on your board. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just let your intuition guide you. As you create your vision board, embrace your playful and adventurous spirit. What dreams do you want to chase? What goals could you tackle with strength? And what obstacles might you overcome with resilience? Allow your imagination to lead the way, and don’t shy away from dreams that seem wild or audacious.
5. Place It Somewhere Visible: Your vision board is a living, breathing reminder of your goals and dreams. Put it somewhere you’ll see it regularly, whether that’s in your bedroom, office, or even your closet. Studies show that visualization can have a powerful impact on achieving goals. When we see something clearly in our minds, it activates our brain’s neural pathways, making the goal feel more tangible and achievable. Vision boards work because they remind us of what matters most, even on the days when life feels messy and complicated.

The beauty of vision boarding is that it shifts the focus from perfection to possibility. Instead of worrying about sticking to rigid resolutions, you’re invited to explore, dream, and co-create with the universe. So grab your scissors, your glue, and a stack of magazines. Let’s make this New Year a year of bold visions and boundless joy!