The Bottom of Heaven Blogging Postmodern Blackness

On New Years Eve 2008, I decided to opt out of the French Quarter fireworks ritual that I’d maintained over these past few years and instead, stay home and reflect on my goals for 2009.  In an effort to visualize and truly remind myself of where I’d like to focus my thoughts this year, I made a vision board.

Vision Board 101

A “vision board” is basically a collection of images and/or phrases posted onto a board that you place in a visible area in your home so that each day your are  reminded of your goals, dreams, and aspirations. It can also serve as a positive affirmation to get you through those tough times.  The process of making the board itself is very mindful and purposeful. The best images and phrases can be found in magazines, especially those that cater to women. I’ve got a pretty healthy collection of Oprah, Essence, Newsweek, Time, and Entertainment Weekly so there are no shortages of pictures and images that relate to almost every area of my life – career, health, love – it’s all there.

The beauty of making a vision board is that it’s your vision, so wherever you want to see yourself or whatever quote provides the best inspiration – you get to decide where it will go and what relevance it will have on your board. Now, of course I can’t take credit for this concept.  Big shout out to Oprah! (And this blog also has more information.)

So what are some of the things on my board?

At the center,  there is a picture of a tree with lemons falling around it. The phrase says, “Are you ready for change?” And indeed, I am.  Just below that picture is the statement, “I will pass the February 2009 Bar Exam.” It’s written in fairly large letters so that each day when I wake up, I consciously and on purpose shift my thinking in this direction.

2008 was a pretty stressful year for me. So I’ve got a lot of positive affirmations that I found to help me get through the trials that may come in 2009. They are:

• When you come across an obstacle that threatens you and your best life, stare the damn thing down and win.
• Begin making choices based on what makes you feel freer and happier, rather than how you think an ideal life should look.
• Authentic change doesn’t come easy. But with self-awareness, mindfulness and guts, it actually does come.

And of course there’s love: “A Love Supreme” to be precise.  This kind of love does not necessarily involve a romantic relationship. I strongly believe, and hope to fully know in 2009, that the “Love Supreme” first begins with me.

Will the vision board make all of my dreams come true and solve all of my problems? Of course not. I’m the one that has to do all of the hard work. But there’s nothing like having positive reinforcement to get me through those tough days. I’m already excited about how I’ve started the New Year so far and for the first time in months I’m feeling a sense of calm, peace, and hope. There is so much to look forward to over the coming weeks. The Obamas are moving into the White House. I plan to pass this bar exam with flying colors. And I’m looking forward to being more mindful and present. Here’s to a New Year!

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