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:
