Let's Talk About Vision Boards

In my early to mid twenties, I was introduced to the concept of a vision board. I have always been a more visual person, and I always believed that if I visualized it then I could do it. However, when the idea of a vision board was brought to me, I was confused. I had never heard of it. I was also confused on how I could take pictures from the internet or Pinterest and use them as references for how I visualize my life. Furthermore, I was worried about how big my dreams and desires were. If I put these dreams and goals on this board, would I seem crazy and delusional?

At the time of learning about vision boards, I had different goals. However, once those fizzled out, I had to pivot. Pivoting led to being extremely lost in what my life looked like going forward. After months and months of self relfection and learning new skills, I finally figured out most of what I really desired. Much of it was significantly different from how I had imagined my life in previous years. Now, what I desire is better and more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. Additionally, the dreams and goals I have now do not require a specific timeline to have a "big break" or to "make it". I can take my time to cultivate my desires. Careerwise, I have very few goals. While they are more advanced, creative goals, they are small in number. I want to achieve a few things, and do them so well that they last beyond me, my children and my grandchildren. I also have philanthropic goals, but these, too, are larger feats in small numbers. Simplifying my life this way made me realize that my vision board was possible.

Starting in 2023, I pieced together my vision board. I will not disclose what is currently on my vision board as I prefer to keep my goals and dreams private; however, I am pleased with the vision board. Over the past two years, I have made changes because things change in life. However, the foundational elements that really do highlight who I am as an individual remain consistent. I learned that it's okay to have a few gaps and weird white spaces on my vision board where I removed old dreams to make room for new ones. The biggest thing that helped me when making my vision board was making it reflect what I want to achieve in the next 5-7 years of my life. I can only think in increments of relatively 5, and doing this cut down on the pressure to plan out every facet of my life. Once this vision board is all checked off, a new one will be made for the next 5-7 years of my life, and so on. Overall, I have enjoyed the process. Some days I do get concerned because my current life does not reflect my vision board life, but I remind myself that there is so much to come. So, I leave you with this one statement: allow yourself to envision everything and then work towards not only seeing it but living it.

From: Me

To: You