I first heard of a vision board back in 2008. The Secret was all the rage and Oprah had just endorsed it and the phenomenon of the vision board. We were knee-deep in our infertility struggle, and I was looking for a way out of my glass half empty perspective. I was tired of being depressed about not being able to get pregnant, and manifesting our wants with our thoughts seemed like the answer.
So I pulled out a poster board and filled it with all the things we wished for in our lives. A baby, a stork, a new TV job, money, Oprah (because I had to meet her!) and so many other hopes and dreams. I’m not sure if it was the vision board, my new positive attitude, or both, but after seven years and multiple treatments, this was the year we received our wish. An IVF miracle.
After our first baby, I continued on a path of gratitude, self-discovery, and healings, and continued each year on New Year’s Day to make my vision board. The photos and words may change each year, but the intention is still the same; to create with my thoughts what I wish for in life. And each year the universe usually brings me at least one or two things on that list.
Like a water leak which manifested in a brand new kitchen. And I mean I picked almost the exact kitchen down to the backsplash without ever consulting that vision board. Trust me, it works. (Here’s our new kitchen!)
So how do you get started if you’ve never done a vision board? Here are a few suggestions to get you going, along with some printable recommendations if you don’t feel like buying magazines!
How To Make a Vision Board That Works For You
1. Write Down Your Wins
I learned from a friend and business coach to celebrate my wins, but how many of us actually do this? Before I can look ahead, I like to look back at the past year and write down all the good that year. It’s hard to plot your future when you haven’t looked down that mountain to see how far you’ve come!
2. Write Out Your Plan for Life
This is a hard one for so many, but it’s really a great exercise. On a piece of paper, actually, write (not type) what you want in your life. How much money you want to make, where you’re living, how you feel, what types of relationships you have, dream vacations, health goals, the sky is the limit. Then read it over and over again. It will keep you motivated, especially during the setbacks.
3. Grab a Piece of Posterboard and Get to Work
This is the fun part for me and the girls! We love to grab old magazines we’ve kept through the years and start searching for things we love. For me it always includes the mountains and a house there, because that’s my ultimate dream.
My word of the year which is surrender. Because I’m finally OK with my illness and where I am in life and ready to accept whatever life throws my way this year.
My career goals which include my book, and possibly a new television show. (Working on this now – stay tuned!) And of course my health goals. I believe we have the power to heal our bodies and am focusing on that now more than ever. Feeling good is first on my list in the New Year. I also added my dream bathroom since we got the kitchen. You never know!
Other Topic Ideas:
- Affirmations
- What you’re grateful for
- Dream Vvacations
- Family goals
- Books you’d like to read
- Relationships
- Money you’d like
- Important quotes or meaningful words
- Meditation
And anything else you can think of! For me, I focused this year on me, and like to do a big board. But if this is too much work, you can always print out this awesome vision board printable from my friend Carrie Elle. You can fill it in with words or photos!
She even has awesome printable vision board quotes to make it easy for you!
Keep in mind it doesn’t have to be big or fancy, it just has to feel good and manifest what means most to YOU. Because that’s the point of a vision board, to help you attract what you really want in your life. Don’t forget to place it somewhere you’ll see it every days. The more you are reminded of your goals, the more likely you are to fulfill them.
Good luck with your vision board and may we all be filled with love, light, joy and gratitude in the coming year.
If you liked this post, please head over to Facebook for more inspiration! And read this post on why resolutions don’t work and what to do instead!
And before you set those goals, READ THIS!
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