“The idea of a Vision Board is to create a visual aid that speaks to your mind and heart”, says Harmony Morgan, Director for Healing Hands School of Holistic Health – Laguna Hills. “It is a combination of meaningful images, words and concepts that reflect your goals, aspirations and the necessary steps to reach them. A vision board is best created from a place of gratitude; appreciating all you currently have, while eagerly anticipating the good to come! Try to suspend self-limiting thoughts about what you can achieve and dream big!
Step One – Know Thyself!
Reflect on what’s most important to you, ask yourself:
- What do I really value?
- What would I like to accomplish or learn?
- How do I want to contribute to society?
- What do I consider to be a good life?
- How do I want to spend my time?
- What are my relationship goals?
- What kind of ‘partner’ do I want in life?
- Whom do I want to spend time with?
- How can I improve my interaction with others?
- What are my career goals? My dream job?
- Would I like to start my own business, or work for others?
- What steps could I take to land my dream job?
- What are my goals for fun and recreation?
- What are my health and fitness goals?
- How can I achieve the weight, strength, flexibility, and health I desire?
- What other personal goals would I like to manifest?
Step Two – Choose a format and supplies.
Most people who make vision boards make them out of poster-board, foam-board, or on any material that can be hung or propped up against a wall. Many Healing Hands’ students choose a 3-panel foam, display board. It allows them to address Mind, Body, and Spirit on one board. The construction allows it to stand alone or be hung on a wall.
You’ll also need a pair of scissors, a glue stick or mounting tape, colored paper, colored markers and an optional easel-back so it may stand-alone. Gather magazines, cards, or photos you’d like to include. Feel free to bedazzle your boards with glitter, rhinestones, ribbons, frames, block letters or other crafting items of your choice.
Step Three – Inspire Yourself!
You may want to explore a variety of different sources for your potential content. Whatever you choose, make sure the images appeal to you and demand your focus. Collect Images, words, and concepts that inspire you. All words used on your vision board must have a positive, appealing tone, and phrased to reflect present tense. For example, “I enjoy eating healthy, nutritious meals that help me maintain a healthy weight” as opposed to “I will starve myself until I reach my goal weight”.
Sources may include:
- Print Magazines, newspapers, greeting cards
- Personal photos, drawings, poems, etc.
- Images found online via search engines
- Topic specific websites or E-magazines
- Websites for Inspirational Quotes
- Websites with Positive Affirmations
- Original affirmations specific to your circumstances.
Step Four – Putting it all together!
This is your Vision Board, so it should reflect your unique personality, preferences and potential. Let go of any pre-conceived limitations and focus on the process to accomplish your goals. Be sure to keep it positive, inspiring and challenging enough to inspire growth.
Choose images that also reflect your desires, such as a slimmer, healthier, stronger physique. Or a new wardrobe, a new car, or a new career! Look for images that reflect the characteristics you’d like to see in your best Self. Find images that are strong, bold and empowering. For example, if you’re working on becoming less judgmental, find a picture that symbolizes acceptance of others. To feel less anxious, include a photo of a roaring Lion.
Founded in 1992, Healing Hands is a leader in the education of Massage and the Holistic Healing Arts. Their faculty of subject specialists has prepared more than 8,000 graduates for successful careers as Professional Massage Therapists and can do the same for you! Find out more, visit us online at www.hhs.edu. Or call us at: (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, (760) 746-9364 in Escondido and, (858) 505-1100 in Kearny Mesa/San Diego.