I just never get tired of the topic of vision boards because they are such a powerful tool. In fact, tonight I’m going to speak on the topic on http://www.blogtalkradio.com along with my client, Christy Pitari, and my health coach, Wendy Martin. If reading this isn’t enough for you, check us out at 7:30 – 8 Eastern Time for more musings on how you can use these in your lives to make your dreams play out.
A vision board goes beyond a list of goals for the year. I do that, too, and that’s important as well. But creating a board is a different thing for me. For millions of years, before words, we communicated with each other through pictures on rock walls. Taking in information through pictures roots deep in our DNA. Pictures communicate to the visual learner inside us, and even if that isn’t our primary learning modality, we see it. The vision board is the director in the movie of our lives–a picture book for our subconscious minds.
There are things a vision board is, and there are things a vision board is not. Let’s start with things a vision board is.
A vision board is s a visual representation of your dreams, goals, heart focus–where you want to center your energies in a particular time frame. It’s a tool to tell your subconscious mind you are serious and there’s a date attached to your dreams. It’s a work in progress–a working document able to be amended at all times. It’s a way to keep focused on your verbally stated goals, your core values, the things that are important to you. It’s your personality…your vision for you. How you want to create your life on this planet. A playing out of your purpose here.
Here’s what a vision board is not. It’s not limiting. It’s not a test for the Universe. It’s not meant for anything but to help you live the life you imagine. It’s not some mystical tool, but rather its efficacy is instead rooted in scientific research showing the power it beholds. Just look at the number of professional athletes who tell story after story of how visualization made them accomplish feats nobody before them had accomplished.
People use vision boards in different ways. I make one each year, sometimes just for that year, and sometimes with longer time frames attached. On the back, I like to add other people’s dreams as they become confident enough to share them with me. At the top, I always write this: “This or something better. I will be happy and grateful when it comes. It will come so easily I laugh.” (I borrowed that from great spiritual thinker Christie Marie Sheldon who likes to live in the ‘love and above’ place I also strive to be. And thanks to fellow writer and friend, Damien, for introducing her to me.)
This year, I threw my former time as second grade teacher onto the poster board with heart stickers and flower decals. I was in a sparkly sticker kind of mood. Last year I was in more of a Sharpie-in-all-colors kind of mood. I go through magazines, or print pictures off my Pinterest boards (its own kind of vision board!), or search on Google images. This year, I’m going to start collecting images as I see things throughout the year that reasonate. There’s really no right or wrong way to do this. It’s tapping into your inner guidance and doing what feels right to you.
After I make a board, I look at it each night before I go to bed for about the first month. Then, I try and get out of the way. I leave it by my bed and look at it every so often. At the end of the year, I’m always amazed at how closely the year aligned with my board. I make a new board. And, as this is a work in progress, each year it’s slightly different and I learn something new from the last experience. Something I want to tweak.
Throw your personality on it and dream. Enjoy yourself. Take your time. Don’t make it a “half to”–make it a “get to.” You get to dream, to co-create your life. What can be more fantastic? You’ll be glad you did, and you will find your sense of purpose more full than you ever believed possible.
jamieweilwrites 
I’m so glad you wrote about this again, Jamie, because I was just thinking about it the other day – how it was something I meant to do, but never got around to. I am doing it this week! I’ve set some time aside tomorrow night.
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Oooh, ooh! I want to see! So glad you’re taking it seriously because it’s seriously POWERFUL. Thanks for reading. (Hey, maybe you’ll call into the radio show this afternoon, preferably with a small infant screaming in the background:) See my FB page if you’re down!)
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I made it early so I could get writing work done tonight! If I decide not to feature the board in my Friday blog, I’ll email the jpeg to you.
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Aww, sweet! On the radio interview I did last night on this topic, the hostess said their doing a whole conference in NYC on vision boards. Isn’t that awesome? Can’t wait to see!
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Jamie- Awesome post. After talking with you the other day and seeing your vision board, you’ve lit a fire in me to get to work on my vision board. One I started collecting pictures for over a year ago. I also love your idea of choosing one word as the center of your year. After some still and silent contemplation, I found the word at the center of my year; Focus. Thanks for your inspiration and willingness to add one of my goals to the back of your vision board. That also creates accountability for me to actually work toward that goal. I’ll add that to my board too. Thanks again.
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Thanks, Damien, for your thoughtful comment. Oooh–perfect word in the center. I like that. So much to distract us in this world each day. Grabbing hold to our focus and placing it in the center is key. Most welcome on the Precipice draft. Looking forward to reading that and hearing you speak on it at Asilomar. Can’t wait to see your board!
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Your post on this was timely, I began a vision board last month! Being a novice my focus is not clear, however I find the process of sorting, cutting, pasteing very relaxing. It’s a start.
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No experience necessary. And, I like that you’re enjoying the process. The time helps the focus become clear and it’s ever-evolving. I’d love to see when you’re done. I especially like the part where dreams come true! (Speaking to that, Mike and I are going to the Big Island next month for my bday–straight off the vision board!:) Good job being the creator of your life!
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This is a wonderful idea! Again, you amaze me!
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2013 11:44:46 +0000 To: wezedi7@live.com
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Thanks, Lori! Are you feeling a vision board in your future? Can’t wait to see your dreams come true!
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Soooo cool! This shows your integrity, Beth. You say you’re going to do it, and you do it. I love that. There is no doubt in my mind this board will come to life in the perfect timing. Way to rock it, QS!
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Thank you Jamie! The timing for me reading your post here is perfect as I’ve been thinking of creating a new vision board. It’s been a while since I’ve created one. I have very optimistic feelings about this year so it’s a great time to help focus these good feelings with specific images, words and concepts to attract. I am always so inspired by your wonderful posts. Thanks again!
Happy hugs of gratitude, Gina
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I have no doubt it will be a vision of art! I love the evolution of your posts–the colors, the pictures, the message. We are co-inspirers, then, for which I am grateful! HHofG! Jamie
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