Understanding self-care inside and out
There is something special between the end of one year and the beginning of another. Something like crushing a piece of paper and pulling out a crisp new one. You can almost feel the freshness of the white sheet, as that excited nervous energy begins to kick in. We know what was on the previous sheet, and now we need to figure out what we want to put on the next sheet.
The new year brings renewed energies and a new wave of hope. Every year, people around the world make New Year’s resolutions to achieve their goals, improve their health and improve their lives. Nothing against New Year’s resolutions, but I’m more of a vision boarder. I believe they are a more powerful and positive tool to bring joy and happiness into our lives.
I made my first vision board about 15 years ago, and yes, it worked for me! Simply put, a vision board is a visual representation of your goals, ie: putting your goals, dreams, favorite quotes into pictures or a pictorial representation. It’s based on the theory that physically seeing these images over and over helps give you much-needed motivation and direction and unlocks a world of possibilities.
Who should create Vision Boards?
Anyone who has a vision of something they want! Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, recent graduate or housewife; anyone can use this tool in their personal life regarding their relationships, aspirations, personal growth, and any area of their life.
Create your own vision board
So you decided it was worth it? Great! Let me show you how:
1. Decide if you want to make it digital or physical. The digital version can be placed as wallpaper on your phone, and a physical version will be placed where you can see it often. Remember that the more you see it, the more it takes root in your mind and, like a magnet, draws you to these visions.
2. Now comes the fun part; collect all the things that make you feel good. The things you want more of. Collect pictures that visually represent these things. A law degree, an admission letter to the university of your choice, the logo of the company you want to work for, a picture of a beautiful wedding, even your favorite quotes. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just images that speak to you and spark joy in you. Take your time and do it your way, do it yours. And how do you know if you did it right? Every time you see it, you should feel good.
3. Once you are ready and happy with your vision board, place it where you can see it daily, for reinforcement of the visualization it is meant to create. Your work desk, by your bedside, or inside your closet if you want to keep it private, are some suggestions. Just be sure to check it regularly.
“Reframe” what you really want. There are two types of goals:
1. “Towards” the goal
2. Goal “away from”
Let me explain; if you decide to lose 10 kg because you don’t want to be heavy anymore, your goal is a “far goal”, i.e. it is supposed to take you (your weight, your sugar, your carbohydrates, your favorite pastries).
But the same goal in a vision board will be visually represented by an image of a lean and healthy body, healthy food, a person exercising, and that’s why it becomes a “goal towards” . It pulls you towards the goal.
Instead of focusing on taking something away, vision boards “reframe” the intention, adding a positive touch.
Feel free to update:
Feel free to update your vision board. If something no longer fits, change the image and replace it with a new one.
And finally, remember that a vision board is a great tool to help you achieve your goals, but the secret ingredient is your own action. Take this step forward to manifest your dreams and be open to whatever comes your way. Sometimes the Universe has better plans, much better than yours. Know when to push and when to sit in wonder and appreciate what the Universe has to offer. Good visionary boarding.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
Connect with Delna Mistry Anand on social media @DelnaAnand
