Vision boards are a way of affirming what we want. They move us from imagination to action and they help us visualize by putting image and language to thought. They realign us with our values by reminding us to focus on what most matters to us.
Some of us have never stopped to ask ourselves what we truly want our life to look and feel like. We may have been so focused on taking care of other people that we lack intimacy with ourselves. When circumstances change – a relationship ends, we leave a job, children move out – we may suddenly be forced to re-evaluate our priorities. At first we may welcome the opportunity but then inertia sets in. We aren’t sure what the next right action is so we simply wait. We may not realize it right away but chances are we are waiting for something external to change: a new lover or career or living arrangement.
Unconsciously we may also be waiting for someone to give us permission. We’re waiting for that permission because we don’t feel entitled. No one ever told us that we can manifest whatever we desire. Or, perhaps someone did tell us but then hurt us (or themselves) in some way and so now we doubt and question reality.
When we start to align with our desires we also start to align with purpose. Mapping out our desires on a vision board begins to give us that permission we have been seeking. It moves us from inertia to action in an intentional yet playful way. And intention and playfulness are two sides of the same coin, both vital to the experience of happiness. Living in this way, and inviting in our bliss, requires our full participation.