26 - From Dreams to Reality: The Power of a Vision Board

For the past three years, I've had a vision board on the wall next to my bed. A huge frame with all the images of things I desire in my future.

The reason I don’t put any ‘old’ images, is because each moment in the past can never be re-created. Whatever magic was in the air in that past moment, will never happen in the exact same way and so I must make new magic moments. Always moving onward and upward.  

As I have put in the time to answer the question “what does success look like to me?”, I am clear on what I would like in my future. I like to keep reminding myself of that daily, it gives me positive energy and excitement. Thoughts of your future should get you super excited too!

When times are tough, if I have to force myself to step out of my comfort zone, my vision board helps me to remember my ‘why’. Each day, no matter how difficult or uncertain, takes me closer to my goal and is part of my life journey. 

How I Created My Vision Board

Over a period of a few months, I started to add photos into a folder on my phone. I would often find that when I was driving the car or running, images would come to me of things that I wanted in my future. A country cottage, a window snug overlooking the sea to read all my favourite books, my favourite classic car. I would save them in a folder as they popped into my mind, so I could print them later and wouldn’t forget them.

I then purchased a very large frame, and after printing the images I placed around a dozen of my favourite images in it, finally mounting it on my wall next to my bed.

Why next to my bed? 1. I am guaranteed to look at it daily 2. It helps motivate me to get out of bed 3. It's personal and I don't want it anywhere else in the house.

But It Doesn’t Stop There

I still have the photo folder on my phone, and I still add images to it. Sometimes bigger, more extravagant, sometimes just more refined. Some things no longer interest me, and maybe new things pop up too. And when I feel compelled, perhaps if I have ticked a few items off my vision board “list”, I have a refresh of my images.

Some items I will achieve within 12 months, some within 12 years and some maybe more. But having them on my board gives me focus. Short term achievements and long-term aspirations, all things I love and that excite me.

Sometimes It Helps To Be Specific

For example, I have the exact number of investment properties I would like as part of my diversified asset portfolio, part of my strategy to achieve financial freedom. I tick them off as I go with a big gold star. I also have other things such as an image of a book because writing one is something I have always wanted to do.

As I explained in blog post #2 (check it out here!), knowing what you want and having it on a vision board is such an amazing tool to help you say “yes” to the things the universe puts in front of you, even if the odds are seemingly stacked against you.

For a long time, I had an image of the sea looking through a window. I love the sea. The sound, the smell, the movement reminds me of my brother who was an incredible surfer. We spent much of our childhood together by the sea, and as adults we would often go long distance swimming together.

When I moved to Bristol, I was nowhere near any water, and I missed it terribly! Despite the challenges we were facing at the time with my partner Jem being treated for Cancer, the most amazing house became available, was it going to be difficult? Yes! Did I know that I wanted it? Hell yes! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

It would have been easy to say no, but I was certain that living by the water was what I wanted, it was on my vision board. Each morning I wake up to this view...

As you progress through your journey of self-discovery, getting clear on what you desire in your life, put it on a vision board and look at it daily. 

You will be amazed.

Always with love, 

Elsa x