Do you have an idea that you been mulling over or a dream that you'd like to fulfill? Ideas swirling around in your head will get lost if you don't capture them. Writing them down in your favorite notebook or digital journal is always a good idea but how about trying something more creative? A vision board can help you solidify your ideas and manifest the project providing inspiration and intent. A vision board is different from your project to-do list and each can be helpful in your process.

Christine Kane says “the idea behind a vision board this is that when you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, what you want to have, where you want to live, or where you want to vacation, your life changes to match those images and those desires.” Instead of looking at the steps to do things, you'll be creating a vision board of your dream come true. What does this look like in your mind?

The key is to create the intent behind your project or idea. In yoga class, we often set an intention for our practice at the beginning of class and come back to it at the end. “Setting intention, at least according to Buddhist teachings, is quite different from goal making. It is not oriented toward a future outcome. Instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are “being” in the present moment. Your attention is on the ever-present “now” in the constantly changing flow of life. You set your intentions based on understanding what matters most to you and make a commitment to align your worldly actions with your inner values” from The Heart's Intention. 

Many people have created vision boards based on the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and use it to activate the Law of Attraction. “Your thoughts become things!” ― Rhonda Byrne. 

When I first started my blog almost two years ago, I created a vision board based on the blog theme and the ideas that I had. I tore images from magazines that interested me and had the impression of what I wanted to achieve with my blog. [picture Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30 making her presentation] Was it fancy? No, but it provided me with inspiration and a little courage to write. I still love it.

To create my original vision board, I used a poster board, magazines, scissors, and glue. First, I gathered images as I thought about what my intention was for my blog and what I wanted to do with it. I found tons of photos and then weeded out the ones that didn't seem to fit with the overall visual scheme. Then I cut them out, arranged and rearranged them and finally glued them to the poster board. I put the final product into an inexpensive frame to hang in my office.

The above photo is my original vision board and I'm happy to say that I think I lived up to the original intent that I created. I added a few things I was wishing for which was the Mac computer and a trip to Paris and even those came true. Taking the time to think about what my goals where and what I wanted really helped me to focus.

Another way to create a vision board is to create a Pinterest board either public or private. I made this Pinterest vision board inspired by my paper version.

With your vision board you want to create the intent for your dream or project so that you can mentally prepare and get into the mindset of it. Visually preparing yourself for the final product may let your mind worry less as you go forth and conquer this dream. Imaging yourself with your ideal job, completed book or charming little bakery with trays of frosted cupcakes could help make it come true. From my friend, Dane's article on How to Manifest Your Dream Life:

Three Steps toward Creating Your Dream Life

1. Identify your desire
2. Give your desire attention
3. Allow it

What will inspire you to start a vision board of your own? Do you think you'll go old-school or Pinterest style? I'd love to see your board once you've started.

What are YOU doing to make your next dream come true?

Resources:

What the Heck's a Vision Board and How It Can Change Your Life

O Dream Board 

Featured image courtesy of Big Stock Photos.

Article by Peg Fitzpatrick