Nia Harden: The Family Vision Board
I’m that person who thought vision boards were pointless. People I know are really into them and they go all out, to the point where it seems more like an arts and crafts type of project. Then 2020 happened and I felt like my children, my family, needed to ring in 2021 with more faith and hope than ever before. I figured, what better way to do that than with a vision board?!
It turns out vision boards are very useful, I mean the real deal. Therapists say vision boards help us to anticipate an outcome and that means you’re more likely to see it through. They are designed to encourage us to think big and accept the good things that can come our way in life. The dreams and goals.
With the crazy year we had just had, my kids and husband were excited to try something new. We took days to prepare because we wanted it to go well. We had the magazines at home already, we purchased the poster paper, markers, glue, and scissors. By New Years Eve, we were ready with our snacks and all.
Here’s how I made my board. Seriously, anyone can do this and should. There is no right or wrong way to do this.
1. Pick a vision for your board
My husband and I did one and the kids did one. My husband and I decided to focus on things we wanted to do and achieve in 2021 only.
2. Cut away!
Since vision boards are all about seeing, I like to get right to the magazines! We started going through them one-by-one looking for things that resonated with us and our visions. This could be cutting out several letters to make a word, cutting out a piece of food, or a book. Once done going through our magazine, we pass them around and let the next person see if they need anything out of it. It’s your board, you do what you want with it!
3. Put your vision on paper
I like to start with the bigger pictures first. My kids split theirs down the middle with a marker so they could both do their own thing. You can also section off the page with a pencil before laying the pictures.
4. Glue as you go
Seriously, just go for it! No dream is too big. As you piece it together you start to realize this vision is really what you want for yourself.
5. Write the date on the back!
This is like the most important thing to do! This will be what you look at over and over again to remind yourself where you want to be and a date can help us stay on target.
6. Put it in a spot where you will see it often
We decided to hang ours up in our office. We are forced to see it everyday and that’s a good thing. We have done a lot of things on that board and it makes you feel proud and accomplished when you do. You’ll also still feel motivated to reach other goals.
Try it with your family before the new year!
