From Skeptic to Surprised: Discernment via Vision Board
I used to think vision boards were woo-woo.
Like “manifesting yachts and dream houses” woo-woo.
But recently, I tried making one—not to summon a yacht ala The Secret, but as a simple art project to rekindle my spark. I was feeling stuck, and this creative project looked playfully easy and tactile enough to shake me loose.
The idea came from a workshop I watched on Creativebug (via a Hoopla BingePass from my library). The instructor walked through making a New Year’s vision board. I loved the concept, but instead of “new year, new me,” I created a birthday vision board—a compass for what I wanted in my next trip around the sun.
Step 1: Set the Stage
I began with a list of words that answered two simple questions:
- What do I want more of in my life?
- What do I want to feel?
For me it was: awe, movement, joy, healing, connection, community, seeking, gardening, making, laughter.
As I wrote them all over the board—both to remove blank-page stress and to make the words real—I thought about how they might look in my everyday life:
- Connection → friends and familty gathered
- Joy → creating a more beautiful backyard garden
- Seeking → curiosity of places near and far
Then I spray painted textures across the surface so I wouldn’t feel pressured to “cover everything” with images or worry about perfection.
Step 2: Let the Process Take You
With those seed words in mind, I flipped through magazines asking myself: What do these words look like? How do I want to design my life?
Resonant images leapt out:
- people gathered around a fire ring
- gardens and lush green spaces
- cozy interiors that inspired warmth and comfort
And certain phrases demanded to be included:
- Aged to Perfection
- Wonder Awaits
- Force of Nature
- Happy Places
- Resilient / Radiant
- Signature, Not Subtle
- Superpower
- Seeking Beauty
I cut, sorted into themes, and laid them out. The board came alive. I hummed a tune and smiled as I pasted.
Step 3: Use the Compass for Navigation
Once finished, I hung the collage above my desk. At first it was just decoration. I’d glance at it, maybe take a walk when I noticed the exercise imagery, or water my shrubs when the garden pictures called to me.
But then something unexpected happened: the board started shaping my decisions.
When new opportunities came up, I found myself asking:
- Does this connect with wonder, awe, or joy?
- Will it leave me resilient, or just drained?
- Does it let me use my superpowers—or treat me like a commodity?
Suddenly, choices became clearer. It wasn’t about money or pressure—it was about alignment.
How This Works for Me
The vision board isn’t some cheesy Harry Potter spell.
It’s a picture of my values and dreams—always ready for me to test opportunities against.
Discernment personified. It emboldens that little voice inside me that whispers: this, not that.
My Surprise Takeaway
A fun birthday art project turned into one of the most practical tools I’ve ever used.
I went in expecting “woo.” I came out with a decision-making compass.
The visual reminder I keep above my desk:
👉 If it drains you at any price, it’s already too expensive.
Curious: Have you ever tried a creative exercise that surprised you by becoming a serious tool in your work or life?