Vision Board

Back in November, I was co-chair for an Economic Empowerment Seminar. I took a backseat to getting the guests and I'm glad I did. I sat in on one of the AM sessions "Going After What You Want" and was moved by my soror who talked about being motivated to go after your dreams. Now I'll admit that I'm a 'fraidy cat when it comes to certain things. I worry about other people's thoughts--what will my 'rents say; will my friends think I'm crazy; will the random Jane on the street diss me? I can weigh the negative outcomes on anything but at the same time I will find a positive spin on the rainiest days.

At this session, I felt myself getting inspired as we went around the room and people were saying what they wanted to do. Someone wanted to start a lingerie line for fuller sized women, another wanted to start her catering business, and another wanted to see if she should leave her cushy Corporate America job to start a non-profit to benefit young girls. And then it was my turn and in front of a bunch of people--some I knew, most I didn't--I opened my mouth and said "I want to be a make-up artist." SHUT YOUR FACE was my immediate internal reaction, I almost clamped my hand over my mouth. But I meant every word of it. The presenter, worked as a freelance make-up artist, and told me to see her after the session. I was dancing in my chair--no one could see this of course. What great morning session and we were only 15 minutes in!

The presenter then spent the next 45-minutes of the session talking, and I found myself growing more inspired by her words. She didn't try to re-invent the wheel but her sassy, straight to the point attitude SPOKE to me. I was moved and mentally cataloging what my next steps were going to be in order to make my dreams--not just being a make-up artist--happen but things that I was not really to give up and do.

At the end of the session, I went over to the presenter and she said "So you know you're not ready to go out and paint faces right?" I just nodded. She said "You got some work to do and I don't mean here at this seminar. Sister, when you leave here, go out to Target or Staples, get you a corkboard, some pushpins, post-it notes, and markers. Create your vision board." Immediately, the vision of a video treatment came to my mind and I didn't see the connection. Reading my body language, she took my hands in hers and said "A vision board is where you allow yourself to say all those things you won't allow yourself to say out loud to anyone. Your vision board is where you tack up those dreams and aspirations that seem silly and childish. But they're not. Those are your dreams and you use that to inspire you. Put it someplace that you will see everyday and remind yourself of what your WANT to do."

Following her advice, I took myself and bought a vision board. I have it right across from my bed and I see it everyday before I go to sleep and when I wake up. Posted up are the little things, pay off the credit cards by June 2009; go to Bikram more and the not so little things, complete the MUD make-up course by August 2010 ($3400); buy a house (straight grown up status). It's my inspiration and I wouldn't have it any other way... It reminds me of where I'm headed, even on the days where I feel like I'm all mixed up.

So go out and get your vision board--decorate it with your hopes, your dreams, the secrets you're afraid to share--but should. The only thing holding you back is you--so MOVE and get out of your own way!

Love & Light