Yesterday I finally got around to creating a vision board for this year. I say “finally” because I need at least two to three hours to spend on this project, and over the holidays it’s always hard to find that block of time to myself.
A vision board can take many forms. For me, it was about putting down in visual form some of the things I want to focus on in the coming year. These are things that I often say I’ll do (take more time for myself, rest more) but never actually put into place. Making a vision board is a creative act that transforms intentions into a concrete symbol, and there is power in that.
If you’d like to create a vision board for this year as well, I encourage you to do so. It doesn’t require any specific artistic ability. Truly, the important thing is not to judge it as any sort of artwork but rather to see it as a gesture of love towards yourself. The time you spend on your vision board is time you’re dedicating to your inner world, and that is always time well spent.
Here is how I did my vision board. You don’t have to follow these steps, but if you’ve never done one before, maybe some of these ideas will help you get started or inspire you to get on your way.
Where to start on your vision board
Originally I had intended to make my vision board on a regular piece of poster board. However, when I cleaned out my storage closet as I was putting away the holiday decorations, I found an old canvas that my daughter had painted and didn’t want anymore. I had told her not to throw it away, that there would definitely be a way to repurpose it in the future. When I couldn’t find the poster board I’d purchased, I pulled out the old canvas and wrapped it in brown kraft paper to cover the old artwork and that became my new base.
Incorporating symbols and synchronicity
I always like to work with symbols and synchronicity and divinatory tools when I embark on new projects. The rich imagery of the tarot deck is especially appropriate for a yearly vision board. The random act of drawing a card is a way to get yourself into a space where you let go of control and open to messages that come from within and without.
I suggest working with the 22 cards of the major arcana because each of these cards represents a broad theme throughout the life cycle. Shuffle the 22 cards and choose one at random to represent the theme of the coming year for you.
If you don’t have a tarot deck, you can still do this practice. Type “random number generator” into Google and set the minimum to zero and the maximum to 21. Click the blue “generate” bar and see what number comes up. Then go to LearnTarot.com and click “Cards” on the left sidebar. Under Major Arcana, count until you get to your number, starting with the Fool as zero. Click on the card that represents your number and read about it. You can even print out a copy of the image and paste it to your vision board, if you want.
Helpful materials for your vision board
You don’t need to have any particular art supplies in order to create your vision board. The way you build it is entirely up to you. Most people have some old magazines at hand, along with a glue stick and scissors. If you want to create a board entirely of images without any writing, that’s really all you need. You can find images online and print them out. You can use markers, paints, glitter, stickers, washi tape, found objects … there aren’t any rules.
When I made mine, I created space on the dining room table and brought out the supplies I wanted to use. I made myself a cup of tea and put on some music, and then I got started. I didn’t have a specific plan in mind. I started with the card that came up when I did my tarot shuffle of the major arcana, and pasted that in the middle. Then I just worked out from there, letting the materials inspire me and thinking about how I want to approach this year.
Your vision board is a way to express your hopes, dreams, goals and concrete objectives for the coming year. The important thing is that you let the process flow spontaneously and don’t try to control it. Refrain from judging your output. Kindly accept and welcome whatever comes forth. Doing so is an act of love and respect for yourself and your inner world.
Here is a look at my process and the end product. I hung the finished canvas over my bed. It is a great tool for quiet meditation, as your eyes scan the various images and rest on thoughts about why you included them. Also, if you keep your vision boards each year, you have a visual record of where you’ve been and how far you’ve come.
Wishing you a 2023 filled with new insights that allow you to unfold into a more authentic, humble and self-compassionate version of yourself, in service to and in communion with others and the world around you. ❤️