Lifestyle Note

Vision Boards: Creating the Life of Your Dreams

Published on March 26, 2023March 26, 2023 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Do you find yourself struggling to find the motivation to achieve your goals? Do you want to create the life of your dreams? Constructing a personalized vision board might be the answer to your problems.

WTF is a vision board?

A vision board is a collection of photos and text that can help you approach the future with hope. Instead of focusing on what habits you should be stopping, focus on the possibilities of the next year. “From a scientific perspective, vision boards do what we call ‘priming,’ which essentially is when exposure to a certain stimulus affects how you act towards whatever comes next,” said Elizabeth Mateer, a licensed mental health counselor associate. A vision board can also help you be specific about the goals you want to manifest. “A vision board is an opportunity to focus on the reality you want to create, a prediction of your possible future, and a connection to hope and a life that feels aligned,” Elspeth Robertson, a registered clinical counselor and professional art therapist said.

Advertisements

There are two ways to create a vision board: digitally and physically. If you are someone who likes to do hands-on activities, you may want to create a physical vision board. However, if you are someone who prefers digital activities, you may want to create a digital vision board. The choice is yours.

If you’re not sure where to start, try looking for images that inspire you or reflect your goals. You can also use quotes or affirmations that resonate with you. Once you have a few items collected, start arranging them on a bulletin board or piece of poster board. Then add any additional details that will help bring your vision to life.

Advertisements

HOW TO CREATE A DIGITAL VISION BOARD

Step 1: Gather digital photos from any website of your choice. I find that Pinterest is one of the best platforms to utilize for vision boards.

Step 2: Decide where you would like to create the vision board. If you are unsure where to begin, Canva has great templates.

Step 3: Place and move your images around until you are satisfied with the final look.

Step 4: Make sure to save your final copy, and just like that, you are one step closer to achieving your goals.

Feel free to make your final creation your lock screen—this way you will be looking at your goals daily.

HOW TO CREATE A PHYSICAL VISION BOARD

Step 1: Order a vision board book or cut out images from your favorite magazine that pertain to your goals and dreams. Cut out images from magazines or print out pictures from the internet that represents you (skin color, hair, nationality, etc). If you need a suggestion, Amazon has a wide selection of vision board books.

Step 2: Get a poster board, cork board, or some paper and play with the placing of the images until you are content with the look.

Step 3: Glue or tape your images to the board or paper.

Step 4: Decide whether you want to hang your vision board up, or if you want to put it somewhere else that is visible to you.

Now that you have your personalized vision board, go reach your goals.

BENEFITS OF CREATING A VISION BOARD

Now that we know how to create a vision board, let’s look at what neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart has to say.

“The science behind why it’s helpful is that we’re bombarded with so much information all the time,” she explains. “There’s a natural process in the brain to selectively filter what’s important to our survival and selectively put attention on what’s important for us to thrive.”

Dr. Swart also mentions value tagging, which is an additional system in the brain that pieces together the information in order of importance. “There is a logical element and an emotional element to that,” she adds.

“If you create imagery that represents how you want your life to be, then you’re more likely to notice and grasp opportunities to make that a reality,” she emphasizes, “it’s priming your brain to remember what’s important.”

You’ve heard it from a professional, so what are you waiting for? Go make a vision board!

Advertisements

What makes a successful vision board?

It’s all about setting your intention. What do you want to manifest in your life? When you have a clear vision, it’s easier to select images that represent that goal. Creating a board that is both visually pleasing and spiritually in alignment will help you to stay focused on your goals.

A vision board is a tool that can help you clarify your goals and bring them into focus. It can also help you identify what steps you need to take to achieve your goals. By looking at your vision board regularly, you can keep your goals at the forefront of your mind and stay motivated to achieve them.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Oftentimes I would find myself setting goals for myself and forgetting about them. I had a picture-perfect life that I wanted to achieve, but I was not motivated to go and get it.

It was the summer of twenty twenty-two when I was offered the great advice of creating a vision board. This was something I’ve always wanted to do, but never got around to doing it. I started with a physical one and eventually decided to create a virtual one, so I could look at it each time I opened my phone.

I find that my vision boards motivate me to create the life that I’ve formed on paper. I continue to strive to achieve these goals, and it makes me feel good knowing I am one step closer to becoming the person I want to be.

Will you be creating a vision board? Leave a comment below.

UNDER-$50 Date Ideas

Published on January 30, 2023January 30, 2023 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Cheap date ideas are a dime a dozen on the Internet—but cheap date ideas that don’t feel cheap (or, you know, creepy)?

Those are a bit harder to find.

So we decided to pull together a few of our favorite affordable date ideas that don’t skimp on the romance and bring all the elements of a great date.

All these ideas are lovely on their own, but the best part? Most of them can be mixed and matched with other ideas on the list (e.g., picnic + stargazing) and still come in under $50.

Get inspiration for your next date night below.

PACK A PICNIC.

Okay, this doesn’t scream “groundbreaking” at first, but hear us out. Picnics are very versatile—they work for a variety of settings, occasions, and budgets. We love a classic wine and cheese spread.

GO STARGAZING.

Lay out a cozy blanket, pour some hot cocoa (or wine), and take in the beautiful night sky.

Bonus points for downloading a guided astronomy app, like this one, to help you ID the celestial bodies you see.

Advertisements

BUILD A PILLOW FORT + WATCH A MOVIE.

Watching a movie on the couch = is fine, average, just a regular night at home.

Watching a movie in a pillow fort = is nostalgic, has lots of ambiance, and shows that romance isn’t dead.

DESIGN YOUR TASTING.

You can’t go wrong with a DIY wine tasting, and the possibilities are endless. Of course, wine tastings aren’t the only option here—basically, anything you like to eat or drink could work.

For instance, one BLB has done this with veggie pizza. She picked up small veggies pizzas from a few local places, and then she and her date came up with a rating system and ranked them.

TAKE A CLASS TOGETHER.

Check out local resources to find in-person classes near you, or opt for a virtual class to do at home instead.

Uncommon Goods offers a variety of virtual classes/experiences at a range of price points. Options that are $50 and under include a tarot card reading class, a magic show and lesson, a focaccia and marinara-making class, and a DIY pretzel and beer cheese class.

Stay Close To People Who Feel Like Sunlight

Published on August 5, 2022August 4, 2022 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

One of our favorite quotes is, “Stay close to the people who feel like sunlight.” We don’t remember when we first read it, but over the past few years, it has taken on significant importance in our life. Like some of us who are incredibly introverted, we’ve always valued quality over quantity. We tend to swiftly and infinitely remove people who no longer bring “sunlight.” It happens as you grow older as things in your life start growing for the better. Resources become limited and we physically don’t have the capacity for anything less than sunlight. One of the things We’ve found most valuable from this mindset shift, is we become better people along the way.

Advertisements

Also, we don’t know about you, but this past year has had a profound effect on our friendships. We feel like we’ve heard a lot of people say the same thing. Being unable to socialize freely and required to put more effort into our connections tested a lot of relationships. Some faded into the background while others burned brighter.

Advertisements

It’s truly remarkable how we can adapt and grow when we’re soaking up sunshine rather than spending too much time in the shade.

Have you found your sunlight people? They are far and few between, but we promise they’re out there.

How to know if you’ve found your sunlight people:

They nurture and respect your vulnerability.
Your deepest and most treasured core values are aligned.
They are supportive of you in your good times.
They are supportive of you in your bad times.
Your time with them feels intentional and leaves your cup full.
They are consistent and steadfast, yet adaptable to life’s ebbs and flows.
You don’t worry about the state of your house when they drop by for a visit. They love you and will never judge the tornado your mindset has created.
You want to share your biggest triumphs and your lowest lows with them. And most importantly, you feel safe sharing these with them.
They always respect your time and your personal growth. Healthy boundaries are important on both sides.
They have gratitude. They truly appreciate everything they have in life, which makes them happier and more satisfied.
They choose every opportunity to experience joy.

Advertisements

You’ll know your sunshine people when you find them. The warmth is undeniable. Fill your cup with their light, and you’ll fill theirs right back.

Tips For Supporting Introverts When You’re An Extrovert

Published on August 4, 2022 by Crystal Lee2 Comments

Extroverts—we come in layers and all shades of intensity. If we qualify ourselves as one (because let’s be real, you can only self-identify yourself as one or not), we feel more comfortable putting our emotions and personality up at the front than our counterparts, the introverts. We like to share parts of our lives and who we are with others (for the most part) and we feel at home asking other people questions and getting into the mix.

Advertisements

And for those who don’t relate to this, that can be a lot. For introverts, it can be engaging and impressive to watch as we bound forward, in a way that seems fearless, into social situations, work events, or other vulnerable people-facing adventures. On the flip side, it can also be overwhelming to think of being that way when every fiber of who you are would fight that kind of attention or platform.

When it comes down to it, being an extrovert can feel unnatural to some. And just like holding ourselves back from certain opportunities or situations feels like a waste to extroverts, introverts may just not see it that way. This can be hard when we develop relationships, and friendships or have family members that don’t sync up with our outlook. You want to seek the world out alongside the people you love most, but how you do it can be a disagreement when finding the happy balance between these two personality types is not met.

Here are a few things to remember that could help you bridge any gaps as you face life alongside introverted personalities.

Advertisements

Use your extroverted personality to relate to introverts

Advertisements

Sometimes as extroverts, since we open ourselves up to people easily, people often more easily return that gesture. This gives us an advantage in really getting to understand people better. This type of trait can build empathy, and when we are close to introverts, using that skill is crucial when making efforts to make the introverts you love feel more relaxed. Approach their perspective with empathy and it will allow you to more easily assess an introvert’s feelings.

Learn from introverts

Introverts have a lot to offer. Since they aren’t jumping into the thick of things naturally or since they are preferring to spend more time inwardly, they are usually very keen observers. Ask them questions. You will likely learn things from them that you never considered, and it will open up your mind to other ideas, perceptions, and possibilities.

It’s OK to encourage, but don’t push

People are who they are. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert or an extrovert. One is not better than the other. Both offer wonderful things to the world. But remember there is a time and a place to encourage people to get out of their bubble, challenge and push themselves, but always be patient and respectful of their boundaries. Find that line and be mindful—that is what loving another person is, and it’s important to be respectful of it.

Take advantage of the balance

Similar to how it is OK to encourage introverts to go out of their comfort zone occasionally, let introverts remind you it’s also OK to reel it in. This balance will allow you to slow down. Enjoy it, it will help you grow as a person.

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of being outgoing or being more reserved, our differences are always a chance to learn, find more patience for others, learn from others and also share with others what we can teach. It is important to keep these things in mind as we learn to keep our relationships with those who we love and who are cut from a different cloth, healthy.

Advertisements