Embrace Your Vision:
Step 3 of Your Reinvention Journey

Hello!

I don’t know where you live, but Memphis is deep in our last month (we hope) of high temperatures and equally high humidity. It is hotter than a steam bath. I wake up early in the morning to water and check the plants. We often refer to Memphis in the summer as “Hell’s Waiting Room.” The mid-day sun drives me inside to my air-conditioned space.

This week, I finished a 48x48 (3-panel) abstract painting for my great-niece, who is headed to college. I don’t paint abstracts, and this two-month project has both frustrated and inspired me. She gave me the room’s color and ideas of what she dreamed for her dorm walls. I involved her in the process and made her give me direction along the way. Her Mother and sister were also guiding lights along the way. I have another commission painting in the wings, this time of a Wyoming barn. I am grateful to have “inside” projects this time of the year.

Step Three of our Reinvention Journey: Creating Your Vision Board. I'll share my personal story of using vision boards, offer a step-by-step guide to creating your own, and explore a 12-month travel guide highlighting the best times to embark on your dream adventures.

Years ago, I first heard of a vision board on an Oprah Winfrey show. I was fascinated and worked on one for a while but lost interest and never completed it. Following my stint in rehab, I began a journey to earn a master’s degree in spirituality. One of the classes was on creating a vision board, and I made my next attempt as a class project. Again, though, the project didn’t inspire me; it just seemed like a wish list on a poster board.

I became inspired and committed to my annual vision board when I discovered Colette Baron Reid’s free annual vision board challenge. I committed to following her program and the letter for seven days. The lessons I learned that week finally aligned with my spiritual beliefs that God (or whatever name you give your higher power) was the source of creating the board. For me, the key was turning the “how” I would achieve my goals and dreams over to my higher power to give them the form and direction I should take in my life. From there, we created affirmations that emphasized we were already living the life we wanted.

During her challenge, I set my intentions for the year. This process requires slowing down, looking inward, and reflecting on what I truly want to pray for and manifest in the coming year. It's about focusing on the areas of life that need attention, such as finding a new job, learning a hobby, or improving finances.

Vision boards are more than collages of images and words; they are tangible reflections of your aspirations. They serve as daily reminders to focus your thoughts and energy on what truly matters, helping to turn your dreams into achievable goals. As Colette Baron Reid teaches, while you must set your intentions and focus on your desires, you must also allow the God of your understanding to determine the form in which these desires manifest.

There are three articles for the vision board project:

1. The article on my experience with vision boards
2. Vision Board Action Steps
3. PDF for you to begin planning your board. (download here)

12-Month Travel Guide: Best Times to Go

I am planning my travel for the next two years. For some of the photography trips I want to take, the top tours are booked 2-3 years ahead. I keep an ever-changing bucket list based on the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die.” My list changes from time to time. Earlier this year, I added Ecuador to the hummingbird migration but removed Israel for obvious reasons. I am somewhat fearless when it comes to my travels. I am reasonably confident of my safety if I’m with the right group or a local guide.

Here are some places I’d like to go and the best times. The Travel is an enriching experience that offers new perspectives and opportunities for growth. Whether planning a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, knowing the best times to visit your dream destinations can make all the difference.

• January: Embrace winter's beauty in Norway or Switzerland for a magical snowy escape.
• February: Enjoy the warmth of Mexico's beaches or explore the vibrant culture of Brazil during Carnival.
• March: Experience the cherry blossoms in Japan or the colorful Holi festival in India.
• Click the link below to see the rest of the year.

Finally, I have weekly photos of birds and flowers for fun. This week, there was a bluebird bathing that I thought was hysterical. I have two pictures of the bird in the bath that reflect how I feel some days. I hope you enjoy the images of nature and creation. The birds bring me so much joy.

As you continue your reinvention journey, remember that vision and action go hand in hand. Your vision board is not just a collage of images; it's a map guiding you toward your dreams. Embrace the process, trust your path, and know that each step brings you closer to living your best life.

Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with me. I look forward to your thoughts and the beautiful vision boards you create.

Warm regards,
Mary Harvey Gurley

Recent articles

Exploring the World: Ideal Destinations for Women and the Best Times to Go When I set foot in Europe at 16 on a school trip, my love for travel and history was ignited. That three-week adventure across the continent opened my eyes to the wonders of the world, and I knew I was destined to explore its vast landscapes and cultures. Read article

Step Three of Our Reinvention Journey: Envisioning Your Future Welcome back to our journey of reinvention! As we venture into the third week of our program, it’s time to let our imaginations run wild and genuinely envision what we want our lives to look like in the next five years. This week is about dreaming big—so prepare to be bold and wild and dare to dream your wildest dreams. Read article

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