I forgot to share my 2024 vision board with you! My word of 2024 is SHINE because I often hold myself back, so I’m giving myself personal permission to break through that crap. It’s hanging in my writing office near my desk.
For the last five years, I’ve been meeting with my local critique group in January, and we each surround ourselves with old magazines and our word of the year. I usually open two manila file folders and tape the edges together to create a sturdy backdrop, then cut out and tape a collage based purely on intention, emotion, and spacing.
Do I believe in vision boards? Not in the “magical” sense—I think you still have to do all the work to achieve your dream. They do help set a clear intention in your mind on your current big picture goals.
In fact, the week after I made this board, I visited a Barnes & Noble a few towns over from me, and they had my second book in stock. The store was busy, and I wondered if I should ask to sign it for them. Then I instantly retreated into myself, thinking, “It’s fine. I don’t want to bother them. Who do I think I am? I’m just happy it’s here.”
Then I remembered my vision board, and my word of the year: SHINE.
And shine quickly replaced the feeling of shame that was building inside my body. I took a deep breath, remembered my veteran teacher self, remembered that I’m an introvert who taught herself how to talk to anyone about anything after teaching disgruntled teenagers for far too long, and I walked up to the manager and struck up a conversation.
Long story short—now I have a book event scheduled there for Mother’s day weekend :)
So do I believe in vision boards? I believe they serve as a constant visual reminder to give myself the courage to grow in the direction I wish.
I’m currently on winter break from teaching high school English. This is an easy school year for me, to be honest. My students are great, my colleagues are great, I’m just not feeling it. I’ve been nursing a bad cold for a week (not covid or the flu), and I lost my voice, so I’m typing this right now with a Vicks humidifier next to me, a box of Puff plus tissues, and a mug of hot lemon tea.
I finished reading Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing (a spicy adult fantasy with dragons. Like Harry Potter for adults). After this post, I’ll work on my next novel for an hour, then get some rest.
Next Saturday, I’m traveling as an author to the Teen Bookfest by the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas, and I plan to take you along for the ride with lots of behind-the-scenes pics and videos.
I hope you are finding the courage to grow this week, and the space to recover.
I cannot wait for spring!
Shine indeed! Love that story! We made vision boards this year with our students in our multi- cultural book club. It is inspiring but there’s something beautiful about doing it together and it’s so relaxing.
Rest up and feel better!
Good for you. Advocate for yourself. I love your idea of doing the vision board collage with your writer friends.