By Lucie Dickenson
It is the new year, and with that comes the thoughts of fresh starts and new beginnings. We all have goals and dreams, however, sometimes it is hard to take that first step or even know what we really want. I recently held a retreat with a colleague that we called “Relax, Rejoice & Revive”. It was meant to get you moving on your 2018 goals and put you on your path to making them come to fruition. The retreat was a great experience; however, you do not have to attend a retreat to create the space for creating a 2018 vision.
There are three steps I outlined that help you help yourself making your goals come to life.
1- The first step is to relax. Let go of the world and tune in to yourself. Allow all your senses to be involved, purposively, to engage in a relaxing state. What you see, hear, smell, touch, and even taste will benefit you, and help you to let go. This could be considered a meditation, but a label is not needed, just your intent and introspect into the self. Sit quietly and create the intention to unfold what your heart holds for 2018. The visions that come forward are the building blocks for the next step.
2- The second step is to rejoice, or build from the relaxed state to that of joy. Once you have an idea of what brings you joy, you begin to shape this through the art of journaling. It is a beautiful process that unfolds with exercises and stream of consciousness writing. Ask yourself specific questions that are built around the visions from step one. Who are you with? What are you doing? Where are you? What does the final outcome look like?
Write this all in your journal, and witness the dreams take shape on the pages.
3- The third and final step is revive, or to give new energy and strength to your dreams. Bringing your goals, dreams, and passions to life in the form of a vision board. As you use your eyes to find what you are attracted to in the magazines, and you use your hands to cut out and paste those pictures to the board, you are actually solidifying the energy in the direction of your dreams. This board is your energetic blueprint for 2018. Put your vision board in a place where you see it every day. In addition, take a picture of it and use it as your home screen on your computer and phone. This keeps the dream alive for you. Your life is the results of the energy you give it. Nourish it. As you keep your focus on the 2018 vision board, you will notice that the right people, situations and opportunities come forward that support your vision.
This three-step process is a great way to begin the new year. It gives you direction, purpose and food for your soul. Try it, the results may surprise you and deliver more than you could ever imagine.