The Vision Board -- Now Available in paperback

The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life is a unique “left-brain” approach to a “right-brain” activity. Author Joyce Schwarz captures not only the magic of visions boards with exquisite color photos but details the process of creating successful vision boards.

For those like myself who often approach tasks with the left-brain first, Joyce walks us through the process of visioning and visualization. She distinguishes between the two activities and offers practical explanations and examples. This is followed by simple and practical exercises on creating a personal vision statement. With this firm foundation and understanding, one can then proceed to create their vision and vision board.

Joyce offers an alternative to the all-encompassing life vision board to making vision boards for various areas of your life. She offers chapters on vision boards for relationships, gratitude, health and well-being. I found this approach to be less intimidating than creating one vision board that would cover all life areas.

Case studies, the stories and examples of various vision boards, really set this book apart from others I have read. Hearing about real life experiences and seeing others’ vision boards is truly inspiring. These make creating a vision board less intimidating. They show there is no right or wrong board.

This book can be read many times and each time you will find a new tidbit and piece of wisdom calling out to you. This is a definite addition for the “self-help” or “self-discovery” bookshelf.

Valentine's Day Vision Board

If you are one of the many of American’s facing tough economic times, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to go without a special date with your Valentine.

If a dozen roses or fancy dinner is not in the budget or if you are looking for something a little more personal, what about making a Valentine Vision Board together?

Set up your Valentine Date Night – hire a sitter for the kids or let grandparents spend the evening with them -- arrange for quiet time for the two of you. Collect up simple vision board supplies -- a stack of magazines – be sure they are a variety of subjects, your poster board, scissors and glue sticks. Add a little Valentine flare with light refreshments (wine and cheese or chocolates), soft music and flickering candles for ambiance.

Sit quietly with your partner and page through the magazines selecting images and words that reflect your life together and more importantly, your future together. Tear out the pages that strike your fancy and place them in a stack.

Once you have selected images, cut them out and begin to place them on your vision board. Work together and share what is special about the images. Watch for themes and secret dreams (visions) your partner or you may have that you were not even aware of.

If possible, include a picture of the two of you together as the centerpiece of the vision board. Choose a picture you both like and are having fun! (You may want to click a quick shot with your cell phone or camera as you are making the vision board and add it later.)

Marie Diamond, Feng Shui master featured in The Secret offered several romance vision board tips in the The Vision Board book by Joyce Schwarz. When creating your Valentine Vision Board consider the following:
• Use colors of love such as red and shades of pink
• Use hot images such as fireworks in the sky or a romantic fireplace
• Use images depicting pairs – such as a pair of candles

Be sure to include positive emotion images which reflect being in love and being a couple. Hugging, closeness and sharing are important to include.

In addition to the images, you can spice up your vision board by adding a red boarder, Valentine stickers, Valentine candy, and memorabilia such as a rose petal.

Don’t worry if your board is not completely filled. You can continue to add to it throughout the year.

When you are done for the evening, be sure to place your vision board in a place you can both see it and enjoy it. Over the headboard of your bed would be ideal!