In amongst the cooking prep in our brand new place, the study (new for 2016), the content creation work (also new for 2016) and being with all three children (yep, another gift of 2016) there’s been one big thing on my mind over the past two days; setting my intentions (or #goals, if you will) for 2017. I don’t think I am alone in feeling as though 2016 was a challenging year! In my case, on a personal level, the year was one of huge circumstantial changes and massive introspection. As a result, despite the many positives that have come my way, it has been exhausting and a little emotionally tumultuous! Let’s just say, I am ready to be done with this year and to move onto 2017, with hopes that it will be more grounded, balanced and even more fruitful than this year… not just for me but for the entire planet! I think we deserve a break from the intensity!
So, to my vision board. You may know by now that I swear by them, and my personal New Year’s ritual (which also includes meditation) would not be complete without the creation of one. You may also notice that my mood board themes are spookily similar. Personally, I don’t find it strange. There are subtle differences, but certain things such as family, food, wellbeing and travel are always going to be important to me… so they’re bound to feature heavily.
From my pre-NYE Instagram post:
“Some last reflections for 2016. I realise I’ve spent much of my life downplaying ‘me’, worried about what others would think of me if they saw it all; my triumphs, my fears, my battles, my talents… the whole package. In my past I often settled for second (or third 😜) best from others whilst knowing I was probably worth more. There’s a saying that you have to teach people how to treat you (something along those lines, anyway). I was a person who was afraid to do just that. Particularly since having children, I have learned some tough lessons about boundaries. One of which is that you will surely get what you are prepared to accept. That’s across the board. As soon as I started saying to myself “Hold up… I deserve better than this!”, I inevitably got better (whatever “better” was in that instance). ‘Yes’ is a powerful word. It opens the way for new opportunities. But so does the word ‘no’. I’m someone who not only grows attached to things, but feels guilt about letting go/letting down/moving on. I see more & more that the BIG #konmari question “Does this spark joy?”, is a question I not only ask of my possessions today, but of *everything*: opportunities, relationships (on all levels), etc. I don’t have the energy nor the desire to keep up pretences in the face of fear of judgement. There’s no reason why I/you/anyone can’t be all that we’re meant to be *unapologetically*… while also encouraging others (who are keen!) to shine their light. And, as I put the final touches on my vision board for 2017, one of the squares in my collage is a quote I found: “Surround yourself with people who get it”. If you’re reading this and you “get it” thank you very much for being here & hanging out with me! And if you’re shining, SHINE ON! Downplaying to make others ‘comfortable’ is a disservice to them, you & the world! 2017, WE GOT THIS👊🏻!”
With that, here’s to the New Year! May 2017 be happy, healthy, love-filled, peaceful and kind (above all things) to all of us!
❤ MM xx
*Borrowing yet again from my post back in 2012, if you want to create your own, you can do so using images sourced online** and a page layout program such as InDesign or make one using magazine images and ye olde cut-and-paste method. If really pressed for time, why not create a Pinterest board called “2017” and fill it with pins of the things you’d like to see manifest in your life with this coming year?
** Picture credits: In this vision board, I have included images by Elsa’s Wholesome Life, Nourish Atelier, Nectar & Stone, Lois Avery, Donna Hay, Food52, @robineleyartist, Barefoot Blonde, The Food Club, Matcha Mylkbar and loads of others (without credits attached, sourced from Tumblr). Please let me know if one of these images is yours so I can credit you! I always try to credit where possible. x
Happy New Year, my dear friend. This is our 6th year of celebrating New Years together. Thank you for your amazing posts and Instagram photos. It is truly a privilege to be connected. All the very best to you and your wonderful family.
I am so incredibly grateful to have connected with you here and to be in touch after all this time. It’s a blessing. Thank you and I wish you and yours the happiest, most wonderful 2017! <3
I absolutely LOVE vision boards myself, as I make collages with photos all the time! You have so many things you should be proud of dear, so don’t try to wear yourself too thin with certain standards and such. Happy New Year! <3
Hi lovely! The only standard that I hope to set for myself is one of paring back… finding what really makes me happy and living as simply as possible. What I hope is that, aside from being fun, it will have the opposite effect of being overburdened with too many commitments and expectations. Here’s to a wonderful 2017! I wish you every happiness <3 xx
Happy New Year 🌟🌟🌟 enjoy your beautiful family xxx
Happy new year, lovely one! Enjoy every second <3 xx
And you xx
Thank you! xx
Does this spark joy? Such a useful question. Your visualisation board is always a delight to see. May your year be as you wish it to be. 🙂
Oh my goodness, yes! The sparking of joy will be my focus for this year! And thank you so much! I belatedly responded to your comment on last year’s board. And, with every comment I see of yours and every month/year that passes that we are connected via this blogosphere forum, I find myself increasingly more grateful for having known you here since the start. I wish you a truly happy, healthy, love-filled 2017… a year that exceeds your expectations… with lots of joy sparking! x
🙂 🙂 I would love a year like that.
Here’s to it happening! Really! You deserve no less <3
To start the year, I am having a go at this challenge http://www.theminimalists.com/game/
Oh! I like the look of that link! Checking it out 🙂 Thank you!
I just shared this challenge to my public fb page 🙂 I am already in the process of KonMari-ing our new home, but might add this to the mix for fun 😀 x
I like KonMari-ing but this challenge seems to suit my time and energy limits at the moment. Yes, do have fun!
Right now, half way through the process, I describe the KonMari method as being semi-traumatic, amazing, exhausting, time-consuming and liberating 😛 and this challenge does sound fun!
I think you describe the method well. 🙂
Your Facebook page is wonderful. 🙂
Happy New Year Marisa and what a lovely post 😊
I absolutely love vision boards. Wanted to create one of my own and unfortunately I haven’t, but is never to late. Might do it this weekend.
Have an amazing year 2017 ! xxx
Thank you so much, lovely! Oh and absolutely! It’s never too late to do one. And I have created them for specific things too (such as during my high risk pregnancy with my daughter I had one on the back of my door with lots of healthy, happy babies on it 🙂 ) Have a wonderful year! xx