Virtual Vision Board
I am using a virtual vision board and I am lovin’ it! Half the fun was thinking I was the first one to take the vision board concept to the virtual level – but a quick Google search showed I was definitely not the first one.That’s OK – I am still lovin’ it! Let me share how this came to be…
The second day of AHDI ACE in Nashville began early, but unlike the day before there was time to grab coffee on the way into the conference hall. I thought that alone was a treat! Little did I know that the first keynote speaker, Donna Hartley, was going to be one of the conference highlights.
The session started with a short video capturing our attention on the events of March 1, 1978, when Donna became the last surviving passenger on a fiery Continental DC-10 plane crash. When Donna began to speak, she told us she was from BethlehemPennsylvania. That caught my attention! I was pretty sure I was the only one in that grand ballroom from Bethlehem.From that moment forward, I knew I was in the right place for me at that moment in time.It was like she was speaking directly to me! She told stories and anecdotes to teach the life lessons she learned through her struggles in life, not only the fiery crash but also Stage III melanoma and open heart surgery, remarkably, all occurring on March 1 of different years. Through the years there were dreams, disappointments, friendship, love, financial and physical turmoil, choices and consequences – in other words, a life! Aren’t we all living our life through ups and downs in one way or another?
Donna’s presentation spoke to me. In subsequent weeks back in Bethlehem, I read her book "Fire Up Your Life" and I want to share with you a small change I have made in my life as inspired by Donna.
Donna practices use of a vision board, literally putting pictures and words of what she would like out of life onto a board. I have heard of other people who do this and always found it intriguing. I decided to adapt this board a bit as I just couldn’t find time to start the actual board (maybe "time management" should be front and center on my board!).I am now using a "virtual vision board," which fits perfectly into my life. It’s portable, private, and easily altered as ideas come and go. I make a conscious effort to use my vision board as often as I can, assessing short-term and long-term goals, and really giving thought to my life, which, like Donna’s, has its share of ups and downs. The VVB reminds me to not worry quite as much over what I am NOT getting done as long as I am getting SOME things done and making good choices, keeping what really counts in mind.It has helped me focus, kept my spirit going on rough days, helped me prioritize during busy times, and help reduce stress by keeping things in perspective.
Did I mention one of the best features of my virtual vision board? It’s fun! I have actually accomplished a few items on my VVB by changing my focus, working differently, and/or learning what steps were necessary to see it happen. A few of those accomplishments would definitely not have happened prior to my moment at ACE when Donna Hartley began her keynote presentation. Sometimes opportunities for growth come from unexpected places –- this time coming from Nashville via Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the place I currently call home. Nothing in life is "just" a coincidence.