Dream Board 2.0

After setting multiple writing goals, I figured it was time to create a new dream board to help me stay focused and motivated.  The last time I made a dream board was on the eve of 2010 and though I still love everything that board represents, (see Can You See Your Dreams?), a lot has changed in the last two years.  My dreams are still the same, but I’m a little further down the path than I was in late 2009.

Once again, I relied on my paper crafting skills to help me construct the perfect visual reminder of my dreams and the mindset I need to reach those dreams.  I’m a huge fan of collages so I pulled out my stack of magazines, printed paper scraps, stickers, and hardware.  It’s amazing what can fit on an 8½ x 11 piece of card stock!

I started by layering various printed papers with script and print to cover up the ugly color of the card stock and to represent my love of the printed word.  That’s why I write in the first place – I love words, stories, and the idea that anything is possible when I have a pen in my hand.

I wrote all seven of my 2012 writing goals on a series of tickets.  The way I see it, each goal is a ticket towards my dream.  I attached them by creating a paper “hinge,” so I could flip them for quick reminders on the goals I’ve set.  To keep them from flapping, I added metal photo tabs that rotate.  Each one is held in place by brads that spell out the initials of my pen name.  I cut out the phrase “The Must List” and put it above my goals so I have a constant kick in the butt to stay focused.

Next to my last goal of making final adjustments to my first novel, I pasted a bookshelf full of published books.  Like any aspiring novelist, I want my work on the shelf of a reader.  In addition, I attached the phrase, “The Final Cut.”  Part of the aforementioned goal is learning when to stop and leave well enough alone.

It seems the theme of tickets was meant to be, because as I was paging through a magazine, I came across a ticket image for Journey.  While last year was all about finding the courage to believe in myself as a writer, this year is all about my journey of breaking free of the fear.  Fate seems to agree, because three pages after the Journey ticket, I found the phrase “break free.”  Naturally, the two found a spot on my dream board and they hang out together.

Next, I added two phrases that reflect my deeply held belief that the scenic route is always best as is slowing down long enough to appreciate the small wonders of life.  That space between me and the sun is where my muse resides and the long way is what allows me to listen to her whispers.

The concept of my journey is again represented with a paper disc and a little butterfly.  I wish I had a better reason for adding the butterfly other than I think they are beautiful, but I don’t.  Sometimes dream boards need a little whimsy!  Underneath it, I added the word “believe,” as a reminder not to lose faith in myself.

When shuffling through my stickers I came across one that has a fantastic quote from Williams College: Climb high, climb far, your aim the sky, your goal the star.  If that’s not motivating I don’t know what is.  I’m hoping to find a little star sticker or embellishment that can add a little sparkle to this great quotation.

I clipped the phrase “reimagine yourself” and completed the sentence by spelling out “as a writer” with Scrabble letter stickers.  By definition, I am a writer because I write, but I want that word to be part of my identity just like wife or teacher.  It’s one of those things that sounds really easy on the surface, but the more I contemplate what it entails the more I realize the depth of what it means to be a writer.  As a way to reinforce this, I pieced together the phrase, “Don’t ignore the truth.”

While most of my dream board relates to writing, I dedicated one section to my love of travel.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of seeing the world.  So far, I’ve been able to cross off a number things on my travel bucket list, but there is so much more I want to see and do.  It’s a big beautiful world out there and I attached a little mini map to keep my curiosity alive.  My dream of living in London is also reflected with a tiny tube map and bus guide.

My new dream board hangs above my writing desk where it can’t be missed. In addition, I took a picture of it and made it into a desktop wallpaper for my laptop.  Dreams have a way of slipping into oblivion if we don’t keep them close at hand.  I intend to keep my mine within reach at all times so they can’t escape.

c.b. 2012