"For I dipped into the future,

far as human eye could see,

Saw the vision of the world,

and all the wonder that would be."

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I don't know about you, but I much prefer creating positive, outreaching visions for my future over a New Years Resolution any day. New Years Resolutions seem so cliche to me, like they are created just because it's January 1st and therefore do not have heartfelt, premeditated meaning.Back in the summer of 2000, my sister Amanda and I were going for a walk while on vacation in NY.  She said to me, "Tell me some things that you really want for your life.  Don't be inhibited - just say them out loud."  One of my first "wants" was to exit my corporate job and go into the design field.  I had no earthly idea how this would actually transpire because my husband and I relied very heavily on my salary, but I said it anyway.  Unbeknownst to me, my sister wrote down my wishes and kept them in her journal.  She sent them to me 2 years later and yes, I had actually left my corporate job and entered the world of interior design!!  Who would have thought?In his book, Your Business or Your Life, David Shephard talks a lot about creating a "photo map" which visually represents where you want to be in your life at some point in the future. A collage of images jointly depicting what matters most to you - that which you are working towards and makes work (and life) worthwhile.  I believe that these visualizations should be a combination of images that represent both short and long term goals - both realistic and wild.  When you actually announce these images and desires to the world, it's amazing how much power they take on (yes, it's kinda like The Secret).Every year I do a Vision Board and I put it up in my office in a place I can't ignore.  Some things repeat themselves - I'm always trying to eat better, drink more water, exercise, be more stylish, spend more time with my family, make more money blah blah.  Then I try and push myself to attain goals that may seem hard to achieve at the time.  For example, this year I have images depicting a mission trip to a far away land, a Kim Schuessler piece of art (on my board 3 years running), fabrics for my master bedroom redo,  designing with a more contemporary flair, saving money (not easy for me), being more spiritual, etc. etc.If you have never visually announced your wildest wants, wishes, and goals to yourself and to the Universe, I encourage you to do so.  Here are some of my mine from years past including my grand visions for 2010.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!