Culling and crafting new Dreams

Posted on by Miriam

One of my aims this year is to create a dream vision board. I want to set my intentions, see my goals on paper and visualise how they might look when I achieve them. 

Yesterday I bought myself a large poster size sheet of cardboard paper. I took all the magazines out of my bulging magazine rack and flicked through them, cutting out anything that appealed to me.

After a while I noticed a common thread in what I was choosing.

Adventure, health and well being. Hardly surprising choices I guess.

In the mix of mags I found a few of my articles that I’d forgotten I had published, and even a photo that appeared in Readers Digest years ago. It reminded me of how far I’ve come with my writing.

Years ago my biggest dream was to see my travel stories in print. It took a long time and a lot of rejections before I finally succeeded.

These days the magazine market is saturated with freelance writers, and with everything digital and emags becoming more prominent many publications are either going bi-monthly or disappearing altogether.

Yesterday I received the latest edition of On the Road in the mail with my South Australian story on Renmark in it, from our holiday last year.

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It made me yearn to hit the road again.

Mid year, all going well, there’ll be plenty of stories to be told from the Red Centre of my great country. In the meantime there’s planning to do, after all, half the fun of a trip is in the anticipation and research. 

During the culling I found this great map of Australia which is now hanging in our loo.

I’ve realised that while I’ll always write and submit articles I need new dreams. A new direction for me and my writing.

My blog and the WP community has become a huge source of joy. I love sharing my adventures. But beyond that, I’m not sure.

I’m still searching. And that’s where I hope this vision board will help.

As life changes and gets busier and more stressful, sometimes in the hustle we forget what’s important. We forget how to dream, like we used to as a child, as a teenager and that bright eyed young adult who was once ready to take on the world.

What do we really want in life now?

My wish is that as 2017 unfolds we can all take stock of our hopes and dreams. To visualise what we truly want.

For me it’s a work in progress. I think it always will be, no matter how old I am. Searching for meaning, for my place. Wanting to be happy, at peace and find my purpose beyond being a mother as my kids get older.

Of course I’d also like financial security, a villa in Tuscany, a 24 hour gorgeous masseur and my own personal French chef … hey, a woman can dream!

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I feel as though there’s a whole world out there and I’m standing on the edge of it waiting to jump. To grab at those opportunities that often feel just out of reach.

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Let’s make them achievable. Here’s to dreaming, to creating opportunities for growth and doing what needs to be done to make our dreams a reality this year.

Now back to crafting and creating my vision board.

If you’re inspired to do your own visit Wendy. Thanks for the inspiration my friend.

Wishing you all a year of heart filled intentions and dreams that come true.

Remember, as Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

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115 thoughts on “Culling and crafting new Dreams”

  1. Oh I’m SMILING!!! I can tell you’re enjoying creating a wonderful dream board… Wow – those articles though – how fantastic!!! Thanks so much for the link too which is much appreciated! Parcel’s posted and they said it would be 6 days so hopefully you don’t have too long to wait… in the meantime.. Keep dreaming (and cutting and gluing’) and maybe I’ll be invited over to your Tuscany Villa and you’ll share your hunky masseur! I’m going to add Tuscany to my Vision Board haha! Big Hug and I’m so pleased you’ve been inspired to do this xx

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    1. Thank you for the inspiration Wendy. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for awhile and your posts have always stayed at the back of my mind. Haven’t had a chance to do any cutting/glueing and dreaming today with those darn domestic duties getting in the way! But I’ll get back to it. 😊Without a doubt you’ll be invited to my Tuscan villa but it might turn out to be a ski cabin in Canada instead! Oh and happy to share my hunky masseur Wendy! Haha. xo P.S I’ll let you know when the parcels arrive, thanks!

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  2. I feel more or less like you right now, not really knowing what the next step is. I have so many responsibilities unrelated to my photography that I am very limited in going after my Dreams right now. I think the Dream board is a great idea! And good for you for getting some of your work published. Sometimes I just question what is the use of being a photographer and writer when everyone is taking pictures these days? My chances of being seen and known are not very good. Then I just said HECK I Love what I am doing now and that is what truly counts for me. Somehow things do have a way of working out. Best of luck!!! ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Amy, I’ve often felt the same way about my writing, when so many others are doing the same. But, like you, at the end of the day I LOVE what I’m doing so that’s all that matters. In a way, I’ve found my passion so everything else really is a bonus. Good luck with whatever you pursue this year, I wish you all the best. Yes, somehow things do have a way of working out don’t they?

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        3. I know you don’t really know me yet so … I do not mean to be short with you right now. I am just finishing a very challenging day and am very tired. Please know I am thrilled our paths have crossed and so do look forward in getting to know you better. 💕

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  3. A wonderful idea from the gorgeous Wendy. Nothing like creating a Guide to your future. Always love your posts and I vicariously travel through you too.

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  5. Great post! Can I join you in your wish for financial security, a villa in Tuscany, and a personal masseur and French chef. I’d also like a chauffeured limo to drive me to work. Just kidding! Honestly, I appreciate your adventurous spirit and your willingness to find the joy and excitement in the planning and anticipation before a trip. I am wishing you many wonderful adventures in 2017!

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    1. Haha, love it! Of course you can join me Lulu. I almost put in the chauffeured limo but thought that might have sounded too greedy! Wishing you many wonderful adventures this year as well my friend. 😊

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      1. Just think of how much more we’d appreciate our commutes from the passenger seat, just gazing out the window! I don’t think it’s too greedy at all! 😊 Can’t wait to see where this year takes us!

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  6. Yeah… I want this:
    “financial security, a villa in Tuscany, a 24 hour gorgeous masseur and my own personal French chef”

    SIgn me up! I think my board would be a bunch of hot guys. Oh, wait, I already have that board. On Pinterest. 😀

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  8. With your talents, enthusiasm, and determination, I can see those dreams come true, as you said, to your door any minute. Your post is so inspiring. I know some magazines are not in print anymore, and want us to subscribe the online version. You may find opportunities come knocking one your door… 🙂

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    1. I would love to come down your way again. Have been a few times and never tire of it. In fact we wanted to bring the camper across over Christmas/new year but the prices were just too high. Thanks though, you never know, in the future…

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  12. Wow! This is wonderful! We must not stop dreamin! During December, I got this hitch that life is becoming too conventional, so since December I started to change my lifestyle just to get some newness. Vision board was also an intitiative I have taken! I am dreaming of new goals and enjoying the vigour and optimism I ve attained because of this! I feel so happy and encouraged to read about your initiatives, Miriam! You always add so much optimism in the heart of readers! I share with you all my dear wishes for your dreams! Lets dream with unbound possibilities, the world is a gift to every one of us! 🙂

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    1. Oh you lovely man, you fill me with hope. How great to know that you’ve also done a vision board. I’m curious as to how you changed your lifestyle to get that newness but regardless, good for you. I wish you all the best in realising your dreams this year. Keep dreaming! 😊

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      1. Yeah! Thank you so much Miriam! 🙂 Actually, since I joined a Company in May 2016, and as it was my first job, I was going a particular way with my work and living a lifestyle to which I was used to during college years, that is, being too careless with my attitude and self-care. Hence I made a vision board with pictures to inspire myself to adopt a new lifestyle in terms of adopting a more matured persona. 🙂 Haha! It’s interesting! 🙂

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  13. Thank you for this inspirational post Miriam. I have to admit I have already started a new direction of writing: a new blog with a focus on nature and spirituality. I am feeling very positive, and your remarks confirmed the importance of this new step forward.

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  15. I want to see the villa as well. 😁 What a lovely idea Wendy and you Miriam for sharing the idea here. This reminds me of my educational dreams that I achieved. I had longed to complete my bachelor’s degree, and once I did, I said, “Hmmm, why stop there?” I went on to complete my master’s while working and parenting. Somehow I did it. I never gave up. That was key. I wanted it that much. I love the idea of visualizing our dreams. Thank you two most intelligent ladies. 😍😍😍

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    1. Make it three! You’re obviously one very smart cookie Karen. Congrats to you on all you’ve achieved, you’re a perfect example of knowing exactly what you want and going after it. Hope you have a brilliant 2017. 😊

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  16. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve had so much of your work published! But you’re right, the publishing world is changing, and that means writers need to change as well. I love you idea of a dream board, and I think that although the essence of what we want in life stays the same throughout our lives, the details of those dreams can change. You’ve started a wonderful and successful blog, but I bet there are other areas where you can express your love of travel and writing too. And I also bet you will find it!
    Meanwhile, thanks for always encouraging us to keep identifying and following our dreams and hopes… It is a gift to us all!!

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    1. I hope I find it Ann. Sometimes I feel a little bit ‘stuck in my head’ but I’m hoping that with a bit of creativity with this vision board I can push through that place. Thanks as always for your immensely encouraging words, they mean a lot to me. xo

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  18. Wow I have so many thoughts flying through my head. First congratulations on all the stories you have had published, that’s something to be proud of and quite the accomplishment. I think our goals change as we grow older, when we were younger we yearned for certain things, and now older the goals have changed to new ones. I had that CS Lewis quote hanging right next to me here where I sit when I first started my blog. I also did a vision board a couple of years back, time for an update. When creating your board don’t put on it what you think you should, put on it what you FEEL. How exciting that you are going traveling next summer(winter), I look forward to your posts. You’re right though half the fun is in the planning and anticipation. Until then there will be many a post by you that I will not only enjoy but learn from! Journey on my lovely soul! xoxo Hugs and Happiness your way.

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    1. Thank you my lovely friend for your kind words of friendship and support. You’re right, our goals do change as we get older and our priorities shift. For me now it’s working out what’s really important, how I’d like my life to look and most importantly, like you said, working out how I feel. A work and vision board in progress! Warm hugs back xo

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  19. Hi Miriam, Brugid first told me of a vision board last year when i wrote if Journalling. And then i think Wendy has two post on vision boards. I went out and brought magazines but still have created a board. Thank you for sharing this post. Agree we should dream and definately feel tgere so much more out there. Though i havent achieved my vision board yet meaning just creating it…my meditation and inner foundation is coming along

    Thanks for inspiring me with post.

    Regards bella

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    1. I did one years ago but it was so long ago and I’m feeling inspired to do another one now as so many things have changed. It’s a work in progress though and may take me a while. Glad I (and Brigid and Wendy) could inspire you. Good luck with creating your own vision board Bella and thanks for inspiring me yourself with all your meditations.

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    1. Hi Kathy, you’re doing better than me! 😏 I’m so behind on my reading/writing/blogging. I’ve just returned from an impromptu overnight camping trip at the beach hence the late reply. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  27. Hi Miriam, I wish we could have stopped to see you when we were in Melbourne! Carol and I had a few days there sight-seeing. Your city is very beautiful. Congratulations getting so many articles published. It’s nice to get all your goals and reflections sorted at the beginning of the year to drive you through the rest of the year. 🙂 I need to do that when I get home to California. Right now, I’m going with the flow as I travel around Australia for the first time.

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  29. I might just make myself a travel board in those long grey days when I get home again. 🙂 I know for sure that I have a mountain of saved leaflets and articles that could do with a good sort! Congrats on the publications. I’ve never really been persistent enough to get far with getting into print. Plotting a course would certainly help.

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  33. Miriam–exciting to see your story in print!! You have such a history of writing… Will be fun to see how your dreams ahead unfold. –and on being a mother, well, sen when your kids are grown it’s still a big job (and I wouldn’t trade it for anything– I guess that’s my dream)!!

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    1. And what a wonderful dream Rhonda. You’re right, being a mother is a big job, the biggest, no matter how old our kids are, it’ll always be important. Thanks for your lovely comment.

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  34. Thank you for the inspiration Miriam! It’s great to set goals and have something to look forward while the year progresses. And having a vision board is really helpful. It reminds us of our dreams and it just keeps fueling our motivation!
    Congratulations on your published articles! May you fulfill your dreams this year! 😙

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    1. Thank you lovely Nina. Yes, the vision board is taking a little while to put together but I want it to “feel” right when it’s complete. Hope you also fulfil all your dreams and goals this year. xo

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  38. I’ve been doing something similar lately. Trying to get back to my goals. It’s difficult though to channelise thoughts. Congratulations on getting published! I’m not surprised. You’re a fantastic writer. 🙂 xo

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  39. This is my plan as well to create a vision board in order to visualise where my dreams are! I’m also going to create a journal, but not for my every day life now, but for the life in my future as if I am living it now!

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  41. Love this, gives a lot more detail to some of the poems i write. Congrats on all your publications … feels like I may never get there. My dreams are written out in an exercise book, you have inspired me to make a more visual presentation. You are well on your way now to financial security and that villa in Italy!

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    1. Oh Ginger, I wish!
      Thanks for your nice words here. Yeah, go and buy a gorgeous something to write all your dreams in. They deserve to be written somewhere inspiring! And have fun. You’ll get there.

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