We’re almost three weeks into the new year and my vision casting is well under way. In recent years, I’ve become a real believer in vision boards. A vision board is a collage of pictures and sayings that represent your intentions for your life, your year, or a specific goal or project. Although vision boards have been around for a while, Oprah popularized the practice after she read The Secret. Vision boards combine the strength of visualization with the practice of setting your intentions. Visualization is a powerful tool. We say what we see, and we become what we say. Even the Bible instructs us to “write the vision and
make it plain” so that whoever reads it can run with it, (Hab
2:2-3). It’s easier to get where you’re going when you have a picture of how to get there.

Initially, I thought I would have my board hanging on my wall on January 1st, but I decided to be more thoughtful about it. Instead of feverishly flipping through magazines to see which pictures tickled my fancy, I decided to spend some time searching my heart for the things God has been speaking to me in my quiet time. It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of goal-setting and attainment, but in order to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasures, we have to be intentional about why we do what we do. When 2016 comes to a close, how do I want my year to be defined?

So, here’s what I came up with:

As I make decisions throughout this year about how I will spend my time and where I will focus my energy, I plan to ask myself two questions:

1. Will this opportunity enable me to live fully in my truth? Will I have to shrink to fit in? Will I have to convince others that I deserve to be in the room? Am I being tolerated rather than respected as an equal contributor? Can I bring all of who I am to the table in this experience?
2. Who does this opportunity serve? The neediest in our community? The vulnerable? The poor? The seeker? Or does it perpetuate silos, disparities, or elitism? How does this experience serve the greater good?

With these things in mind, I spent some time this weekend engaging in service.

During the Fall, Zelophehad’s Daughters collected donations of reproductive hygiene products for homeless women. (Can you imaging having to choose between tampons and food or pads and shelter?) The girls packed more than 140 bags of supplies. Then, on Saturday, we teamed up with the Helping Hands Outreach Ministry to deliver the items at parks and shelters in Washington, DC. The women were so appreciative, especially for the panties that were included in some of the bags. The girls enjoyed their time and learned a lot about compassion and service.

Then on Monday, I joined my sorors (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) who were participating in the Montgomery County Volunteer Services’ MLK Day of Service. We helped to package meals that will be distributed by Manna Food Center.

So as you can tell, my vision board is a work in progress but I’m working while vision casting. You can’t just name the goal. You have to be intentional about running after it!

Stay tuned for the next post. I’ll keep you updated on the progress of my board. What about you? Do you set a one-word intention for the year? Do you have a vision board? Let’s see it!