At our emergency shelter, we support women and children who are actively fleeing domestic violence and seeking temporary refuge while they decide on their next transition whether it be their own apartment, moving out of state, connecting with family support, or a transitional shelter. While they are with us, they engage in case manager meeting check-ins, domestic violence education classes, and we incorporate Window of Time art workshops as a healing tool.
We conducted the Vision Board workshop with our participants, and it was a huge success. It created an environment for participants to be creative utilizing cardstock, magazines, colors and markers. We had some novice and veteran vision board creators, and they were encouraged to create a vision board that supported their life vision filled with their wants and needs. For some, the workshop was a first-time opportunity to explore their personal goals, dreams, and hopes, while for others, it enhanced and expanded on their current outlook.
One participant’s vision board was focused on embracing motherhood, supporting her children’s dreams, and manifesting travel plans. Another participant spent her time cutting pictures from magazines that aligned with a current vision board that was in progress. She stated “This activity is perfect. I make a vision board every year and I am behind. I have my board and decorations for it, but I had not had a chance to create it. Thank you.”
The workshop provided participants an avenue to create a tangible visual aid as a way to support and manifest their dreams, goals, and wishes, and be able to refer to them for inspiration, strength, and motivation when needed.
As always, I enjoy doing the workshops with my children prior to conducting it with participants at the shelter. When it came to this workshop I truly did not know what to expect. I did not know if my children would understand the concept of creating something that represented what they hoped for in life. Boy, was I surprised at the outcome! They found the process of choosing, cutting, and gluing their pictures relaxing. They did not look to their siblings for ideas, but truly, unexpectedly, embraced their own vision.
My youngest focused on animals he hoped to see one day. My middle son focused on his love for science, nature, and the unknown. My eldest created TWO vision boards of his love for basketball and dream to be a basketball player. And I centered my vision on my goals for the year.
Through the workshop, I learned that we all see our future differently based on our lived experience. I learned that no one is too young to think about who they are, their dreams, and their future. I learned that if given the opportunity, space, and expression with no boundaries, the results will amaze you. I see the value in a vision board as a continuous tool for healing, as it can change each year, and offer accountability and a space for reflection for all.
