The 2014 Vision Board update

One thing that excites me about the new year, besides writing on a spanking brand new planner, is the planning of vision boards. Last year I made a shameless, long term vision board. Today, I am showing the progress of what came true.

The blurred ones are those goals happening in the future. (Yes, I am claiming it!) If you will notice, I really indulged in affirmations and positive thoughts. I will no longer state the obvious but let me share with you my favorite parts that came true:

1. I went to Japan and saw Cherry Blossoms!
2. My paper got accepted in Asian Media Information and Communication Centre International Conference (AMIC) and it happened to be in Thailand, which is in my vision board (but I did not go despite having bought tickets and booked hotel. Blogged about it here)
3. I made new friends! ( I have new colleagues, a new walking mate, a very thoughtful and sweet Japanese family that we met in Japan, and I also made new virtual friends in the blogosphere.)
4. I expanded my professional network and reconnected with classmates from grade school.
5. I traveled to 3 countries and one beautiful island in the Philippines.
6. I lost some weight ( this is probably the first in a long time that I had comments about having lost some weight and it happened during the holidays).

Yes, if you look at my vision board, not everything came true, but what does it mean? It means, the vision board works!

My sister, a wedding and events floral designer, showed me a note that she jot down on her phone early last year. It said about taking her floral designing on another level and out of her comfort zone and guess what? It all came true! So whether or not your vision is made of photos or words, documenting it actually helps!

I remember how my cousin also told me how instead of doing a vision board, she wrote a list of what she wanted and it all came true within her deadline. In fact, I have started a resolution list on my planner about the things I'm serious about this year (and coming years). I used to shy way from making resolutions because like most people, I never really get to fulfill them. But it never hurts to try again, right?

By the way, how's yours doing?

You're not supposed to keep The Secret, a secret.

I wrote early this year how the Universe does not play favorites. Then I kept blabbing and blabbing about The Secret, the book, the law of attraction, Universe, positivity and more. I got The Secret book in 2008 on a Kris Kringle. I read it once and just shoved in the shelf, I understood, but did not take it to heart. A year later I read it again and finally felt it.

I sent pdf copies of it to some of my friends, encouraged them to make vision boards, taught them how to wish to the Universe, and I am happy to share with you that a bunch of my friends whom I shared it with got their wish. And it seems like they all wanted the same similar thing: a car and they got it! This year! It was only this morning, while doing my regular morning walks with a friend that I was able to tick off people (with wishes granted) from my list  that I shared The Secret with.

I've blabbed about it for so long, and I must admit that I do not have high spirits all year long (read: trade offs) and my little milestones are not as huge as theirs. But do I get envious? Absolutely NOT! It only shows that the things I asked for were granted! The Secret works! Now, my only concern actually is...I am now on a different stage. What do I want? Because, apparently, this is true...

Trade Offs

I started this year about vision boards, and yes it is as real as you can imagine.

But there are certain trade offs.

To be honest, I've checked four already and it hasn't even been half a year yet. I am grateful. But as I have said, there are certain trade offs.

So my reason for the lack of posts? I'm currently in those trade offs.

Travel Japan: How to apply for Japanese Tourist Visa (when staying with a friend)

Our trip to our childhood and close family friend, Kuya Benz, has been long standing since early 2013. So when we chanced upon a cheap round trip ticket, we decided to give it a go!

(Actually, it was my sister Aprille who booked first. She got her tickets for just around 8k with in flight meals, insurance and round trip baggage allowance. I got inspired while she was talking about her plans to Kuya Benz who was in the Philippines during that time, so I told myself I would grab the next one if it's on sale. I found a seat sale a week later, with a little more charge and less privileges than Aprille's ticket, but still under 10k! It must be really meant for me!)

The cuddling couch

"Curl up in ball with something Hanes..."

This is what they call  'a cuddling couch/nest'. It gives a I'm-in-a-make-believe-jacuzzi vibe.

I saw this on pinterest today and I really, I really would love to have something like this in the future. The TV and the bookshelves behind is just parfait!

The Universe has no favorites (You can make your vision board happen!)

Happy New Year!  As I always say every start of the year, Tis the season of resolutions and vision boards!

And speaking of vision boards, during the holidays, I've posted some photos on Instagram to support my first post for 2014.



Instead of the usual highlights of 2013, or what I learned in 2013, I'm going to write about vision boards instead. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for 2013. It has been very kind and helped me and my family bounce back.

More about vision boards after the jump!