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.

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!

Thank YoUniverse

I think it was just around this time of last year. I was talking to a friend who's getting hitched in her early thirties.

"Where were you when you were 26?" I asked.
"I was partying and having the greatest time of my life!" She said.
" I'm 26 and I've never felt so friggin' old."
"I'm past 30 and I've never felt so young..."

They say that if you really want something so bad, you just breathe a sincere prayer to the Universe.

Image Source

I remember saying something to the Universe, while groggy inside the cab, on my way home.

"I want to change my life in 2010."

Some might think it's absurd. Say it to the Universe? For real? I am re-reading Eat Pray Love again and Liz Gilbert, the Author of the memoir, was told:

"Where did you get the idea you aren't allowed to petition to the universe with prayer? You are part of this universe, Liz. You are a constituent - you have every entitlement to participate in the actions of the universe, and to let your feelings be known. So put your opinion out there. Make your case. Believe me - it will at least be taken into consideration."

And just about an hour later, the one thing that she sincerely asked (with good intentions) and needed the most was immediately granted.

When I turned 25, I was told that I have to be careful with what I wish for, because I will get it. I've heard and read that line for quite sometime and it's becoming a cliche.

I don't know how many prayer requests I have sent the Universe, but they say when you ask, you will receive. It's just that you will get first what the"Universe" thinks that you most importantly need, even if it doesn't go with your plans. There is someone who knows exactly what you need, better than you do.

And it's Him.

And a couple of months later, my life literally changed.

I'm not really religious, but I am very spiritual. What's the difference? I quote this article:

"People really want to understand the difference between religious and spiritual.Spirituality is something internal.Religion is something external."

Tomorrow might be the start of a whole new adventure for me to go after something that I am passionate about. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I believe that people we have met (and eventually became friends with) are not just by mere accidents. And as Oprah said:

"Every little thing that's happening to you every single day prepares you for what is in store for you in the future."

I've been through ( or I might still be dealing with) a quarter-life crisis phase but now, but a year after saying that I've never felt so old, now I've never felt so young.

Lord, I'm very, very thankful. I'm very, very grateful. Thank you for never forsaking me, no matter how hard-headed I've been for the past years.


Love,
K