Vision Boards can help us problem solve. Carey’s story

Each year, people arrive at my workshops expecting a creative space to map out their goals, dreams, and aspirations and while we certainly embrace creativity, what they leave with is often far beyond what they imagined.

Carey (name has been changed for privacy), came for the 3rd year running, recently shared how attending these workshops has been an experience of self-discovery, healing, and newfound clarity—not just cutting and pasting images onto a board. “I find Vanessa gives me a new found perspective”

"I love coming to Vanessa’s workshops every year. It’s not just about cutting and sticking pictures; it’s a whole experience where she helps me step outside of my usual thinking. I don’t just make a vision board—I get a fresh perspective on things I didn’t even know were bothering me. Being here feels like an escape, a place to switch off and look at my life differently.”

Find out Carey’s journey and why coming every year peels another layer of connection and awareness to herself, to bring inner peace and clarity.


Carey, last year came to my workshop hoping to visualise her goals for a new chapter, possibly a move to Scotland, which was a real surprise, as seemed very settled, but was having itchy feet due to a family member. Going away with her vision board Carey seemed happy this was her next step, and went off to make plans to make it happen.

When Carey rang to do her vision board again this year, I was aware she had still not moved. I was keen to find out why.


Through the use of her vision board and the insights we spoke about on the day, on reflection Carey uncovered a deeper motivation behind her urge to move.

Carey realised she wasn’t genuinely excited about relocating but felt compelled to "escape" unresolved feelings tied to her past and current relationships.

This insight helped her face those emotions, understand the root of her need for freedom, and find resolution with a family member, whom she initially felt trapped by. By having that conversation, her concerns were put to rest, this helped her see this was all build on previous experiences.

This reflection on her vision board had enable herself to visualise and process the reasons in a more structured way.

Instead of uprooting herself, her board actually made her realise how many friends she has here in Sussex and how settled she was, that she was running away, as in the past when felt suffocated that was the easiest way.

This insight meant she now has helped her to build a better relationship with the family member and be more settled in her life than ever before.

Carey was now ready to find next years vision and we have creating new ways to make everyday life more fulfilling.

Together, we discussed ways she could bring small adventures into her routine, like cooking tapas to recreate the travel excitement at home, as well as visiting themed restaurants, to experience new tastes rather than sticking to the same ones Carey normally visits.

Carey has set the intention to bring fresh flowers to her reading nook she wanted to create, as realised she used to buy flowers and had stopped.

Instead of coming from lack mentality of not having a garden she planned pots and to bring the outdoors in.

On top of that Carey is planning a walking pilgrimage next year for a significant birthday, and loved an insight to build connections with friends and colleagues to walk occasionally with her as she trains for it. Instead of waiting for the adventure to bring the adventure into her life everyday.

Her vision board gave her a roadmap for meaningful changes, not just big life shifts.

In my workshops, I don’t just “hold space”—I strive to provide support, tools, and ideas that help participants tap into the lives they truly want, not just the ones they feel they “should” be living.

Each workshop also includes a workbook, carefully designed to encourage introspection and help map out actionable steps. Participants often find these exercises invaluable for staying focused and intentional, turning their dreams into structured, reachable goals.:

Carey has taken these experiences even further. She’s is going to start learning Spanish to prepare for her journey, on the work front reaching out to fellow travel consultants to expand her work network, as well as building new habits to celebrate her journey in life now—not just waiting for the "big adventure."

Vision boarding can be much more than creating a collage. It’s about building a mindset, a vision for life that you can live each day.

Carey’s journey is a testament to this, and she recommends 1:1 sessions for anyone wanting to dig deep, layer by layer, to bring their true aspirations to life.

If you’re ready to look beyond the board and bring meaning to every step of your journey, join us for a session and experience the shift for yourself.




Not all dreams and goals are meant for us, as every dream or goal will have a consequence attached. What vision boards can do is allow ourselves to dream and then take those dreams to have a go at bringing them to life - playing, experimenting, planting them in reality, like seeds in the earth and seeing which ones take root. 

That’s what it is to be the CEO of your own life, you can fire and hire what know longer serves you.

You get to stay curious about your life, be open to change and be aware what stories you are telling yourself, when you allow yourself to be open you are more willing to do it differently, this helps when you can be kind to yourself to see if fear is running the show or you.

Creating your unique blend of success will change through the years.

That’s why your vision board helps to see how far you have come, it’s the importance of embracing failure or what’s not for you, as that’s an essential part of the journey and the joy of allowing yourself to do things imperfectly.



If you haven’t already and get ready to dream, play and create a life that you love and feel proud of in 2025.

Come and join in one of my workshops, book a 1 to 1 or gather 4 to 5 friends and create a retreat like these other ladies pictured did, I had the pleasure to hold a space for them a second year running helping them create there next vision, and hear there insights of what they had achieved from last year.




My workshops provide a supportive environment where you can explore your goals, aspirations, and values while creating your own vision board.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more individualised approach, I offer personalised 1-to-1 sessions like I did with Carey, tailoring to your specific needs and goals.

You can also take advantage of my resources, including vision board kits and planners, to aid you in your journey of self-discovery and goal-setting.

These tools are designed to empower you to clarify your vision, set meaningful goals, and take actionable steps towards creating the life you desire.

If you're ready to take the next step towards reconnecting with your vision and embracing this new chapter of your life, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to support you every step of the way. Email me on Vanessa@visionboardsforall.co.uk

 
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Emily's story in her own words: How her vision board changed her life around.

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How Vision Boards Can Inspire Students in Schools