Have you ever created a vision board? I never really had but had every intention of creating an amazing vision board for 2018! I bought a board and made sure I had glue, markers, scissors and everything! As the month of January slipped past me, virtually undetected, I knew I would need more than simply materials to complete my vision board. I needed some motivation.... I decided to have some friends over for a Vision Board party!

The first and arguably the most important thing to do is set it! Pick a date and time and set it. I used a Facebook event and made a cute digital invite as well. (This makes it easy to text a follow up or even print it to mail or hand deliver!) Include all information (yes including what a vision board is....). I requested each person bring their own board as well as any printed ideas they might already have or find to add to their board. Since I did not have many magazines, I also requested each guest bring any extra magazines they did not mind cutting up or even share! I provided a quick lasagna meal and of coarse...wine!!!

I set up very simply. one table for materials and one for working. You can clear space for use on the floor or anything! I really believe the more casual the better. The material table displayed glue, scissors, stickers, markers and other fun additions. I also had a few extra poster boards and just a few magazines (just in case anyone forgot or was unable to bring any) At the last minute, I decided to have a champagne toast similar to the new year toast (I went alcohol free sparkling apple cider so we could have wine instead throughout the party.)

After the toast. I distributed a sheet I had created including thoughtful questions to help us get in the open mindset. Music played in the background to add to the mood. Then I simply opened it up and invited everyone to get started in any order or way they felt moved. I feel the less direction the better creativity for each guest. When the night had ended we had some boards of mostly words and quotes as well as boards with mostly pictures. Each person had her own set up and organization for her board. It was amazing and sparked beautiful conversation!

This particular party was all women and we discovered some similar themes among us. You could open up a vision board party to family boards or individual boards. You could have men, women, children or even a blended open party! I planned on a two hour window but it ran over and we really enjoyed the conversation around the creation. In the future, I would set it for at least 3 hours. There was so much rich conversation to enjoy!

Sample questions included on my planning question sheet:

What would your perfect life feel like? Look like? Taste like? Smell like or sound like?

What have you always wanted to do or have but never started?

What do you wish you had more time for in your life?

What brings you joy?

What type of person do you want to be?

What motivates you?

Books I will read

Places I will go

Things I will do

A bad habit I will break

A new skill I will learn

A person I hope to be like

I am going to better at...

You could also include topics to brainstorm. Here are some examples...

Family Social Health/Fitness Spiritual Financial Dreams Mental Professional Hobby

Now get out there and host your own Vision Board Party!

The Benefits of Boundaries

Parenting is hard.

Setting boundaries is hard.

Upholding boundaries and expectations can be hard.

It may be hard but it is so worth it! What are the benefits to creating boundaries for your children at any age? There are 5 listed here below.

Setting boundaries...

Creates security. The security of boundaries and expectations reduces anxiety in children and teens. If you have a kid who struggles with anxiety, creating clear boundaries can be very helpful in alleviating the anxiety of the unknown. Kids learn that the parents take care of things and it is not up to them. It can really take the pressure off.
Provides capacity for success. We are more successful when we know what is to be expected. How many times have you had a dream where you had to take a test but did not know what to study? It seems unfair to be given a test and not be told what is on it. I bet we would be on the phone in seconds if our child’s teacher did this. It is simply not fair. Setting clear expectations and boundaries makes the content of the test of life clear and known. This makes success possible.
Fights entitlement. Kids need to practice self soothing when things do not go their way and they do not get what they want. When our kids are babies we are told to let them cry a little so they learn to self sooth. The same goes when they get older. Learning how to deal with disappointment and know it is not the end of the world, is a strength in adulthood. However it does not magically appear. It takes experience and practice.
Teaches resilience. Our children need to know things will be ok. It is difficult, but true that we learn in struggle. “Grow through what you go through”, “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger”....the quotes are many. Getting back up everytime we fall is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced. Perseverance is the key to much of life's great accomplishments!
Teaches them to set and hold boundaries. Setting clear boundaries is good modeling for kids. They will need to be able to do so in their future. It can help them hold up against toxic people and relationships. No one wants their kids to grow up in toxic relationships. No one wants their kids to become doormats who allow others to walk all over them or abuse them. Show them how to uphold fair boundaries. Show them how to be assertive and an advocate for themselves.

The fact is, brains are not fully developed until mid twenties or so. It unfair to expect kids to know what is expected, take care of everything, make all the right choices, do all of their homework, complete all chores, maintain a household, always be appropriate let alone know what is appropriate, and make all final decisions. It is simple science. That is why they are under the care of a guardian until adulthood. It is our job as parents to be responsible for all of this until they can do it on their own.

*******Two HUGE reminders as you set and maintain boundaries. First, remember that your child’s behavior is not a reflection of your parenting. Your parenting is a reflection of your parenting. Secondly, set your boundaries with caution! They must be upheld. It is counter productive to set boundaries and not uphold them. Rebuilding after you have given up becomes that much harder.

I can help you if you are interested in developing your own Guidance to Goal Parenting Plan with support and a plan of action. Guidance to Goal Parenting is Parenting with guidance all the way to the goal for your children. If you are interested in allowing me to work with you, feel free to email me at fountain.coach@gmail .com or book a free Discovery Session at www.fountainofyoucoaching.com under the Book Now tab!