Tag: Hope

Vision Boards Bring Hope

With my recent renovation, I have been cleaning out shelves and cupboards that have held things for years. One of the things I found was a vision board that I made 12 years ago when my husband Tom was diagnosed with cancer.

A vision board is a visual collage of images and words that reflect your goals and dreams in life. I made mine with magazine photos and words as well as some art made by my Gr. 1 students at the time. My vision board includes pictures of dance, nature, travel, and good health. I posted it in my kitchen where we would see it every day and it inspired us and gave us hope for the future during our cancer journey. It was our daily reminder to live our best life.

Perhaps a vision board could help you through a difficult time of your life. No matter what’s happening, we can still live every day with zest and joy and be full of gratitude for the many small gifts that come our way. A vision board reminds you to be filled with hope for the future. Never stop dreaming. Never stop loving life.

Advent is Upon Us

December 1, Advent, the beginning of the Christmas season.

Christians use it as a preparation for the commemoration of the birth of Jesus as they move through the next 24 days with hope, peace, joy, and love.

 Much of the world prepares in other ways. Little children use it as a countdown for the coming of Santa Claus and open each small door on their chocolate Advent calendars with anticipation and excitement.

For me, it’s the beginning of a season for stopping to think about my own spiritual journey and relationship to Christ. I, also, join the rest of the secular world in carrying on and enjoying all the traditions of this special time of year as I put up my Christmas tree, bake the shortbread cookies, buy and wrap the gifts and watch the Christmas specials on TV.

It’s a special season that’s for sure. We have 24 days to prepare our homes and hearts for December 25 and all that it means to us. Enjoy it. Take part in your community events. Sing Christmas carols. Read the Christmas stories. Attend the concerts. Gather together in parties and feasting. Exchange gifts with your loved ones as well as those less fortunate as you.

Whatever you do, celebrate in whatever way is most meaningful to you and yours. May all the excitement and anticipation of the season be yours as you keep your traditions alive.