Make a Roadmap

Week of December 30, 2024

Dec 29, 2024

We’re heading into a brand new year! While every day is a fresh chance to start again, a new year is a great time to take stock of where you are and think about where you want to be. Let’s talk about some easy and fun ways to set ourselves up for success and happiness this year!

Photo by Karly Santiago on Unsplash

Vision Board

Vision boards can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. The key is to really think about what you want your life to look and feel like. Put some real thought into this - go beyond just “more money” or “lose weight”. Try to think bigger. Let’s say that you have all the money and you’ve lost all the weight (you are perfect as you are, btw). What does your life look and feel like? How is it different from your life right now? Consider these intangible things - the things that you’re really after, and use them as your guide to map out your vision.

In making an actual vision board, this can take many forms. It can just be a list you write out in an old notebook, a Pinterest board (is anyone still doing those?), or a digital note on your phone. You can use images, sketches, photos, or just words. Whatever you decide, I highly suggest that you make something physical or digital that you can refer back to. Your vision can and probably will change with time, but you can’t get somewhere that you’ve never been without a map. So put as much thought into creating your map as you do your destination.

A very wise therapist recommended that it can be helpful to categorize your vision. I think this is a great approach because it makes it easy to understand the importance of each component and how they all fit together to help you reach your goals. I like to use these categories, but do what feels right for you:

Physical - All things related to the body
Mental - Learning and development
Spiritual - Religion, faith, and spirituality
Social - Relationships with friends and family
Financial - Gettin’ that cheddar

Guide Word (or phrase)

As you get clear on your vision, it can be helpful to choose a word or short phrase you can use as a guide. Are you looking for more Joy? Perhaps you’re looking for Adventure or Success or Confidence.

As an example, 2024 was a new beginning for me in so many ways. I had just started a new job, I was single and living alone for the first time in nearly 3 decades, and I was reeling from a traumatic life event. The word I chose for 2024 was just my name - Trish. It was time to focus on myself. Choose something that fits where you are and what you need as you move forward. Write this down. Make it the title of your vision board. Revisit the word and the board regularly - you have to consult the map.

I like to use the word as a sort of litmus test when I make decisions. This year, I would ask myself if this was what I really wanted (TRISH), or if this was what someone else wanted from me or for me. I can’t tell you how helpful that was as I navigated a year that was all about carving out and navigating an entirely new life for myself. Try to use your word as the co-pilot on your journey to steer you in the best direction.

Gray Areas

Whatever you decide for your roadmap, try to avoid strict YES or NO goals. I know this is a hot take, and if rigid goals work well for you, keep on trucking with them. I prefer more flexibility because if I get off track, I have a tendency to just give up completely, and this is a long game. It’s more beneficial for me to set a goal like “Eat less sugar” than “Eat X grams of sugar or fewer per day”. It’s less daunting, requires much less label checking and obsessing, and is just more doable overall. I’d prefer small, sustainable changes over inflexible and strict rules that are more difficult to stick to. However, don’t forget that you should always do what works best for you - you are the magic.

Some Resources

One thing I want to mention here is that Adriene (of Yoga with Adriene fame) is doing a free 7 day course on YouTube called Prana. Prana is the Sanskrit word for “breath” or “life force”. Here’s the intro video with all the info. I’m going to participate and I thought you might enjoy it as well.

As a side note - if yoga, meditation, or exercise, is part of your vision, Adriene has several 30 day yoga challenges that are free and beginner friendly, as well as meditation sessions. You really can’t go wrong with any of her videos, she’s truly a treasure. Check out her website and her YouTube channel for more info.

For meditation, I highly recommend the Insight Timer app. There are thousands of free guided meditations for every possible interest, as well as a meditation timer with customizable background sounds and music if you prefer to freestyle. It’s a great app, 100% free to use, although there are options to upgrade for more content or to provide tips for meditation teachers if you choose to.

Gettin’ Hygge With It

Did you get your Hygge on this week? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment or send me an email at dishkitty@substack.com. And don’t forget to keep giving you inner child a lil snacky snack now and then.

Two of Cups

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