There are four definitions of the word vision:
1a: something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; especially: a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation b: a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination c: a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial.
2a: the act or power of imagination b (1): mode of seeing or conceiving (2):unusual discernment or foresight <a person of vision> c: direct mystical awareness of the supernatural usually in visible form.
3a: the act or power of seeing : sight b: the special sense by which the qualities of an object (as color, luminosity, shape, and size) constituting its appearance as perceived through a process in which light rays entering the eye are transformed by the retina into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.
4a: something seen b: a lovely or charming sight.
Generally speaking, vision is to see or have sight, one could even say have “insight” into the future. Sometimes in life we think that we have no control of our destiny, but that’s not true. God has given us vision and free will. So how do we know we have free will?
I believe that many people do not fulfill their destiny because they lack vision for their lives. They either believe that they are powerless…what will be, will be. Or, they are content to roll with the punches.
I contend that while we may hope for the best, that we prepare ourselves for the future. We all have an idea of how we would like our lives to go…where we want to live…the career we want to have…the lifestyle we want to live…
So with that in mind, begin to put on a board or jot in a journal your vision for your life. Not your friends’, not your children…but your life. What do you really desire out of life?
For those who are not comfortable writing, I suggest creating a vision board. You’ll need a piece of poster board, magazines, markers, tape or a glue stick. Flip through the magazines and cut out pictures of things you want in your life. If you don’t find a picture, just draw your own (stick people are fine) or write down what you want. (Purchase this Vision Board Kit here: https://www.motivationalmuse.com/product-grid )
The idea is to visualize your future. Visualize yourself accomplishing your goals and dreams. Everyone has dreams, many times we talk ourselves out of those dreams because they seem out of reach and unattainable. If you have a hard time visualizing, close your eyes and draw your mind in around one thought at a time.
For example, your vision may be to purchase a home. Forget that you don’t have the down payment yet. Just focus on the kind of home you want. Visualize yourself in that home, decorating that home or working in the flower bed. Then start looking at your options…first time homebuyer programs, FHA or HUD financed homes. There may be all kinds of benefits that you qualify for, but your focus had been on the reasons you’d never own a home, instead of the home itself. When you explore the options, you’re actually in preparation mode. Your preparation mode may take weeks, months or even years to complete…but don’t get discouraged, keep your vision alive by looking at and updating your vision board. The realization of your vision will come to pass. Keep the faith, continue to work and prepare so that when the opportunities come, you will recognize them as such and act upon them.
I like to write, so I’ve always kept a journal. Years ago, I started keeping my dreams or visions in a journal. I had magazine clippings of the kinds of houses I liked. I had an old newspaper ad for a house blueprint company. A few pages over I had visions for a home business.
That journal is nearly 20 years old and I still have it to this day. I got my dream house, although it was somewhat different than the clippings I had taped to the journal pages. I started my own business, but it too was different than the one in my journal. The journal helped me to visualize, plan and prepare and then act upon the opportunities as they presented themselves. Had I not first had a vision of a new home or new career, I doubt that I would have accomplished my goals. (Purchase journals here: https://www.motivationalmuse.com/product-grid)
Key points: First, you need a vision. Next, you need to prepare. Last, you must act upon the opportunities that present themselves to you so that your vision becomes a realization.
