written by Rebecca-Sophia Strong
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
As we approach the end of the year, it’s easy to get caught up in reflecting on the past. But rather than simply looking back, I encourage you to look forward and begin envisioning the possibilities ahead. It’s time to think about your next evolution—what you want to create and how you want to grow in the upcoming season of your life.
Visioning is not just daydreaming; it’s harnessing the power of your imagination to bring your goals into focus and make them a reality. It’s about recognizing your potential and creating a mental image of the life you desire. Whether focusing on personal growth, career advancement, or creative projects, visioning helps set clear intentions for the future.
What Does It Mean to "Envision"?
The word "envision" means to "see possibility into the future." It’s a practice of imagining a life or outcome you desire, bringing it from the realm of imagination into tangible form in your mind. This mental exercise gives you the clarity and drive to pursue your goals.
Envisioning isn’t just about fantasizing—it’s about recognizing what’s possible and imagining a future aligned with your values, desires, and passions. Whether you aim for personal growth, career shifts, or creative projects, visioning provides the roadmap to make those aspirations a reality.
Why Start Now?
Now is the perfect time to begin envisioning what lies ahead. As the year closes, we often get consumed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving little room for dreams. But visioning allows us to break free from that cycle and think intentionally about where we want to go. Imagine if, each night before bed, you took a few moments to dream into possibility, seeing your life unfold like a movie, with scenes of what you want to achieve and experience.
If anxiety or past experiences hold you back from dreaming big, this is where EMDR Therapy can make a difference. EMDR Therapy is a powerful tool to help process unresolved emotional blocks, allowing you to fully embrace your vision of the future.
Start Small, Dream Big
Visioning doesn’t always have to be about grand changes. Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. You may want to become kinder, learn to forgive, or start a new project. These smaller shifts can create significant impacts on your well-being and sense of fulfillment.
If you're ready for bigger changes—growing your business, shifting careers, or embracing new personal milestones—visioning gives you clarity on what your next steps should look like. Ask yourself: What do I want to create or experience in the next year? What feels right for me? Your vision can be anything from launching a business to traveling or learning new skills—it’s about what resonates with you.
Permission to Envision
Envisioning is about giving yourself permission to dream and explore your potential. Too often, we hold ourselves back out of fear or doubt. But you are worthy of envisioning a future that excites you. I’m giving you permission to dream and envision the next evolution of your life. Whether it’s a small change or a big leap, it’s about what feels true for you.
Finding Your North Star
A key step in the visioning process is finding your "North Star." Your North Star is a guiding light—your ultimate goal, your clear vision for where you’re headed. Ask yourself: Where do I want to be a year from now? What will that version of myself look like? What will I have accomplished?
Visualize yourself in that future—doing what you love, feeling fulfilled and joyful. Maybe you’re speaking at a conference, celebrating a business milestone, or traveling to your dream destination. Let that vision guide you.
If intrusive memories or emotions are interfering with this clarity, consider EMDR Therapy to help process and clear those hurdles. The freedom it offers can amplify your ability to dream and plan with confidence.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
Once you have your vision, it’s time to bring it to life. Consider creating a vision board—a visual representation of your goals and dreams. Whether it’s physical or digital (like a Pinterest board), this is something you can interact with daily. By reinforcing your vision each day, you activate your subconscious mind to work toward making those dreams a reality.
Visioning in the Morning and Evening
The best times to engage in visioning are when you first wake up and right before bed. These moments are when your mind is most receptive. In the morning, take a moment to visualize what you want to accomplish, whether that’s for the day or long-term. At night, reflect on your vision again and let your mind wander freely, imagining what’s to come.
Overcoming Obstacles
As you envision your future, you may face resistance—fear, self-doubt, or external challenges. It’s normal to feel these things, but don’t let them stop you. Acknowledge the fear and move forward anyway. Your vision is your truth, and with persistence, you can overcome any obstacle.
Conclusion: Breathe Life into Your Vision
Envisioning your future is a powerful tool that helps guide you toward your dreams. It provides the clarity, focus, and motivation you need to make your vision a reality. By practicing visioning regularly, you can start to manifest the future you want.
If you're experiencing anxiety or feeling overwhelmed, combining visioning with EMDR Therapy can help calm your mind and create the space needed for clarity and growth. The ability to envision your future is an important step in achieving your goals and creating the life you want.
Take the first step today and begin envisioning the life you want to create. You have the power within you to shape your future. Trust that power, and I look forward to seeing what unfolds for you!
If you want to learn more about EMDR Therapy, click here.