Chapter 1: Setting Intentions for the New Year

As we embark on a new year, have you established goals for 2022? Personally, I'm making good progress with my daily yoga routine, although I've stumbled a couple of times on my dry January commitment. What about you?

Why is it still necessary to have a vision board alongside New Year’s resolutions?

Having a vision board helps us clarify what we truly desire in life. To transform our aspirations into reality, we must first believe in our capability to achieve them.

In previous discussions, I’ve explored the impact of self-limiting beliefs and feelings of shame. These mental blocks often stem from our subconscious or past experiences, hindering our ability to pursue our dreams.

For instance, do you believe that you are destined to be unhealthy? That’s a self-limiting belief. Or perhaps you feel that you always end up in co-dependent relationships? That, too, is a limiting thought.

Visualization plays a crucial role in this process. We need to envision ourselves as healthy, secure, prosperous, deserving, and joyful. What does happiness look like for you?

To facilitate this, a powerful method I've discovered is writing a letter to our present selves from the perspective of our future selves. But first, allow me to share a brief story.

Not long ago, I found myself in a co-dependent relationship, which led me to irrationally believe that all men are untrustworthy. To cope, I subconsciously decided to either betray them first or leave before I could be hurt. This mindset, as twisted as it seems, is a manifestation of shame and self-limiting beliefs.

Such irrational thoughts are also common among individuals facing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. If we fail to recognize and reframe these thoughts, they could lead to severe consequences.

Thus, visualization, or penning a letter from our future self, is more than just a spiritual exercise; it’s an opportunity to remind ourselves that happiness is within reach.

Journaling Prompt: Writing to My Future Self

Let’s dive in.

1. Create Your Space: Set aside an hour in a quiet space. Embrace a cozy atmosphere with candles, a warm drink, and blankets if you wish. The key items you'll need are a pen and your journal—please refrain from using electronic devices.
2. Center Yourself: Take a deep breath in for a count of eight, hold for five, and then exhale slowly for six. Repeat this until you feel calm and grounded in the present moment.
3. Embrace Your Future Self: On a fresh page in your journal, reflect on these questions (you may have this guide beside you, but consider putting your phone on airplane mode):
   • What time do you ideally wake up?
   • Where are you waking up?
   • Is anyone beside you?
   • What does your surroundings look like?
   • What scents, textures, or sounds do you notice?
   • What does your morning routine entail? How does it energize and motivate you?
   • How do you feel throughout the day?

Visualize your future self enjoying life—traveling, celebrating significant milestones, and cherishing small joys.

4. Compose Your Letter: Begin with "Dear Me," and allow your thoughts to flow freely. What insights does your future self offer? What encouragement do they provide?
5. Reflect on Your Letter: After writing, take a moment to read it. What revelations or actionable steps does your future self suggest?
6. Prepare for the Next Step: If you enjoyed this exercise, stay tuned for part two of this eight-week goal-setting series, where we’ll create a vision board together!

Chapter 2: Visualizing Your Future Self

This short video offers a unique perspective on writing a letter from your future self, emphasizing the significance of self-encouragement and realization.

In this heartfelt video, the creator shares their personal journey through writing a letter to their future self, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and growth.

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