Wednesday WORD — by Diane, The California Dreamer

VISION BOARD

"Life is short and you don't want to be an old guy counting his last heart beats thinking about all the things you wanted to do that you didn't do because you were scared. What's there to be scared of in life?  In the end - - it all ends the same."    — Francis Ford Coppola

Happy New Year!! 

The above quote from a recent interview with the Director Francis Ford Coppola really impressed me… So much that I had to replay it to get it exactly as he said it.  I let it sink into my soul.  I thought what a great theme to have for 2008. 

How would I live this next year if I put aside my fears and just jumped feet first into doing all those things that I put off because I was scared?

Those of you who know me personally may think I am a spontaneous kind of gal and usually do exactly what I want — often without thinking out the details.  You're thinking, “Scared? What is she talking about? I didn't see a lot of fear when she packed up the only life she ever knew and moved across the country.”

The truth be known, I usually try to hide my fear.  I show my confident side to the world when many times I am driving myself crazy inside asking myself, “should I? Or shouldn't I?”

When I allow that fear to get the best of me and don't take the chance or jump into something I have wanted to do or experience, the one who suffers is me.  When I follow my heart and soul -- putting aside my fears -- I have the best time or learn something new to enrich my life.

As I enter into 2008, I have decided to live each day to the fullest. I am going to put fear aside and follow my heart more. 

This is going to be a milestone year for me.  This August I turn 50.  I have made a vision board with many things I want to do and accomplish in the next year.  Some things are as simple as having birthday cup cakes with edible flowers or having a cup of cappuccino so good I don't want it to end or flying a kite at the beach. There are pictures of a hot air balloon ride and an Amtrak train cruising along the coast to San Diego. 

There are reminders to take blissful breaks, expand my consciousness, and achieve balance… To let my inspiration become my reality.  TREAT myself to good things.  Be open to new possibilities and savor the moments.

Some of these things are going to take work on my part.  I am going to have to let go of old beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve me.  I am going to have to do some “emotion work” to accomplish these things.

I had a blast making up this vision board.  I was amazed how when I put forth the intention to make this board, the photos, sayings and ideas came to me almost by magic. 

There are things I might have been scared to try in the past or never would have thought to do.  There are even several that I have already done.  I didn't realize I was doing something on my vision board until a while after I had done it! 

What is your heart and soul calling you to do that your head keeps saying you can't or fear has gotten in the way?

You know what I am talking about. You have dreams and desires tucked inside that you are afraid to act on. 

Take some time to make a vision board.  Go through some magazines and cut out pictures of places and things that call to your heart.  Let the kid inside of you come out and paste them onto some poster board.  You'll be amazed at what is calling to you. 


My wish for everyone in 2008 is that we don’t become the person who, when taking our last breath or counting our final heartbeats, is thinking about all the things we didn't do because we were scared.

Let's all make 2008 our best year yet.  All it takes is a desire to put aside our fears and a bit of imagination.

— © Diane, The California Dreamer

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