HEADSPACE + HEARTSPACE Page 2 of 21

Feeling stuck? This could help you figure out what to do next!

Posted on 2018-01-30 at 9:35 pm.

I am writing this on a train, whizzing north through the English countryside to a beautiful hidden place, for a week-long writing retreat to work on my next book. The fields outside my window are veiled in frost and mist, and I just found myself doing a long and slow exhale. You know the kind that you do at that moment when you realise all your holiday preparations are finally done, your bags are packed, your out-of-office is on and your adventure has actually begun? That kind of breath.

To me the idea of having a whole week stretching ahead of me to write (which means to wander and ponder, walk in the hills and think deeply about one particular thing, chew my pencil, eat chocolate and drink copious amounts of tea) is dreamy. It’s one of the times that I really feel free, and my life is better for it.

I’m sharing this with you because I want that for you too, whatever your version of feeling free might look like. Which brings me to our newest tool to help you figure it out!

Since Freedom Seeker was published a year ago (Is that all? It feels like several lifetimes!) I have been humbled and delighted to hear how it has helped so many of you discover so much more about yourself, and inspired you to move in a new direction. One of the things I have heard over and over is what a difference it made to have practical exercises in every chapter of the book, so it goes beyond inspiration to real and immediate action.

In order to make it even easier for you to take that action, we have designed this elegantly beautiful new Freedom Seeker Workbook to accompany the book. It’s an action plan for living more, worrying less and doing what you love. And it’s in digital format so you can either type straight into it, or print it out and use it like a personal journal.

The Workbook contains versions of all the exercises from the original book, with space to scribble your thoughts and responses, and ready-made templates where they are helpful. 78 pages of goodness to help you make an action plan for moving towards your dreams!

Get your Workbook here, and dive in!

And if you haven’t read Freedom Seeker go and get your copy now to read alongside the workbook, or get it on Audible and let me read the book to you, while you sit somewhere cosy with a cup of tea and let the Workbook work its magic!

Right, it’s time for me to switch off and get writing. I’ll see you on the other side…

Beth Xx

5 steps to decluttering your life {VIDEO}

Posted on 2018-01-15 at 7:22 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

It’s that time of year. Are you feeling the burning desire to declutter and pare things down, but don’t know where to start? If so, here are some top tips for you:

Now, no more procrastinating. Off you go and begin!

How to find calm as a busy parent

Posted on 2017-10-23 at 4:35 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

Prioritising self care can be completely forgotten about – perhaps even laughed at! – when you’re trying to balance work, life and parenting. But if self care is a fundamental part of yours and your family’s happiness – you must be healthy and feel fulfilled to pass on the same for your children – why is it we don’t make it a priority in our day?

Meet Shawn Fink, a woman striving to help mothers find the inner calm, mindful moments in their day. In a world that is so fast paced, when you feel like you couldn’t possibly steal 10 minutes for yourself and a cup of tea, listen to Shawn’s advice to help you savour those quiet moments you need to make more of…

How to find calm as a busy parent Abundant Mama 1

1. Tell us about the work you do with Abundant Mama and how you came to start Doing What You Love?

Abundant Mama is a family and motherhood wellness program that teaches overwhelmed moms how to slow down, take care of themselves so they can take care of their families and how to mother from a place of abundance.

I started blogging in 2012 and sharing tips and tools for how to be more present, playful and peaceful and my blog took off. I ended up creating the Abundant Mama Digital Program in 2013 and it has been SO popular through word of mouth that I was able to quit my full-time job and focus on this project solely.

2. What is driving you to help so many mothers with the challenges motherhood can bring?

Creating a more peaceful world! I say it over and over again — peace begins with me. I have never found motherhood to be easy. And the more real conversations I have with other moms, the more I realize that there are many out there who feel the same way. We’re highly sensitive and deeply committed to doing this RIGHT and so we place a lot of false expectations on ourselves in the process. By helping moms face the challenge of motherhood with the right tools, strategies, self-care and support, I am helping to create a more peaceful world — one family at a time. That is my ultimate driving force.

3. How can any parent reading this silence the busyness and find calm in their day?

In my book, Savoring Slow, I talk about 12 habits to implement to really slow your life down. This doesn’t mean to no longer be busy. It means to create a sense of calm and beauty in your busy life. We’re raising kids — we’re BUSY. I’d like to share those habits here with your readers 12 Savoring Slow habits to adopt:

Wake Up — Practice waking up every single day to see the beauty in your life. It’s everywhere!
Release — Embrace the idea of letting go of what is not working for you any longer to create more time for what you love.
Reframe — Accept that your busy life is your beautiful life and start telling yourself a different story about how you are living.
Focus — Aim for a distraction-free life where you always try to do one thing or nothing at all.
Go Slowly — Forget rushing through and start lingering more in all areas of your day.
Do Less — Understand that the only way to have more time for the good stuff is to do less of the other stuff.
Plug-in — Reject the notion that you need to unplug and start intentionally plugging in to be more efficient with your time and life.
Unstructured — Create more free time in your family’s day to allow the wow moments to evolve and multiply.
Go Quiet — Quiet your mind and feel time expand in the process.
Savor — Take time to appreciate every little detail around you.
Abundance — Start seeing time for what it is — something to be thankful for in your life.
Make Space — Carve out physical, mental and emotional space in your life for the things you want more of in your day.

4. What do you think is the typical definition of ‘abundance’ for parents who join your community, and what practices are important to put in place to achieve that abundance?

Abundance often means FINALLY feeling like we are enough, we do enough and we have enough … and we can rest now.

5. As someone who is doing what they love, what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m writing this after my girls are back in school after summer break so my days are a bit different. But the idea is roughly the same. I wake early — often between 4 and 5 a.m. and take care of ME by doing my Rise and Shine Routine (I offer a free challenge on waking up early and taking care of yourself!). I then put all of my efforts into getting the family fed and out the door. Once everyone is gone, I get to work. I have about 7 hours a day on a good day to write, send emails, create products and manage my programs and clients. SO … no wasting time. In the late afternoon, I set my to-dos for the next day, take a walk and meditate before my girls get home from school. On a really good day I take a rest in my hammock! And then I try to put all energy into my family and home in the evenings … until I crash into bed often very early because I wake up so early.

6. How do you juggle being a mum with running a blossoming business? What challenges might you come across and ways to overcome them?

My biggest challenge is and always has been my schedule being so inconsistent. Summer break is hard because I don’t have much time to do my work — and taking time to do the work leaves me immense amount of guilt as it’s summer after all. The school year isn’t much better with half days, sick kids, holidays and appointments. I am a work in progress on finding the right way to let go and trust that it all will get done.

7. Do you have any tools/techniques to help mothers who feel stressed out/anxious/overwhelmed because they have too much to do?

I believe strongly in the brain dump exercise for overwhelm/anxiety and worries. This is when you write everything down that is on your mind. All fears. Worries. Tasks. To-Dos. And then you slowly cross off what you can release that is not URGENT. And often, most of it is not urgent. Here’s a post on that! https://www.abundantmama.com/ease-mama-overwhelm/

8. What’s your ultimate dream? And your dream for women/mothers as a whole?

My ultimate dream is to build the most helpful, loving support group for mothers around the world possible. If I could I would build us a REAL VILLAGE with real houses and we’d all live there together helping each other out. I’ve said — they say it takes a village to raise a child but I think these days it takes a village to raise a mother. My dream for mothers like myself — those who are highly sensitive, introverted and highly reflective — is to finally feel peace from the inside out because there’s no better abundance than a feeling of contentment.

Shawn’s snapshot

Your happy place: my hammock if I can’t get to the beach

Quickest way to find clarity: journaling

Mantra of the moment: I am strong as F@#$ 🙂

Best place to people watch: the Beach Boardwalk

Most inspiring books you’ve read recently: The Go Giver, The Hate You Give and Dial Down the Drama

Best ‘ah-ha’ moment this year: Realizing that just because everyone else is doing a podcast doesn’t mean I have to … in fact, I don’t even LIKE podcasts. I’m not an auditory learner. I tune them out. So, I quit my podcast and told everyone to follow my blog. It was a real coming home moment for me.

Biggest ‘proud ofs’ in life: Building my community, writing a book and self-publishing and, of course, becoming a mother.

Current passion project: ReKindle … I’m preparing to launch another round of this program that my community LOVES that is all about rekindling your marriage AFTER children. And, frankly, my husband and I always need to do better this time of the year after a busy summer. Wish for the world: For everyone to place being KIND over being right.

Quote you live by: “Coffee is a lot more than just a drink; it’s something happening. Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. It gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like be yourself, and have a second cup” ― Gertrude Stein

You can read more about Shawn and Abundant Mama at www.abundantmama.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter

50 Ways You Can Practice Self Care

Posted on 2017-08-23 at 10:25 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

A round up of ways to practice self care, as curated by the team at Do What You Love.

“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort. ” – Deborah Day

Do you often find yourself working long days? Do you put your children’s, friend’s and/or family’s needs before your own? Do you rarely tune in and listen to your body when it’s craving rest? Self care is a real work-in-progress but when practiced, it can make our whole lives better. From easing anxiety to living each moment more mindfully, mastering self care rituals is as necessary to our daily lives as putting food on the table, and shouldn’t be ignored.

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30 reasons to do a digital detox

Posted on 2017-08-08 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

This is a guest post by one of the UK’s leading experts in digital distraction and digital detox, Frances Booth, author of The Distraction Trap: How to Focus in a Digital World, A Writer For All Seasons, and more productivity tips. Find out more about her here.

Here are 30 reasons to do a digital detox; ideas to make you think, to challenge you, and to give you motivation if and when you do decide to switch off. If you’re curious about the benefits a digital detox can bring you at work and for work-life balance, these tips are for you.

If you are sick of pinging demands, an overflowing inbox, and feeling overloaded, a digital detox can be a great strategy to use to achieve balance in the digital world. It might just give you the productivity boost you need.

My related piece on How To Do A Digital Detox gives more advice on practicalities such as how long your digital detox should be and how to prepare for switching off.

Image credit Alejandro Pinto via Flickr

These are some reasons why a digital detox makes sense.

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It’s never too late to follow your dreams

Posted on 2017-07-05 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

“When we start to live our own story, that’s when we really come alive, that’s when we really start living.” ~ Kathy Sparrow

Maybe in the course of bringing up your children or earning a living, you’ve put your own hopes and dreams on the back burner. It’s easy to get sucked into “life-as-usual” as you spend your days busily running from one thing to the next.

If you’ve been distracted from doing what you love, diverted from taking the path that leads you towards your dreams or have no idea what you really want to do, now could be the ideal time to think about how you’d like the next chapter of your life to look.

Follow your dreams and create more magic in your own life, and in the world!

Need help, support and inspiration? Start by making more time for yourself today…

Today we invite you to be present for everyone, including yourself. Making time to do the things you love is one of the kindest gifts you can give yourself.

So join us for 31 days of making time: 31 days to learn how to look up and rediscover the small wonders out there that make you happy, 1 day at a time, 1 minute at a time.

Our Making time daily prompt series is completely FREE and it couldn’t be easier to get started. Click here for information.

What’s going on? Our guide to the best upcoming thought-provoking + life-changing events

Posted on 2017-07-03 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

With in summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to think about what you want from the rest of 2017. Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing yourself personally or professionally, tapping into your creativity, hiring a coach, or taking a break to rest and recharge, making time to nurture yourself and your dreams every once in a while is vital for your health and wellbeing.

Here’s our pick of the best upcoming festivals, events and talks to help you on the path to doing what you love…

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5 upcoming events to help you on your journey to doing what you love

Posted on 2017-06-05 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

When it comes to doing what you love, attending festivals, events, workshops and courses are a great way to broaden your horizons and meet like-minded people who share your passions, understand you, and have similar values.

It’s always inspiring, motivating and encouraging to hear people share their stories and wildest dreams and in time you may even find yourself sharing your own thoughts, motivations and hopes for the future, safe in the knowledge that there is no judgment, and that you really are free to be you – real, authentic, and true.

So this summer be brave, put yourself out there, and try something new. Who knows who’ll you’ll meet and where it will take you.

Here’s our guide to some of the thought-provoking and life-changing events that are happening over the next few months…

Image via Escape the City

How to Build an Impact Career

Where: The Escape Cafe, London

When: TONIGHT! June 5, 2017 from 7-9pm

Cost: £10

Many of us want to have a more positive social or environmental impact through our work – at this event you’ll learn how to do it with from those who have. Life is short. Do work that matters to you and the world.

More information at Escape The City

World Domination Summit launch party: Image courtesy of organiser Chris Guillebeau

World Domination Summit

Where: Portland, Oregon, USA

When: July 11 – 17, 2017

Cost: $647

If you’d love to know how to live a remarkable life in a conventional world, you won’t want to miss this. Since 2011, World Domination Summit has brought together more than 10,000 people from more than 40 countries. As adventurers from all walks of life, their mission is to create a remarkable community that helps each person pursue a big dream. There will be discussions and activities on topics like how to live a good life, travel hack your way around the globe, and write your first book, making it an experience like no other. Jam-packed with eye-opening events and unforgettable keynote speakers, you’ll learn from unconventional thinkers, acquire powerful new skills, and go away with a whole new community of friends and supporters.

More information at World Domination Summit

Soul Circus

WHERE: Elmore, Gloucester

WHEN: August 18 – 20, 2017

COST: Ticket prices vary – see website for details

This Cotswolds-set wellness festival covers every fitness buzzword under the sun. Think hot yoga, gong baths, aerial classes, sunset meditation, light therapy, juices, clean eating… the list goes on. Don’t worry though, it’s not too virtuous – there’s also gin tasting, live music and after parties, so you can still do what comes naturally at festivals (just make sure you do some yoga afterwards to combat the excess).

More information at Soul Circus

Image via Cosmic Forest Festival gallery

The Cosmic Forest festival

WHERE: Cosmic Forest Festival Coromandel, Portugal (1.5 hours from Lisbon)

WHEN: 18-21 of August 2017

COST: Early bird special – 95€ | Cosmic Raver -130€ | Late Bloomer – 150 €

Featuring four days and three nights of amazing music, mind changing mediations The Cosmic Forest Festival is a gathering of wanderers, travellers, and soul seekers joining to celebrate love and awareness through the heights and depths of music. Synchronize your soul to your beating heart as you get lost inside a metaphysical experience through ecstatic dance. This festival offers an alternative path to those who seek to enjoy the fullness of life in the colorful madness of a nature festival, unleashing the mind, body and soul. Join the cosmic wave and dance without judgment, feel without filters and love without boundaries! Come reconnect to your higher being and enjoy the freedom to BE!.

More information at The Cosmic Forest Festival

Flow State: The interactive forest lounge at Aespia. Image via Aespia

Aespia

WHERE: Meet in London and jump on a bus to a secret location

WHEN: August 19 – 20, 2017

COST: Tickets from £40

Leave your phone at home, jump aboard a blacked-out coach and escape reality for 24 hours. You’ll be whisked away to Aespia’s secret woods where you’ll immerse yourself in an alternate, creative world. Aespia is split into five magical worlds, designed and built by a team of emerging artists, architects and musicians; all of whom live in the woods for the month of August, collaborating, dreaming and building a giant three-dimensional canvas for you to explore, adapt and enjoy. At Aespia you’re invited to become an artist – materials, atmosphere and backdrop are all provided – just make your mark. Whether you’re in the mood for dancing to infectious music, frolicking between installations, or connecting with like-minded creatives inside cosy dens, you’ll feel such a sense of belonging you won’t want to leave.

More information at Aespia

And if you can’t make it to any of these events, why not take your journal off somewhere quiet and answer some of these questions yourself?

What you really want from life? What do you want to give back?
How you want to feel each and every day? What could you do differently, or more often, so you feel that way?
Do you get annoyed at people’s (or your own) negative attitude to life? If so, what can you do about it.
What could you do today to make yourself more aware of the small things in life that make you happy?
What small changes can you make to give yourself more time each day to relax?

Let us know how you get on,

The DWYL team

Disclaimer: We are not affiliates of or involved in the running of any of the suggested events. Please contact the organisers directly with any questions or queries.

Great Escape: What’s Going On?

Posted on 2017-03-03 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

2017 is in full swing, and spring is the perfect time to think about what you want from the year ahead. Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing yourself personally or professionally, tapping into your creativity, hiring a coach, or taking a break to rest and recharge, making time to nurture yourself and your dreams every once in a while is vital for your health and wellbeing.

Here’s our pick of the best upcoming festivals, events and talks to help you on the path to doing what you love.

Image courtesy of Freedom Summit

Freedom Summit

Where: Worldwide access and all time-zones

When: April 1 – 2, 2017

Cost: Free

Organiser: Freedom Summit

Jumpstart your journey to freedom with the first online virtual gathering for location independent entrepreneurs. The Freedom Summit is a weekend-long event where inspiring change makers, trailblazers, and leaders teach new and emerging formulas on how to travel, work, and live a fulfilling life from anywhere in the world. If you want to learn from the best of the best and pick up practical tips, tools and strategies to help you live a life you love, this one is for you.

For more information visit: https://www.freedomsummit.online

Alternative Careers Festival

Where: Off Quay, London, UK

When: April 13, 2017, from 1pm

Cost: Early bird tickets now on sale and include exclusive perks

Organiser: Escape the city

This is no ordinary job fair… it’s an event for anyone who is: curious about where the world of work is headed; committed to doing work that matters; looking for a new role; feels ready for change and needs inspiration; or knows what they want to do but needs help with the process. If this sounds like you, come along and connect with innovative brands of all sizes, learn from industry experts, get real advice from people who have been there and done it, and who knows, you may even get hired! This is your chance to escape the pigeonhole and embrace your next opportunity because life is too short to do work that doesn’t matter.

For more information visit: https://www.escapethecity.org/alternative-career-festival/

Image courtesy of Zhena Muzyka

Visionary Women Conference

Where: The Narrative Loft, Santa Barbara, USA

When: April 29, 2017 from 10am-5pm

Cost: $297.00 and includes light breakfast and Mediterranean lunch

Organiser: Zhena Muzyka

Make a playdate with your destiny and learn from some of the world’s most successful online and offline entrepreneurs, female CEOs, and global coaches in this joy-filled, information-infused gathering. It’s guaranteed fun with inspiring 20-minute talks, mingling sessions, breakout workshops, and laser coaching sessions. You will:

* Learn the laws of reinvention and how to make big moves that win

* Find out how to use “setback management” to recover and rock, quickly

* Meet the makers of your favourite products and programs

* Discover fresh ways to build your career and feed your soul

* Be wowed by dynamic motivational speakers

* Discover what’s preventing you from finding pure joy

* Learn the power of personal branding

* Unveil your life’s purpose and uncover ways to fulfill it

* Tap into your intuition and make the best business and life moves possible while increasing revenues for yourself and your company.

* Sip wine at the after-gathering wine crawl, get to know your fellow she-roes and leave inspired and enlivened.

For more information visit: https://www.zhena.tv/visionary/

Image courtesy of Camp Grounded

Camp Grounded: Summer Camp for Adults

Where: Mendocino, California, USA

When: May 19 – 22, 2017

Cost: $695 – $1,390

Organiser: Digital Detox

Want to unplug, get away, and feel free again? Then trade in your computer, iphone, email, digital camera, and watch and ditch the schedules, work-jargon, networking events and conferences for four days of pure, unadulterated off-the-grid fun. Summer camp is all about trying new things, giving yourself the opportunity to pick up an old hobby, and creating new memories with a community of people who value individuality, self-expression, and friendship over status updates, job titles, bitcoins and “busyness” models. The programme of events is extensive and varied so you choose exactly what you do, or don’t, want to do. From LEGO building, comic book drawing and creative writing to screen printing, stilt walking and singing there’s something for everyone. You’ll leave knowing that anything is possible when you give yourself chance to let go.

For more information visit: https://campgrounded.org

Image courtesy of Mind Body Spirit Festival, Australia

Mind Body Spirit Festival

Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia

When: May 25 – 28, 2017

Cost: Free

Organiser: Exhibition and Events Australia Pty Ltd

Held biannually, the Sydney Mind Body Spirit Festival brings you the very best in health, wellness and spiritual guidance. You can learn from over 200 exhibitors, attend inspirational seminars, book yourself a psychic reading, try some body pampering, watch inspirational stage performances, join a free meditation session and enjoy some delicious healthy foods at the Soul Kitchen. Gift yourself some ‘me-time’ this May and come along.

For more information visit: https://www.mbsfestival.com.au

Image courtesy of Chris Guillebeau

World Domination Summit

Where: Portland, Oregon, USA

When: July 11 – 17, 2017

Cost: $647

Organiser: Chris Guillebeau

For more information visit: https://worlddominationsummit.com

Image courtesy of Andres Roberts

The Way of Nature Programme

Where: Lake District, UK

When: June 27 – July 2, 2017

Cost: £645 including guiding and food

Organiser: Andres Roberts

This is your chance to step back from life and reconnect with yourself and the world around you in a very special way. The Way of Nature Programme takes you on a fantastic journey into inner and outer wildness through ancient wisdom practices and a 36-hour solo in the wild. You’ll hike, swim, camp, make fire, rest, recharge, eat good food and be inspired by the wonders of nature. The programme has been created to help you relax, be present, and cultivate energy and after the event there will be extra support through one-to-one and group calls to help you integrate your new-found knowledge, tools and techniques into your everyday life.

For more information visit: https://wayofnature.co.uk/retreats/

Image credit: Jake White (base), Chetana Thornton (flyer), by Elad Itzkin

Yoga Connects Festival

Where: Glastonbury, UK

When: July 7 – 9, 2017

Cost: Gold tickets £240, Silver tickets £180, Kids under 12 Free, Teens aged 13-19 £100, a camping charge of £15 per person per night is an additional cost

Organiser: Yoga Connects Festival

Taking place at the heart centre of the world, this two-day festival is all about honouring the sacred connections that yoga gives us not only to our bodies and minds but also to music, nature, children, meditation, Shamanism, ceremony and each other. There are daily yoga classes from some of the world’s most sought after teachers and whether you’re a seasoned yogi or don’t know your Asana from your Savasana, it’s a great opportunity to lose your inhibitions, have fun and replenish your energy levels. There’ll also be chance to enjoy some conscious shopping and delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine and get your groove on to music by musicians and DJs from around the globe.

For more information visit: https://yogaconnects.co.uk/

Images courtesy of Base Camp Festival gallery ’15

Base Camp Festival

Where: Peak District, UK

When: September 7 – 10, 2017

Cost: Early Bird £112.50

Organiser: Explorers Connect

Base Camp is the world’s first adventure festival for adults and it has been named as one of the “best non-music festivals” by the UK festival awards. It’s a one of a kind event which offers a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, embrace the great outdoors and be part of an adventure community. By day you can experience cool adventure activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, and bushcraft and by the light of the stars you can mingle with explorers, listen to tales of adventures and party in the woods to live music and entertainment. Tickets always sell out several weeks in advance so don’t wait to get yours!

For more information visit: https://www.basecampfestival.co.uk

Image courtesy of DNX Facebook page

The Digital Nomad Conference (DNX)

Where: Lisbon, Portugal

When: September 9 – 10, 2017

Cost: Varies from €197-€997 depending on package

Organiser: Marcus Meurer & Felicia Hargarten

This is the ultimate event for online working digital entrepreneurs from all over the world. Join 500 motivated, like-minds for a four-day programme packed full of workshops, advice, inspiring talks from keynote speakers, and epic parties. You’ll do lots of networking and leave with increased business know-how and actionable takeaways. If you want to learn more about “location independent working”, connect with others and take your business to the next level, then this is the place for you!

For more information visit: https://www.dnxglobal.com

Disclaimer: We are not affiliates of or involved in the running of any of the suggested events. Please contact the organisers directly with any questions or queries.

Dream board your way to a life you love

Posted on 2017-02-02 at 9:56 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

This post is written by Louise Gale, a member of the Do What You Love Team and British mixed media artist who spends her days creating, running creative workshops and assisting other creative souls with their businesses.

You have probably heard the term dream board (or vision board or vision map) many times before as it’s a wonderful tool for manifesting your desires.

A dream board is basically a board — of any size — onto which you collage pictures, words and other items that inspire you. The idea is to help you clarify and maintain focus on a specific life goal by creating a picture — a vision — of what you want to attract into your life. It could be a place you’d like to visit or live, changes you’d like to make to your relationship, work environment, home life or career, or on a mental, physical or emotional level, how you’d like to think, act and feel.

Why are dream boards important?

A dream board serves as your image of the future — a tangible example, idea or representation of where you are going, your dreams, goals, and vision for your ideal life. In today’s modern world we spend so much time rushing around, being distracted by technology and generally looking to the outside world rather than into ourselves, that it’s easy to forget who we are and where we are going. Creating a dream board is a great way to reconnect with your true, authentic self and get clear on what you really want from life.

This was the dream board I created for 2016. Images have a greater impact on the subconscious mind than words but words trigger a more emotional response so I use a combination of both.

Do dream boards really work?

Absolutely! I have harnessed the power of these beauties many times over. In fact, they have helped me:

– to leave my job and reconnect with a creative life I desperately craved (201o)

– to manifest a move to a home with studio space (2011)

– to start living a simpler life (2012)

– to overhaul my life completely and move to Spain (2013)

– to focus more on how I want to feel in my life, to slow the pace and to find the money to make a trip to Morocco (2014)

– to reconnect with nature, spend more time creating and enjoy my life by the sea (2015)

– to nurture my mind, body and soul (2016)

Now my boards are all about how I want to feel and the life I want to lead rather than specific goals I want to achieve.

The great thing about dream boards is that each one is unique and special to you. Our lives are constantly evolving, and so are our goals and dreams so creating new boards on a regular basis is a fantastic way to keep focused on what you really want. I keep all my boards close by as there are still things manifesting on some of them.

A Full Moon dream board to help you harness the power of NOW!

Many people create a dream board at the start of a new year, or when they are focusing on a specific event or life goal (such as getting married, moving home, or changing careers) and this is a great way to plant seeds of intention for what you wish to manifest. In addition to a yearly board, I also like to create ‘Full Moon Mandala Dream boards’, which are circular collages that draw on the power of the Full Moon each month to help me dream bigger, be more creative, and attract new people, experiences and opportunities into my life. They are a lot of fun to make too!

Every phase of the Moon creates a certain energy which affects us, and everything on Earth. Like the Moon, we too move through phases and by creating a Full Moon Mandala between the New and Full Moon, we are using its power to gather, grow, learn and get focussed for the weeks ahead.

The New Moon (28 January ’17) is a time to begin new things and be spontaneous, optimistic, and hopeful. It’s the perfect time to start gathering inspirational images and words to create your board.

Waxing Moon – (right now!) is the time during which the moon goes from new to full and it’s about building, accomplishments, creativity, strength, growth and learning, and positive transformation. It’s the ideal time to create your own Full Moon dream board.

The Full Moon (10 February ’17) is a time for fruition and fulfilment so it’s a great time to unveil your board and put it up where you can see it often.

Here’s how to do it…

My full moon mandala dream board

Materials you will need…

Thick card or a poster board of any size
A variety of magazines (you never know where inspiration will strike!)
A photograph of yourself (smiling/looking happy)
Glue – I use acrylic medium or modge podge (I use these in my mixed media creations and I find they don’t ripple the pages like elmers does and it lasts longer than a regular glue stick)
Scissors (optional)
Music – something restful to help your mind be quiet and open. I like soft classical or spa music without singing so I don’t get distracted by the words
White sage, candle or incense (optional)

Before you begin, follow a simple ritual to centre yourself:

Find a space where you won’t be interrupted. Or plan an dream board event with family and friends and be creative together!

Burn some white sage to purify the air and cleanse the environment around you. If you don’t have sage, burn a white candle or incense instead.

Put on some uplifting or relaxing music and breathe deeply. Centre yourself.

Set your intentions by asking, ‘what do I want from this?’

Close your eyes, focus on what you would like to invite into your life and ask the universe to support you for your highest good.

Collecting for my dream board

Create your dream board in 5 easy steps…

Sift through your magazines and start collecting images and words that resonate with you (don’t glue anything yet!). Don’t rush, this is a powerful exercise to attract your visions. Then grab the images and words you have collected.
Start laying your images out on your board. This is highly intuitive part of the exercise so feel free to move them about, and take out ones that no longer feel right. You may see a theme starting to emerge.
Next position the photo of yourself right in the centre showing how happy you’ll be when all these things you’re dreaming about start happening.
When you are ready, glue your images and words onto the board and draw pictures/write additional words on too.
When you feel you have completed your board, hang it somewhere where you can see it every day, like the bedroom so you see it as soon as you wake up.

Other types of dream board

I have created many different types of dream boards over the years. The three I use most often are:

1. The inviting, allowing and opening up to the Universe board

Create this dream board if…

You are not sure what you want
You need to lift your spirits after feeling lost, down or uncertain about life
You want to make a change but you’re just not sure what, or how to go about it

How to create your board:
Start to go through your magazines and simply tear out images that speak to you, don’t ask why, just enjoy collecting images and words that you’re drawn to. Once you’ve finished, look through and ask yourself what this image or word might mean for you. If you are not 10o per cent sure, but really like the image or word that’s okay, put it onto your board. Look at your board and ask yourself what messages it’s giving you. The answers to your questions will present themselves soon enough if you let your heart and intuition guide you.

2. The “I know what I want from my life” board

Create this vision board if….

You know what you want to invite into your life
You are ready and willing to change your current situation, environment or circumstances

How to create your board:
Go through your magazines and look specifically for images and words you know you want to manifest or bring into your life. For example, if you long to live in the country, own a dog and grow your own vegetables look for images of your dream country house, a dog you’d love, and fresh vegetables, etc.

3. The themed vision

Create this vision board if:

There is a particular area of your life that you are looking to work on – like your career, health, relationship, etc.
You are starting a new creative project, redecorating your home, or buying new clothes and want inspiration, clarity and focus
You are planning a big event like a wedding, party or holiday

How to create your board:
Go through your magazines and choose images and words that align with the vision you are trying to create. For example, let’s say, I want to makeover my balcony so it looks beautiful all year round, creating a themed board – also called a mood board – is a great way to gather inspiration and spark ideas. Pinterest is great for this. You can also inject an extra tactile element by adding physical objects (like photos, objects from the garden, textured materials, and colour swatches) to your physical board so it becomes a piece of mixed media art, and starts to tell a richer more detailed story.

It’s important to remember that there’s no right or wrong way to create a dream board. Just go with your instincts and be open. You may be surprised by what comes as a result! I hope you enjoy creating your boards as much as I do and that you begin to see the power of them as your dreams start coming to life.

You can find more information on full moon phases, mandalas and dream boards here.

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Louise Gale is a British mixed media artist, with a passion for colour, nature and mandala making. She spends her days creating, running creative workshops and assisting other creative souls with their businesses. Louise is also a member of the Do What You Love Team.

Louise spent 8 years living the USA, just outside of New York City where she found the courage to leave her windowless office corporate job and pursue a life filled with more creativity and freedom.

Her artwork has been featured in The New York Times, Amulet Magazine, and Inc. Magazine amongst many other books and publications. Louise is also one of the co-authors of “Mandala for the Inspired Artist: Working with paint, paper, and texture to create expressive mandala art” (Walter Foster) published in 2016.

Connect with Louise via her website, Instagram or Facebook.