Friday, January 4, 2013

Vision board for fighting my OCD


I created a vision board for inspiration in my ongoing efforts to improve my obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I got the idea from Lisa at Two Bears Farm. She created a wonderful board when she was trying to get back into shape after the birth of her twins.
I already had some corkboards, so I used one of them. I covered it with scrap paper and then began taping up words and photos that inspire me.
I didn’t allow myself to be a perfectionist about it. There are uneven edges to the design.
I included photos of my husband and cats and photos representing things that I want to do with my time instead of spending it on obsessions and compulsions.
I also included copies of my fear hierarchies so I can see at a glance what I intend to tackle.
I set it up in the bedroom and look at it mostly in the morning as I’m getting ready for my day. I like having a visual reminder of what I’m working on.
However, I have discovered that the more I look at it, the more it tends to fade into the background—kind of like the chair that’s always there that you don’t notice anymore.
So I will need to add and change things as I go along, to keep it fresh.
What I have is a board to remind me that I’m on a journey to win over OCD, to live with it on my terms.

Have you ever made something like a vision board? Do you have any suggestions on how to make it more effective?

35 comments:

  1. What a great way to use vision boarding! I think I may do this this year, my prob is trying to get it 'right' & my perfectionist tendencies not being happy with how it looks - think I just need to keep it simple! Thanks for sharing!

    Mrs Brown@ Mrs Brown's Thoughts

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    1. Clare, I knew if I tried to make it "perfect"--all the edges even, etc.--I would never finish it. So I had to make a deal with myself to just let it be.

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  2. I think a vision board is a great idea for overcoming anything that we wish to overcome. It gives us a tangible reminder every day!

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    1. Thanks, Keith. That's it--something tangible to look it every day.

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  3. First of all I wish you a very happy new year 2013 and hope you enjoyed the holidays!!!
    The vision board is such a great idea, maybe I should make one, too. It reminds you of the goal you have, and I'm sure one day you'll win over your OCD!!!
    I made some resolutions this year, so maybe such a board could help me to get over myself, doing and changing the things I feel I have to, thinking of the future and not the past.

    -San

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    1. Sanny, happy new year to you, too!

      You make a good point--looking at a vision board gets us out of looking at the past, which can sometimes keep us stuck.

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  4. I love that you are already going with the flow, being flexible to change it so it stands out. I love that you let go of perfection. Perhaps if you put aside 30 seconds a day to mindfully look at it, this would help too. I would also add a list of your skills and knowledges, so the OCD will have trouble making you forget them when it tries to come on strong! Also the more you reflect on that list, the more you will have access to those skills when you need them! Hope this helps!

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    1. Jodi, great suggestions! I really like the idea of mindfully studying it every day--really paying attention to it and not just glancing at it. Thank you!

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  5. What a great idea! I often do collages with magazines and other supplies that help me envision my life and goals! It's great fun and I'm surprised how many things came to be from those collages! Good luck!

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    1. Thank you, Katherine. I used to love making collages. The process itself is fun and absorbing. I may have to get back to doing that!

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  6. I never even heard of a vision board........great idea! You can even update it as you experience success after success :)

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    1. Thanks, Janet. I like that idea of including successes on it. That would be inspiring!

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  7. I haven't used a vision board, but maybe you could make it more interactive so it won't fade into the background? I mean have a checklist or something that you actually mark on there. (I like checking things off myself.)

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    1. Kristina, That's a good idea. I like checking things/marking things off, too. It gives me a sense of making progress. Thank you!

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  8. Excellent! Yes, you will need to add to it from time to time - even changing the location of it can also help serve as a reminder. Great job!

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    1. Lisa, thank you. And thank you for inspiring me to do one!

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  9. What a neat idea! I may have to try this.

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  10. What a fantastic idea! I have never made one, but always wanted to. Funny, I totally get the whole thing about how if you look at things long enough in the same place, it seems to fade. In the past when I had a serious issue with procrastination I would write my to do list on a neon bright colored sign, so that it would always catch my attention and I would do it. I hope the board continues to inspire you!

    Madison:)

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    1. Thanks, Madison. I love the image of the neon colored sign!

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  11. Great idea! I think I might try something similar

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  12. Check out the blog dosesoftheocdiva.blogspot

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  13. This is a great idea, and look forward to where this year brings you! Perhaps add in some color, so that it pops out from the background!

    Hope you are well and have a good week!

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    1. Thank you, Amanda. That is a great suggestion--to add some color.

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  14. Wow...so cool! I may have to try this! :-)

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  15. BTW, does your tuxedo cat have some Siamese in there? The shape of the face made me wonder...

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    1. Thanks, Jean. I don't think Sam has any Siamese in her. Larry got her years ago as a kitten from a neighbor at the time. She's listed by the vet as "American Shorthair." But I agree--there's the little face shape that reminds me of Siamese.

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  16. I wish you so much luck, Tina. Vision boards are very helpful, I believe. Sending you luck, thoughts and hugs.

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  17. Sorry I'm late to this post but I saw it on your sidewall and had to read it. I have a vision board on my fridge- I post bible passages and quotes..it really does help me.

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