A little under 2 years ago, I took down my first dream wall. It was a bittersweet moment, but at the time I didn’t know just how symbolic it was…
A dream wall (as I call it), or a vision board, is a collage of pictures, phrases, words or items that represent your goals. It is a visual representation of the things that you want to have, be, or do in your life. The purpose of a vision board is to activate the law of attraction to begin to pull things from your external environment that will enable you to realize your dream. The thought behind the vision board is that if you see these inspirational quotes, messages, images, etc., it will keep you focused, positive, and motivated to reach your goals. I figured since I was taking on such a hefty goal (trying to make the Olympics in judo), that I would give it a try. In the end, the real reason(s) I put together the “dream wall” are as follows:
A dream wall (as I call it), or a vision board, is a collage of pictures, phrases, words or items that represent your goals. It is a visual representation of the things that you want to have, be, or do in your life. The purpose of a vision board is to activate the law of attraction to begin to pull things from your external environment that will enable you to realize your dream. The thought behind the vision board is that if you see these inspirational quotes, messages, images, etc., it will keep you focused, positive, and motivated to reach your goals. I figured since I was taking on such a hefty goal (trying to make the Olympics in judo), that I would give it a try. In the end, the real reason(s) I put together the “dream wall” are as follows:
- I wanted a constant reminder of my goal, so that no matter the obstacle, I could stay focused on achieving it
- I wanted a way to stay positive during the bad days when there are negative thoughts, no motivation, when quitting sounds like the best option
- I like reading inspirational quotes
- I like crafting :)
Ok, so back to the story...
A little under 2 years ago, I moved in with my (now ex-) boyfriend and together, we took down my first dream wall in the small, dingy apartment I initially called home. It was as if I was replacing one dream with another—my ultimate dream was no longer the Olympics, but was replaced with a relationship and potential future with that particular man. To further hammer that fact home, I didn’t even put up a dream wall in my new residence (his house)! I didn’t do it on purpose, I just never got around to doing it. Subconsciously, I guess it (judo) was no longer my priority.
Even though my focus was hindered, he was exactly what I needed (at the time) to get me through the most difficult part of my judo (and personal) journey. During that time (and previously), I was selfish, self-absorbed, difficult, stubborn, guarded, harsh, fearful, scared, weak, hesitant, uncomfortable, and unconfident in my abilities and my potential. These attributes don’t bode well for an individual’s personal nor athletic future. I honestly I don’t think I could have faced the challenges alone, and been as successful as I was over that 2 year time period. In that 2 years, I won multiple regional tournaments, became a medalist at Senior Nationals, won multiple grants, participated in my first international World Cup tournament, won my first international match, and earned points towards the 2016 Olympics. Just writing and re-reading the successes I’ve had so far—it boggles my mind. Though the athletic achievements were (of course) a perk, I also grew and matured as an athlete, a professional…as a person.
Luckily, because I went through those tough times (and had the support, love, and compassion I needed in order to grow), I have the strength, resilience, mental toughness, and self-belief to be successful both athletically and personally. I KNOW I honestly have a shot at achieving my athletic goals—to make a Pan American Team, to make a World Team, to win a World Cup medal, and finally, to make an Olympic Team.
So, why am I telling you all of this and what does it have to do with a dream wall?...
Even though my focus was hindered, he was exactly what I needed (at the time) to get me through the most difficult part of my judo (and personal) journey. During that time (and previously), I was selfish, self-absorbed, difficult, stubborn, guarded, harsh, fearful, scared, weak, hesitant, uncomfortable, and unconfident in my abilities and my potential. These attributes don’t bode well for an individual’s personal nor athletic future. I honestly I don’t think I could have faced the challenges alone, and been as successful as I was over that 2 year time period. In that 2 years, I won multiple regional tournaments, became a medalist at Senior Nationals, won multiple grants, participated in my first international World Cup tournament, won my first international match, and earned points towards the 2016 Olympics. Just writing and re-reading the successes I’ve had so far—it boggles my mind. Though the athletic achievements were (of course) a perk, I also grew and matured as an athlete, a professional…as a person.
Luckily, because I went through those tough times (and had the support, love, and compassion I needed in order to grow), I have the strength, resilience, mental toughness, and self-belief to be successful both athletically and personally. I KNOW I honestly have a shot at achieving my athletic goals—to make a Pan American Team, to make a World Team, to win a World Cup medal, and finally, to make an Olympic Team.
So, why am I telling you all of this and what does it have to do with a dream wall?...
Because I went through those tough times (and had the support, love, and compassion I needed in order to grow), I have the strength, resilience, mental toughness, and self-belief to be successful.
When I made the initial dream wall, I didn’t have the qualities needed to make any of my dreams a reality--namely, mental toughness and self-confidence. I just expected things to happen because I wanted them to; I wasn’t willing to work and sacrifice for my goals. I wasn’t strong enough to do it. So my initial dream wall was just a collage….a big, messy wish list.
Now, I’m happy to say, the dream wall is back and better than ever. I’ve put in the time, sweat, tears, work, pain, scars, self-analysis, etc. to make this dream a reality. I have developed the traits I need in order to make it to the elite level and prosper—self-confidence, patience, knowledge, acceptance, toughness, persistence, and resilience. The dream wall is no longer a wish list, but a powerful reminder of what I’m sacrificing for, what it takes to achieve this dream, and the work I’ve already put in to make it happen.
Now, I’m happy to say, the dream wall is back and better than ever. I’ve put in the time, sweat, tears, work, pain, scars, self-analysis, etc. to make this dream a reality. I have developed the traits I need in order to make it to the elite level and prosper—self-confidence, patience, knowledge, acceptance, toughness, persistence, and resilience. The dream wall is no longer a wish list, but a powerful reminder of what I’m sacrificing for, what it takes to achieve this dream, and the work I’ve already put in to make it happen.
Introducing my new and improved dream wall...