On more than one occasion, over the past 6 months, as we prepared for the 2016 Authenticity Retreats, I have been asked the question “What does Living the Vision Mean?”
Before I answer the question: Let me share a piece of my journey of next level living.
In 2014, my vision was to live a healthier life. As I began to visualize what a healthier life would look like; I defined the key attributes – as being more active and having total well-being physically, emotionally, financially, socially spiritually and professionally. I developed my action plan to achieve the vision and incorporated key milestones.
It is important to note that my vison was not about losing weight which was often assumed when I stated that my vision was to live a healthier life. My vision was not a code for:”I want to lose weight”, although I was clear that losing weight would be a by-product of healthy living. I recognized that my physique would always have the HBT’s (hips, butts and thighs) which are as much a part of me as my heart. In order to move forward – I had to stay true to my vision and not the interpretation of that vision by others.
In February of this year, I encountered a major challenge in living my vision. As a part of my healthy living, I elected to have a surgery that would improve my overall well-being; however the recovery process prevented me from being more active i.e. exercising. Each week I would join the Fitbit challenge and come in last place. I became frustrated and decided the heck with recovery I needed to at least be a contender. I decided being on the team was more important than my vision. Trust me when I say the setback was not worth compromising my vision. I hit the pause button and reset my action plan, continuing on my journey to Living My Vision.
What is Living the Vision? There are four characteristics:
1st: Possessing the ability to see or imagine a better of different state.
2nd: Identifying the attributes of the vision: (qualities, behaviors, benefits)
3rd: Creating and Implementing a plan or course of action to achieve the vision, complete with milestones
4th Celebrating successes along the way
Living the Vision is about not waiting for tomorrow but living your desires today.
On July 23rd, the 2016 Authenticity Professional Women’s Retreat will provide tools, guidance and strategies for Living the Vision. Registration is now open: 2016 Authenticity Professional Women’s Retreat – Virginia
I look forward to sharing your journey with you.