Cancer Vision Board

My rough draft vision board after beginning it at MD Anderson’s AYA Survivorship conference on June 1, 2019.

My vision board sits on the corner of my cluttered desk in my dorm room. I see it every day, a reminder of the hope and excitement I have for my future. I used pictures and text from magazines, stickers, construction paper, and gemstones. Colors and inspirational sayings brighten the board. I wrote my dreams, goals, hopes, wishes, and prayers for who I want to be, and how I want to live my life – my vision of my future. No cancer and a healthy lifestyle makes up the center of my board, but I also want to explore nature, travel, and get married and be a mother – likely through adoption. Surprisingly, I don’t have much about university or a career.

Cancer has made me reprioritize a lot. I loved making this vision board! It was an amazing step in my healing process as I grappled with lots of tough questions and emotions after I finished treatment. I’m filled with positivity and encouragement when I look at it, because of the memories of the joy I felt making it and the hope it offers me.

How to make your own vision board:

1. Gather supplies, like…
   • A sturdy background, like card stock
   • Tape and/or glue
   • Scissors
   • Magazines, journals, and/or pictures
   • Stickers
   • Ribbon
   • Gemstones
   • Buttons
   • Construction paper and/or scrapbook paper
   • Something to write with! Pens, colored pencils, markers…
   • Frame if you want to preserve it nicely!
2. Create something that makes you happy! There are NO RULES! Listen to music. Go outside. Take breaks. Stick to a theme. Focus on a certain amount of time. Search for tips online! Whatever you decide, make something that inspires you. Something that helps you heal, and makes you feel good. Something that might push you or fill you with positivity and hope.

All of the posts written for Elephants and Tea are contributed by patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones dealing with cancer.  If you have a story or experience you would like to share with the cancer community we would love to hear from you!  Please submit your idea at https://elephantsandtea.org/contact/submissions/.