Joy is not in things - it is in us - realise your pure potential...

I know it's past Monday, and I am in fact late writing this post. Did I forget? - no. Did I have an awkward pigeon moment where upon I had nothing to write about this week? - initially I thought yes. It wasn't a lack of inspiration, but perhaps a lack of real Jane time. No spatula, no apron, no card creating, no hyping - just pure Jane time, was essentially all that was lacking from my week. That's not to say it wasn't a good week - because I did in fact have an amazing one!

I spoke to my Dad the other day. As far as Dad's go - he is the don-wah (aka, the next level) most awesome human in the whole wide world! He commented on how I had officially been away from home for circa 6 months, and he asked me this: This time a year ago, did I think I would be in London, doing what I am doing, meeting who I am meeting and living how I am living? I have pondered this over the last few days and realised, I am basically not at all the same person I was when I left New Zealand...

I came over here - not wanting a job whereby my days would be dictated by 6 minute units (as a lawyer I was accountable for those wee bad boys); I didn't want my success to be based on how much profit I was making for others, and I wanted to restore a healthy balance in my life again, and not just meet people - but have time to connect with them; have time to notice the squirrels and spy on the foxes...

What did I do in an attempt to achieve this? I started collating visual concepts (starting merely as just words) and stuck them to my wall. This was the beginning of my vision board.

Vision boards... Such a powerful concept. Everyone who doesn't have one - you should, and those of you who do - I want to personally high-five you! Never underestimate the power of attraction. Like attracts like something chronic. Think about it, if you hang out with predominately neg/serpent-in-the-fruit-tree sorts of people, over time, you will take on board these characteristics subconsciously and find yourself (to some extent) being neg. Those who hang out with peeps who bring out the best in you - well, they make you want to be the best you can possibly be. YOU can attract anything you desire! I am serious!

My vision board began with a random collection of words. The number '5' represented me finding a job whereby that's when I would pretty much always finish. The words 'daisy fantasy' represented me riding a pink bike in the South of France with a wicker basket on the front filled with daisies. I would be in a lacy frock with my hair unbrushed and head tilted back from laughing so hard. I also wore no shoes. 'Daisy Fantasy' represents unadulterated happiness in its most pure form. That childlike mindset that is happy-go-lucky and free from the concerns and insignificant dramas which we often find plague our lives.

I also had a 'B minor' chord drawn. This had a double meaning: 1) I wanted to play and write music again (as for the past 4 years, I would always say, I never had time), and 2) the minor had significance as I no longer wanted to major in minor things. I wanted to relish in what was important and disown all that dragged me down.

I also had a picture of a horse racing track. I see all new friendships as a gamble. Some, are like slot-machines, whereupon you keep investing so many coins into that damn machine but you get very little return, and it is quite rare to hit that jack-pot. You are much better to take your money and bet on the track - the stakes are much higher. I wanted to surround myself with meaningful, good, humble people. I knew at the beginning I would have to take a bit of a gamble - but I was sure good judgement would prevail if I kept it to the track.

I just wanted to share with you above a few of the things which I placed on my vision board when I first arrived (as in, I drew them on day 2 of arriving in London). Because they were the first things I stared at in the morning and the last thing I gave any thought to at night, overtime I have not only achieved all these things; but they have helped define who I am and what I believe in.

I have a boss who encourages and supports me no matter what and shows concern if I am working past 6 pm; friends who I invest so much time in and no longer have to cancel last minute to miss their birthdays because work got in the way, and my days are spent tirelessly giggling about randomness and oddly beautiful moments which seem to flow in and out; (not quite riding my bad-boy bmx through the South of France, but you get the metaphor).

I am back to writing, playing the piano whenever I can, and not majoring in those silly irrelevant issues that once use to bog me down. As far as London goes, - time flies, and because I spend a good part of my day merely getting from A to B, I literally do not have enough time to catch up with everyone and spend as much time as I would like with the great gems in my life. So how then - would I possibly make any time for those who aren't good humans and seem to bleed me dry? The old Jane back home would have felt under an obligation to 'help' them whereas, London Jane isn't entertaining the idea whatsoever.

Don't get me wrong, my vision board right now (which I am staring at), has loads more words and pictures which have built up and adorned my walls since I arrived. I have a wee picture of fairy wings, (as those back home will vouch), 'Fairy Jane' would be a frequent character at children's parties; I just never had the courage to do anything more with this alter ego. Now, I firmly believe, that within 5 years I will have an actual fairy glen party shop (with mushrooms that glow and you can sit on) and maybe a gig on the BBC prancing around in my costume telling stories. I believe in my ability; I believe in the power of visualisation and I believe in carving out and creating my own destiny.

You may have found this diverts far away from design and 'gift ideas' - and to some degree yes it does. However, as I initially told you at the beginning of creating this blog, I may from time to time go on a wee tangent. 

To those reading this, start mind-mapping words, drawing key pictures and believing that anything you want - you CAN attract. Not only should you never underestimate the power of a good vision board; you should never underestimate the power you hold within yourself.

Have a beautiful week - live with passion x