I’ve long used vision boards in my work, not only to help manifest personal goals but to help clients achieve clarity over their values, aspirations and life direction. More recently I’ve been inspired by the fabulous mood boards created by Fi Humberstone and her team at Flourish to explore different aspects of my business. (See how Fiona uses mood-boards in her work with colour psychology on the Flourish blog)
As you may already know, we are going through an exciting time of change in the Cairns household. This week marks the start of my maternity leave and a couple of weeks in the Cotswold’s with our extended family, is such a blissful way to start the transition to motherhood.
With any life change there undoubtedly comes a shift in identity and an integration of new aspects of self, priorities shift and perspectives change. For me the simple, creative and visual way of marking this transition with a vision board has been a really joyful thing to do. I thought you might like to see the results.
I’m a mad fan of notebooks and Mike often has to steer me forcefully away from stationery shops lest I add to my collection. They feature on the vision board as this is a time for reflection, for writing projects to come to fruition and for journaling. I’ve started a book to our daughter which I hope won’t be too cringe worthy when she comes to read it later in life.
Openness is so important for me in family life. I am lucky enough to have a husband that totally accepts me, with all my quirks and failings and gives me the freedom to be open with my feelings, my hopes, my dreams and fears. If I can maintain this way of being with our daughter I hope it will sow good seeds for the years to come when open and honest lines of communication will be vital…mums of teenagers I know you can sympathise 
You’ll notice the tea tray…it’s not because I’m hoping that Mike will be bringing me breakfast in bed while I lounge and nurse my little one (although if you’re reading this darling, you’ll get no complaints ) It’s to remind me of the aspect of service that runs through my life.
Finding joyful ways to serve lies at the heart of Amovita and I’m looking forward to continuing this with my family at the heart of it. The Eat Pray Love is a reminder, not of Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, although it is a wonderful read, but to keep myself topped up so that I can give from a place of willing service and not resentment.
Food for the mind body and soul are so important. Connection to something deeper than just ourselves and an openness of heart bring a profound and magical quality to our service that for me is so important.
The daffodils at the bottom are an ode to my own dear mum (she loved them!). She passed away two years ago and it hasn’t escaped me that the anniversary of her passing is when our little one is due – nature and life are full of these perfect cycles.
and the best mum bit…well we live in hope…
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE this mood board! It’s beautiful, authentic, warm and nurturing. So right for you right now! All the very best with this new phase in your life. You know you’ll have lots of support x
Thanks so much Fi, it was a real joy to do. Thanks for the inspiration
and will definately be counting on you for motherhood tips. Your two are such a credit to you both – absolutely gorgeous!
What a lovely emotional post and the mood board such a good idea to get you in the mood for motherhood. With all that love and support, your daughter is going to be a lucky lucky girl.
Thank you so much Rosie, am touched and so pleased you like it.
Hiya Liz – love the mood board ! Great idea. All the very best for motherhood from Jo and I – you’re going to be a SUPERB Mum – I am convinced! One tip for Mike though – when you’re first home feeding lovely daughter Mike needs to provide a light meal for you every 3 hours or so on a rolling 24 hour basis for about 2 weeks! That way you’ll be fully nourished and looking forward to that next treat he is planning for you…. oh and suggest he DOESN’T do what I did… and eat all the food prepared for after the great event…… he won’t win ANY brownie points that way ! But seriously – we really wish you all the very, very best A&J
Thank you so much Andy, have passed on the tip to Mike who has taken due note
oh lucky me. Much love to you both and hope to see you soon.
Elizabeth, such a wonderful post, I think your moodboard is beautiful and sums up how you feel at this precious time!
I remember waiting for my eldest to turn up, and loved this time of reflection and excitement. Wishing you all lots of happiness together!
Thank you so much Katie!
I love the idea of a motherhood mood board. I am already seven months into my parenting journey but think setting out some goals for the kind of mother I would like to be to my son is a great idea.
I also agree with your point about life being full of circles. My own son was born five weeks early – and arrived on the birth date of my grandmother who sadly died when my mum was only 21, long before I was born. My mum has always felt sad that she never knew me and believed that her mum was watching over me and especially during my ‘high risk’ pregnancy, so it was especially poignant that his unexpected arrival has now replaced a date that was once sad for my mum with a happy one.