My 2025 Vision Board

Hello all and welcome in to 2025! I’ve honestly been spending most of 2024 in a hibernation of sorts mixed with a metamorphosis. During these processes I have found more of my voice and unfortunately opened fresh emotional wounds, but this has all made me want to fight to be who I am at my core. When I was growing up, I spent a lot of time trying to be what everyone wanted me to be and honestly forgetting who I was. I’m taking the time to rediscover that so that I can be true to myself, which is why my ultimate goal for 2025 is to lean into authenticity. With that being said, I’ve essentially tiptoed into 2024. I do want to make changes and establish systems for myself that work, but I believe that it would be ultimately damaging to think “new year, new me” will turn into never having a bad day or never missing a routine which would ultimately lead me to comparing my progress or lack thereof to others. I’m trying to lean into curiosity, (re)discovering parts of myself, and being present. So, I’ve taken this portion of the new year to find my footing, give myself grace, recognize what works for me, and y’know breathe. I’m shifting my mindset and pushing myself to have the courage to get uncomfortable, while leaving some room for breaks and self-compassion.

And I believe that the images in my vision board below reflect what I’m looking for. Let me break it down for you:

Creativity

Over the years, my creativity has sputtered in some areas and I think that’s because I focused on trying to control outcomes and because I let the opinions of other people get too loud, ultimately trying to drive the creative direction I should take. The thing about me is that I enjoyed creativity in my business as well as making for the sake of making. Or making something just because I like it, because it brings forth the best parts of my inner child. I currently work at a library as my day job and I assist the youth services librarian with lots of craft projects. I’ve had to prepare materials and make craft examples. Everything from twisty tie dragonflies to painting rocks has made my soul…lighter. Happier even! Just the other day, I DIY’d some keychains with beads and I’ve made kumohimo braids for keychains too. And it has simply just taken me back to the joy of making something. When I’m done, I have these new accoutrements on my keychain and I’m content with my little creation because I like it and that’s enough. So I’m going back to that. Playing for the sake of playing, making what I like. Whether it’s a DIY project, a full-fledged art series, a blog post, or a YouTube video. And if someone is convinced that they should take it upon themselves to become an unasked for Creative Director or try to mold me into something they find acceptable, I will kindly encourage them to make the work they want to see and if they’re especially adamant I will show them the proverbial door. Protect your peace, right?

On top of that I’m putting myself out there by choreographing a dance for a Modern collective I’m part of in Charleston, South Carolina. In this regard, I’m inspired by lots of different artists, but Ntozake Shanghe’s choreopoems speak to something that I’d like to dip my toes into for the future. For now, I’m working on a narrative that is solely expressed through choreography to the sound of music (“Cuff It” the wetter Remix!!). I’ve applied to see if my dance proposal gets chosen and I’ll see what the ultimate decision is. However, my focus isn’t on getting picked, but on finishing the piece regardless of the decision and about having the courage to try for it in the first place.

Healthy Routines and Habits

I realized that at a certain point downtime turned into nothing but veg out time and the first thing I would do upon waking is scroll social media on my phone. And the brain rot is real. Yes, there’s definitely days where I should go off and re-binge “Delicious in Dungeon” but there are also days when I need to have more “engaged” leisure time as well as a routine that sets me up for satisfaction. That can mean different things on different days depending on my energy levels. But I would like to reestablish some habits that I’ve left by the wayside, like writing on a more consistent basis, going for a drive, taking more walks, Pilates, stretching, reaching out to friends to stay connected. I’ve had moments when I’ve been able to pick up on my own glimmers and that has helped me figure out what I’d like more of in my life. A glimmer is a moment that brings out the light in you, the best in you. And recognizing glimmers has been a saving grace. As far as routines, I’m trying to build ones that work for me with simple components. Right now, I’m starting with a morning and night routine so that I can give my days structure. There are some days that I’m able to do it and there are some days that I miss it, but self compassion tells me that I can always come back to it.

Career

If I’m to be honest, I’m not really the type of person that wants to get caught up in job titles or sustaining a certain career. However, I have come up with a personal statement that applies to what I’m looking for. I’m interested in cultivating and preserving storytelling at cultural institutions. That means that when working with other people or companies the common thread that I’m interested in is story. I’m a multipotentialite, meaning I’ve got interests all over the place. Music, visual art, writing, acting, dance, and animation are usually the interests that come out on top. But what strings all these interests together is that I believe that story is an integral part of all them and I look for the story in all of them. I’ve also realized that it’s better for my mental health to have a day job, while I work on my own passions in my own time. That could change in the future, but I’m happy to keep it this way for now. It’s a balance of financial security and more freedom for my creative decisions and experiments.

I have been looking at the careers of people like Octavia Butler, Toni Morrison, and Ntozake Shante as well. For the rest of us, we may look at them and think “well of course, they were meant to be glorious,” but the truth of the matter is they had doubts and doubters. The difference is that they persevered, walked their winding paths, and stayed true to themselves, which is why they’ve become so widely recognized. And also why they’re on my vision board.

I also have a deep seated feeling that I’m going to be in a leadership position in the future, not just while working at someone’s company but at my own company, Ebony Xscape. I mean, technically I am the leader, but right now it’s a solo endeavor. Still, in the future I can see myself leading a team. I don’t know exactly what that will look like, but this year I’m working on building skills and acquiring knowledge about leadership so that when the time comes, I’m ready and my people can trust me and feel safe with me, while we make something great together.

I hope that my ideas and goals for this year have put a little pep in your step. What’s on your vision board? What are you looking forward to this year? Let me know in the comments!