Visioning Self-Appreciation

It's the day after Thanksgiving. Last night I spent time with my ranch family. While I no longer live at the ranch the most important part of that experience remains. I am now part of a family that includes Grace and her sons Brian and Scott. Because Scott showed up with 3 friends, my friend circle just got larger.

The thing I appreciate about letting go is that it opens the way to new experiences. I've spent the past few years playing with letting go and know it is safe. That doesn't mean it isn't hard, or that it doesn't take time or care, but it does mean that it is safe to proceed without ________.

This holiday, I'm appreciating that I have let go of my 2nd job at the ranch, automatic Mommy-izing in the face of authority, an Inner Critic who runs amok, and most recently, my denial of perfectionism. 

Perfectionism? Who knew?

It is easy to get caught up in the holiday rush and focus on what we do not have: time and other resources being at the top of the list. In fact, I  have often found myself making a vision board in a desperate attempt to have, have, have. But the more I focus on what I don't have, the more I don't have it. This can only lead to frustration and hopelessness.

I have written many blog posts describing why Visioning(R) works. But the only point that I need remember is that Visioning(R) is FUN!!! Collage-making shifts the focus from the mind to the heart. Who hasn't talked a child into cleaning their room or eating their veggies by making it a game? 

This season, I appreciate my willingness to let go. The things that I have let go of are markers of how far I have come. They brought me to a great new home in Paso Robles and this lovely week-long pet sit in my old stomping grounds. Hey, I've let go of my fear of giant guinea pigs!




What are you appreciating about yourself this season???


Lucia Capacchione knows how to throw-down a super-fun workshop experience. Give yourself the gift of you by showing up at her latest event: 

Visioning®: The new year with Lucia Capacchione

Sun. Jan 25, 10 AM - 5 PM. $100 (materials included)

Ruby Dragon, 875 Main St.,Morro Bay, CA 93442

Advance registration required. To register: (805) 772-1100

CEUs are available for therapists, mental health professionals, etc. 

Contact Lucia directly about CEUs and additonal cost for 6 hour credits.

Reach her at: cjea@charter.net

or by purchasing Visioning: Ten Steps to Designing the Life of Your Dreams.

Dorothy Segovia is a certified Vision Coach who loves blogging and writing and writing and blogging. Read MORE  about it by visiting her groovy website.

Vision the Holiday

This the perfect time to create a vision board. Regardless of past holidays, family wants, Hallmark images and advertisements for the latest gadget, how we feel about the holidays is our choice.There are countless ways to celebrate, the important thing is that you feel like you are celebrating, not obligating.



 It is not necessary to make a large scale collage. A small 8 1/2 by 11 collage will suffice.  Here are a quick review of the steps.

1. Make a wish.
2. Search for images and words.
3. Focus on the vision.
4. Compose the design.
5. Explore and find order in creative chaos.
6. Create the collage.
7. Articulate the vision.
8. Reinforce the dream.
9. Embrace the reality.
10. Celebrate the dream come true.

So what feeling do you want to create this holiday? Lots of activity with family and friends is one way. Spending some time alone to reflect or taking an evening walk to see the lights is another. Eggnog by the fire listening to music is yet a different choice. By taking time to collage with your Creative Self, you are sure to cut through the plethora of decisions if you let your heart guide you.

Finally, the Mayo clinic has great tips for beating the stress. Not surprisingly, acknowledging your feelings is at the top.


Celebrate, appreciate and create.

Dorothy Segovia is a certified Visioning(R) Coach and author of My Body, My Car: How to Coach Yourself Through Life's little Obstacles. Read more of her writing at www.writeinside.com.

Visioning® and Appreciation

While celebrating a dream or major step along the way is important, creating appreciation lists on a regular basis is key to a bliss-filled life. Whenever I get into a funk, jotting down my blessings can shake me into a better state of mind. At the very least, it halts a negative cycle. The reason is that I am focusing on what I have instead of what I do not have. In addition, the simple action of pen to paper brings body and mind together in the present moment.

In addition, we can also show appreciation for our creative self.

“Acknowledging all the support you received throughout the Visioning® process begins with thanking your creative self. As the source of your creativity and the sustaining force that helped you reach for your dream, your creative self deserves your gratitude and appreciation. This is an opportunity to express thankfulness from the bottom of your heart and to do it in as creative a way as possible. Starting with a thank-you letter, you can go on to conceive a unique and very personal ritual of gratitude to your creative self.” page 165, Visioning: Ten Steps to Designing the Life of Your Dreams.

From goalviz.com. The benefits of a Gratitude Journal and How to Use One.

Lucia goes on further to suggest that we write a thank-you letter to your creative self. What has it given you? What has it taught you?

Next, she has suggestions for designing and carrying out a gratitude ritual, also thanking our creative self. Some ideas include: creating and displaying a prayer or card, dedicating a special corner in our home to our creative self, and creating a ceremony of thanks.

“With your nondominant hand, allow your creative self to write a message to you. If you have questions, write them with your dominant hand and allow the creative self to respond with your non-dominant hand.” page 166, Visioning: Ten Steps to Designing the Life of Your Dreams.

Appreciation is an inside job: a simple, yet boundless gift that you give to your self.

Dorothy Segovia is a certified Visioning® coach and author of My Body, My Car: How to Coach Yourself Through Life's little Accidents, a how-to book with music CD. Visit her at www.writeinside.com