Vision Boarding for Recovery: A Personal Journey

In 2019, I embarked on a journey of recovery, and one of the most profound tools I used during this time was vision boarding. Creating a vision board allowed me to explore, visually and tangibly, the things I truly enjoy, the new hobbies and interests I wanted to cultivate, and the goals I wanted to set for my life. It became more than just a collage of pictures; it reflected my intentions, hopes, and dreams for the future.

The process of vision boarding helped me take the time to think about what really matters to me, what areas in my life I wanted to focus on, and what I could do to move forward. By cutting out photos, magazine clippings, written words, and meaningful images, I created a space where I could visualize the life I was aiming to build, and it became a constant reminder of the positive direction I wanted to go in. I placed my vision board somewhere visible to become an ongoing source of inspiration and motivation.

My thoughts behind the selected pictures to summarise my ideas.

Learn to draw and paint, Creative Writing. Use my lived experience to help and support others

Find a team to be around who are looking for the same things. Meet new people and build friendships.

Coffee with friends. Look towards retirement, where I would like to live, and what I would like to do.

Travel and discover new places. Countryside and nature. Learn more about photography and how to capture moments.

How to write fancy like calligraphy or other styles. Spa days or relaxing therapies.

A new career I no longer wanted to be in the corporate world something was missing.

The main message of hope I gained from the session.

“I am a butterfly changing my life; it’s not ove.r”

Now is the time to start making changes, not when I am retired.

Key Aspects of My Vision Board:

1. Work-Life Balance:
   A significant part of my recovery process involved reevaluating my work-life balance. I took the time to reflect on what was working for me and what wasn’t. By identifying areas of stress and imbalance, I was able to make adjustments that would allow me to focus on what truly mattered and let go of things that no longer served my wellbeing.

2. New Hobbies and Interests:
   The vision board allowed me to rediscover the passions and interests that I had put aside. Some of the things I added included:
   • Photography: Capturing moments, nature, and life through a lens gave me calm and connection.
   • Creative Writing: Putting my thoughts and feelings into words helped me express emotions I hadn’t been able to verbalise before.
   • Drawing and Painting: Exploring new mediums allowed me to release my creativity in new, exciting ways.

3. Using My Lived Experience for Good:
   Another crucial aspect of my vision board was how I could use my own experiences to help others. I reflected on how my journey, filled with highs and lows, could support and empower others who were also facing similar struggles. This desire to help led me to become a volunteer at Leeds Recovery College, where I had the opportunity to share my experiences, listen to others, and be part of a supportive community working toward more significant mental health awareness.

4. Love for the Outdoors:
   The outdoors had always been a place of solace for me. Whether it was walking in the countryside or taking a stroll in a local park, nature became my therapy. The vision board reminded me of the importance of making time for these moments of peace and reflection.

5. Me Time:
   I also made sure to incorporate “me time” into my vision. I realised that setting aside time for myself was essential for maintaining balance in my life. Whether it was a spa treatment, coffee with friends, or simply a quiet moment to unwind, these moments of self-care were crucial for my recovery. By protecting this time, I was able to nourish my mental and emotional health.

How My Vision Board Transformed My Recovery:

1. Volunteer Work & Support Networks:
   One of the most beneficial outcomes of my vision board was becoming a volunteer for Leeds Recovery College. I joined a group of supportive people who shared their experiences and provided a safe space to discuss mental health and wellness. This experience allowed me to meet others who understood the importance of recovery and build lasting connections. The college also facilitated meetings with key facilitators, volunteers, and individuals from health and education sectors, providing a sense of community and a strong support network.

2. Developing New Skills and Interests:
   My vision board guided me toward new hobbies and interests that I never thought I’d explore. Through attending courses at Leeds Recovery College, The Exchange Recovery College in Barnsley, and Barnsley Adult Skills and Community Learning, I gained new skills that opened up opportunities for personal growth. These courses fueled my creativity and allowed me to discover new interests, giving me a sense of fulfilment and joy that I had been missing.

3. Creating Balance:
   By actively making time for myself, I learned to protect my wellbeing and embrace a balanced lifestyle. Focusing on things that made me happy and gave me a sense of purpose was crucial in my recovery process. This sense of balance and self-awareness enabled me to approach life with more resilience, and it’s something I recommend to anyone looking to improve their mental health.
4. Building Friendships:
   Through volunteering and attending various courses, I had the opportunity to build new, meaningful friendships. The support network I became part of was filled with people who understood and accepted me. True friendships blossomed, ones that allowed me to be my authentic self, knowing I wouldn’t be judged or abandoned. These connections were vital to my recovery, as they showed me the power of companionship and support.

5. Reconnecting with My Passions:
   My vision board also allowed me to reconnect with my past passions and skills. I remembered my excitement for project management, creating best practice case studies, and building network groups. It reminded me that I still had skills and experiences that could be channeled into something meaningful. I realised that I could merge my love for creativity with my professional background to help others, which led me to an exciting new venture.

Achieving My Dream: “Art for Wellness”

The most significant manifestation of my vision board was the launch of Art for Wellness, which officially began in March 2020. The idea stemmed from my desire to create an online platform where people could come together, share their creative ideas, and support one another in a safe and encouraging environment. Art for Wellness became a space where individuals could:

• Bring Friends Together: A virtual community where people could connect and collaborate on creative projects.
• Share Creative Ideas: A space for exchanging artistic and wellness-driven ideas, whether through writing, painting, or other forms of expression.
• Help and Support Others: A place for individuals to offer emotional support, share resources, and grow together.
• Build Friendships in a Safe Environment: A welcoming space where people could form meaningful, lasting connections with others who understood their journey.

The Benefits of Vision Boarding in Recovery:

Creating a vision board isn’t just about looking at pictures—it’s about visualising your dreams and setting intentions for what you want your life to look like. For me, the process of vision boarding was both healing and empowering. It gave me a sense of purpose, direction, and clarity. It allowed me to reconnect with my passions, explore new hobbies, and embrace a healthier work-life balance. The benefits of using a vision board in mental health recovery are undeniable:

• Clarifies Goals: This helps you visualise and define what you want to achieve.
• Boosts Motivation: Seeing your dreams and intentions every day keeps you focused and motivated.
• Inspires Creativity: Encourages you to think outside the box and try new things.
• Provides Emotional Support: The act of creating something beautiful and meaningful can be therapeutic.
• Fosters Connection: By aligning your vision with others, you create a supportive, understanding community.

Beyond my comfort zone I have achieved

Vision boarding helped me tap into my creative side, rebuild my sense of self-worth, and take proactive steps toward creating a life I truly love. It’s an excellent tool for anyone navigating the recovery process, offering not just hope but a tangible way to envision and achieve a brighter future.

Build a website from scratch

Recorded video sessions

In-house community art session

Had my artwork displayed in the local Cooper Gallery

Featured in local newsletters

Wrote and published my first book

Created an online community

Achieved 10,000 members Facebook in less than 6 months

Gained sponsorship funds to support business

Recorded video for recovery collage my journey to wellness

Collaboratively working with other artists.

Write and publish regular newsletters

Qualified as a “Creative Recovery Coach”

Live interview sessions

Create videos and tutorials

Setup Youtube channel

Instagram & Twitter

Created over 500 designs on Canva

Launched membership packages

Designed and created “Art for Wellness” pages, blogs, art themes, promotions, social media posts, inspirational stories, meet the artist, for all types of creativity.

Copyright © 2025, Art for Wellness CIC

Debbie Crouch

Initially composed in 2020