Visualize: The Space You Want

I have a big “unachievable” goal. I use quotation marks because it seems unachievable only from my current perspective. I don’t have the means to tackle it right now, so let’s call it an aspiration.

I want what many crafty individuals desire: a studio space solely dedicated to art and crafts. I envision a cozy place filled with all my favorite things to inspire me—a space that truly reflects who I am.

While I can’t make the entire vision happen immediately, I can formulate a plan.

1. (My new obsession) Create a vision board.

2. Structure—There isn't enough room in our current home for the kind of space where I wish to nestle myself. I will need either a freestanding structure or an addition.

3. Money

a. Find a job and/or

b. Create a business that generates a livable income

4. Storage—This requires financial resources, but perhaps much less with the repurposing ideas I’ve discovered over the years. These ideas have the added benefit of being things I can create and utilize, even without a studio.

5. Aesthetic—This is another enjoyable list of items that do not require an actual studio to make, purchase, or enjoy.

This plan, specifically steps four and five, can be further broken down into the individual storage items and aesthetic crafts I wish to have. These bite-sized goals are attainable and can provide uplifting mental boosts. When I feel a bit down because my current office/craft space is small, somewhat cramped, cluttered, and not entirely functional, I can choose a project to work on that not only advances me toward my “unachievable” goal but also gives me a productive outlet for my energy instead of negativity. I can appreciate the finished product even before having the ideal space to display it.

It’s easy to feel discontent with our physical and emotional state. These feelings often do not represent the person we aspire to be. Naturally, we want to feel happy in our living space, and no one enjoys negative emotions. But what if we can’t change our location? What if we lack the funds to remodel or move?

We must find ways to embrace where we are right now. Acceptance does not equate to stagnation, however. It simply means avoiding further discomfort by focusing on what we are grateful for and discovering ways to enhance our environment for greater joy.

If you’re unsure where to start because you don’t even have a space to work on a craft that could help improve your environment, you may just need some more minor, extra steps on your list to achieve your “unachievable” goal. Even if all you can manage is creating one clean space on a tabletop or folding and putting away one piece of laundry from the basket, you have still made progress.

Making small, consistent progress will lead to significant results. Each small task nurtures that feeling of accomplishment. In a week, a month, or a year, you will look back on where you started and find it hard to believe you were ever in that place. You’ll struggle to believe you were ever that person.