In Hyderabad, a creative and introspective trend is helping residents chart their course for the future. Instead of just writing down resolutions, people are turning to vision boards—collages made from magazine cut-outs, personal sketches, and meaningful keepsakes—to create a visual map of their aspirations for 2026 and beyond. This practice is emerging as a favourite therapeutic tool for goal-setting among Hyderabadis seeking a more tangible connection to their dreams.
The Personal Touch: Doodling Dreams into Reality
What elevates a simple collage into a powerful tool is the infusion of personal creativity. Sravani Suryadevara, a wellness workshop organiser, emphasises that the magic lies in the process. It's not merely about gathering attractive images; it's about actively bringing one's intentions to life in a manner that feels uniquely personal and joyful. Participants engage in doodling, sketching, and experimenting with ideas, crafting a board that is a genuine reflection of their identity. This act of creation is what transforms the activity from a task into a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
Letting Go to Move Forward: A Key to Clarity
Organisers Nithila Rosanna and Pranati Mulik, who run a creative workshop platform in the city, highlight a crucial first step: emotional release. They stress that welcoming new goals requires consciously letting go of old thoughts and beliefs that act as anchors. By taking time to acknowledge and release these mental barriers, participants can approach the vision board exercise with greater clarity and openness. They also note the unique richness added by intergenerational participation, with attendees ranging from 10-year-olds to people in their 60s. This diversity creates a shared space for reflection and connection, making the journey deeply personal yet collectively supportive.
Proving It's Never Too Late: A New Chapter at 58
The universal appeal of vision boards is beautifully illustrated by the story of 58-year-old Madhavi Vallabhaneni. This year marked a significant shift for her when she attended a workshop for the first time. After decades of prioritising her family, she found herself with the space to focus on her own desires post-retirement. Creating her board helped her visualise new intentions centred on learning, fresh experiences, and holistic self-care. Her journey is a powerful reminder that personal growth and intentional living have no age limit.
For Shagun Chamola, a working single parent, the workshop offered a precious pause from life's relentless pace. Attending with her 10-year-old daughter Adhira and her 60-year-old mother Hitesh Chander, it became a rare opportunity for unhurried family connection. The activity allowed them to connect as individuals with distinct dreams—Shagun's focused on career and balance, while Adhira's centred on art, crafts, and family time—highlighting how the practice serves different needs within a single family unit.
Essentials to Create Your Own Vision Board
If you're inspired to start, here’s what you typically need:
- A base like a cork board, chart paper, or thick cardboard.
- Old magazines, newspapers, or printed images for inspiration.
- Coloured pens, markers, and highlighters for personal sketches.
- Sticky notes or small cards to write specific intentions.
- Glue, pins, or tape for assembly.
- A pair of scissors.
- Personal photos or small keepsakes with emotional value.
- Most importantly, a quiet space and a block of uninterrupted time.
This simple yet profound practice of visualising goals is helping Hyderabadis from all walks of life pause, reflect, and creatively design the roadmap to their desired future.
