Building Boulder Dreams: A Blueprint For Exploring Your Potential Futures
In Boulder, we’re known for our forward-thinking community and the inspiring natural beauty that surrounds us. It’s the perfect setting for envisioning a brighter future and taking the steps to make it a reality. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, professional achievements, or a more fulfilling lifestyle, the journey begins with a clear vision of your future self.
This column will guide you through a simple yet powerful exercise adapted from ancient Hawaiian Healing techniques to help you bridge the gap between your current self and the person you aspire to be. Ready to start? Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
![PXL_20231119_224547944~2_Original PXL_20231119_224547944~2_Original](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PXL_20231119_2245479442_Original-1-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Victor Rodriguez photo of man about to jump from cliff](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pwodbs_l9lq-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Building the Bridge by Holding Space
One way to bridge the gap between your present self and your fullest future potential is to hold space for your future self. This means creating a mental image of your ideal self, your potential, and your goals, without judging, comparing, or limiting yourself. It means acknowledging and appreciating the possibility of becoming who-, what-, where-, or how you want to be or feel you were created to be.
The steps outlined below can help you hold space for the version of your future self that you desire to manifest. All you need is a few minutes of your time and an open mind.
![PXL_20231119_224621076_Original PXL_20231119_224621076_Original](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PXL_20231119_224621076_Original-1-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Alex Azabache man sits on the hanging bridge between mountains](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/m3r_31sem_u-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Tyler Nix woman writing while sitting on hill near mountain](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/q-motcavpbm-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Brad Neathery person in black adidas cap sitting on bench writing on notebook](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/xrszacdybtq-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Lazare woman, beach, jump](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/332278-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by asmuSe travel, lake, feet](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1749508-1-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Jared Rice woman doing yoga meditation on brown parquet flooring](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ntybbu66_si-2-768x893.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Darius Bashar woman in white vest and black bikini with hand on chest](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/xmnel_otvws-2-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Step 4: Express gratitude.
While holding the image of your future self in your mind’s eye, feel a sense of appreciation and thankfulness for this ideal version of you as being possible. Thank yourself for having the courage, creativity, and curiosity to envision your goals. Thank yourself for holding this space for your future self.
![Photo by Rosie Kerr closeup photo of sunflower](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/douudanwhjm-1024x768.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado man in pink dress shirt standing on gray concrete pavement near body of water during daytime](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bworiaxy-mw-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
You mind find it helpful to use affirmations to reinforce your gratitude and your positive mindset. For example, you can say:
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- I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and evolve.
- I am thankful for the potential that lies within me.
- I am proud of myself for pursuing my dreams.
- I am excited for the future that awaits me.
![Photo by Joshua Woroniecki clear glass ball on water during daytime](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hxgugpd1dls-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Mohamed Nohassi silhouette of person standing on rock surrounded by body of water](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/odxb5oig_ia-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Rudy Issa white flower under blue sky during daytime](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3bid66k7zkc-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Dushawn Jovic a stuffed animal sitting on top of a window sill](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/catiazxhz1i-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Ethan Elisara man diving in water](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/9vrlk7lu1ck-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Langa Hlatshwayo man jumping off mid air](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4fjhyqzwrcs-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by bruce mars woman sitting on white bed while stretching](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wbupcqiweua-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Photo by Damian Markutt purple petaled flowers near mountain](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dhmn6ete6g8-scaled.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
!['Sharing smile!' 'Sharing smile!'](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ebb818de-5dcd-4643-b2b5-ef4b39ddf836.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![~ shared journey ~ ~ shared journey ~](https://b128718.smushcdn.com/128718/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c5d21d19-3f00-465b-9a51-a97b674463db.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)