Treasure-mapping is the process of visualizing on paper exactly what you want. The clearer you can see your desired future as a reality, the sooner it can manifest. The actual process is simple: look for color pictures in magazines or catalogs and use rubber cement to glue them to a half sheet of poster board. Each new year, my husband and I "treasure map" what we want in our lives for the year. Whenever we anticipate a major change, such as moving to a new city, buying a house, or changing jobs, we treasure map the change.

YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND SPEAKS

It is not necessary to know what you are looking for when you begin the search. This process allows your hearts desire in your subconscious mind to speak to you. As you look through the pictures, notice which ones resonate strongly inside you. Just tear them out and continue looking.

KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW YOU WILL GET IT

The magical part about treasure-mapping is that you don't have to know where the desired object or opportunity will come from. Gifts, contest prizes, unexpected surprises are not unusual. When you are very clear about what you want, you attract the energy and open yourself to opportunities you wouldn't have been receptive to before.

WAS I SURPRISED!

Several years ago, I treasure-mapped a trip to California. My husband and I were newly weds with debts from former marriages. There was no way that I could purchase the air-fare to California. After I treasure-mapped my trip, I actually won a contest and received the round trip ticket to California in the mail!

SOMETIMES THE RESULTS ARE IMMEDIATE

A student of mine treasure-mapped new suits for his wardrobe as he anticipated a career change. He was a state worker, and only wore casual clothes. When he went home after the treasure-mapping workshop, a neighbor came over carrying an armful of suits in the exact size as my student. The fit and colors were perfect!

HERE'S SOME OF THE PROSPERITY I HAVE TREASURE-MAPPED

• A new house, complete with gazebo
• New job with happy co-workers and wonderful boss
• Vacations, including a white-water rafting trip and hot-air balloon ride
• Clients, my husband, children
• Romantic weekends, healthy life-style choices
• Art, furniture and household accessories

TREASURE MAP A NEW RELATIONSHIP

Relationships: To treasure-map a spouse or special companion, concentrate on finding pictures that represent what you want the relationship to look like: how you want to be treated, what you will do together what values you would share, etc. Avoid treasure-mapping a specific physical body (after all, they are just models in the pictures.)

TREASURE MAP A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Physical changes - If you want to treasure-map an ideal body for yourself, concentrate on finding pictures of the active, healthy lifestyle that your body would need to maintain its energy. I've even pasted my own face on the body of a woman doing aerobics. Taking aerobics became a believable reality to me and melted the resistance I was feeling at the time.

CHOOSE KEY WORDS SPARINGLY, AND ALWAYS IN TYPE

Words - Include your own name, cut out of type, and a phrase or two (also in type) that motivate you. Be aware of too many words, however, as it is the visual image that your mind finds so powerful.

WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED, BLESS IT!

When the treasure-map is finished, bless it. Some people like to add a picture that represents God as their source for everything. I write a little prayer on the back: "Thank you, God, for this or something better." The treasure-map will come true in its right time - so just trust and let go.

HAVE A TREASURE MAPPING PARTY

Invite friends to bring their scissors, glue, and magazines for a treasure mapping party! Treasure-map with your spouse and your children. Children age 10 and up can treasure map their goals for the summer. Challenge a teenager to treasure map his or her life in ten years. It is especially exciting to exchange your final treasure-map with your spouse or partner and see how he or she has represented your relationship adventures!

LAMINATE THEM AND WATCH THEM COME TRUE

I still have the treasure-map in which I visualized my wonderful husband. We have been married over 20 years now, and that early treasure-map is faded and torn. Since then, I have been laminating my annual treasure-maps. It is exciting to watch them come true over time - proving that we can, indeed, choose our future.

Copyright 2005 Ana Tampanna
Article reprinted with permission.

Author, coach, and speaker Ana Tampanna has wrestled "Alligators" maintaining a career while managing family challenges... including a tragedy. She uses humor as a survival tool, and has a passionate mission for supporting magnificent women who want to make a difference with their lives. You can find out more about Ana at www.alligatorqueen.com