"I won the lottery"
Back in 2002, I lived in social housing and money was tight but my Mum had always wanted to see Blackpool Illuminations. So, I did what any visionary does I made a plan and created a vision board...
Imagine If you won a million pounds... ahhh, dream!
What would you do? Splurge on designer goodies? Jet off on a whirlwind adventure? Support causes close to your heart? The possibilities are endless, and just thinking about it makes my mind wander.
Picture this: First-class cabin. A glass of champagne. And me, headed to Tokyo or Hong Kong, or both. These cities have been sitting in my imagination for years. Politics aside, their culture, vibrancy, and history call to me.
But why stop there? I’d hop across the Caribbean islands, each with its own story to tell. Jamaica would be my first stop, not just for the sunshine, music and it being the country of my parents’ birth, but to explore the history that runs deep through its soul and mine.
Of course, I wouldn’t go it alone. My hubby would be by my side, and any family members who fancied an adventure, my oldest brother, my nieces and their partners, and my super-clever and talented great-niece, would be on board. Even Mum might make the trip if she’s up for it. After all, what’s a dream journey without your nearest and dearest?
No, but honestly. Dreams are wonderful, but giving back is the heart of life. If I had the chance, I’d support two causes that mean the world to me. The British Heart Foundation, in honour of my brother Fitz, who we lost to a heart attack. And the Alzheimer’s Society, because dementia and Alzheimer’s have touched too many in my family. Supporting these charities would be my way of keeping their memory alive and making a difference.
2025 is fast approaching
Now, let me share a little story about how dreams can come true when you commit to them. Back in 2002, I lived in social housing and money was tight. But my Mum had always wanted to see the Blackpool Illuminations. So, I did what any visionary does: I made a plan.
Out came the magazines and scissors and I created my first-ever vision board. I sat on the floor, half believing nothing would come of it. The other half of me praying for things to come true. I spent hours searching for, cutting out and pinning onto a corkboard from WHSmith pictures of the world-famous Blackpool light show, the newly built Big Blue Hotel, the train we’d take, and even the Big Dipper at the farm behind the hotel. Piece by piece, I built our dream on paper.
I worked and saved all year. And when winter rolled around, we went. Mum and I stayed in that beautiful hotel, ate delicious food, wandered around the fair (though we skipped the rides, they looked a bit too scary for us), and even caught a show at the Winter Gardens. I paid for it all, and the feeling of making her dream come true? Indescribable.
Have you ever created a vision board, did it ‘work’? And if so what did you manifest?
This season, I’m setting my sights on something new: improving my own health (it’s been a bit rocky these last few weeks) and helping others. My vision board for 2025 is clear: supporting 100 women in midlife, achieving their goals, feeling free, and living confidently. I’ll share more about that next week.
So here’s to big dreams, cherished traditions, and making memories that last a lifetime.
As the holidays roll in, I can’t help but reflect on my family traditions
Christmas Trees Galore: We’re a two-tree household. One artificial tree for the dining room (where we entertain our Mums for Christmas dinner) and a glorious real tree in the living room.
Turkey Forever: No goose, no beef, no venison. Turkey is the star of our Christmas lunch.
Presents After the Queen (or King) Speaks: Growing up, Christmas presents had their own sacred time, after dinner and the Queen’s Speech. It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive, even now.
Before I forget:
This Sunday, 15th December, I’m back on Alan Titchmarsh: Love Your Weekend which starts at 9:30am on ITV1! No prizes for guessing I’ll be doing something beer-related, but not what you’d expect. No barn on the farm. No celeb beer tastings. Want to know what’s up? You’ll have to tune in to find out! My guess is it’ll appear closer to the end of the show (beer tends to be the grand finale). But if you miss it live, you can always catch up on ITVX.
Let me know what you’re up to for Christmas. Plans for the festive season and if you’ll be reflecting on 2024, and dreaming of fabulous new things for 2025.
I’ll be back next Friday with my final Moments of 2025!
With love and a sprinkle of holiday cheer,
Marverine
Hi Sonia. Thanks for sharing that you've not tried a vision board yet. I reckon you might not be alone there but I love em. Focuses my mind about what I need to do. Your idea about what to do with your 1million pounds is so caring and thoughtful. I have a feeling you're right. In Bham, I believe there are a couple of day centres and clubs for elderly of African & Caribbean heritage. Services for pensioners are short of cash all over aren't they, so your 'investment' would be marvellous. Oooooh and your Christmas sounds beautiful by the way. Super-relaxing and restful which is what we all hope for. Have a fabulous festive season xx
If I won the lottery I would buy my own home, a car, set up businesses, fund myself through university, financial investments, and give some to my loved ones, some for my church and some for my chosen charities. Then I be spending this money wisely and will never run out of money with setting up businesses to match all my talents.