Summer is just around the corner and also a great time for you to get away for some special “me” time. I'm hearing a lot of conversation about family vacations which is wonderful (our family is headed to Park City, Utah this summer), however I want to invite you to consider giving yourself a vacation over the next few months. Getting away for some solo time can be one of the best decisions you can make for business and for your mental and emotional clarity. When I share this with women, the look I get is sometimes like a deer in headlights. The conversation goes something like this:
“I don't have time to go away.”
“I've got too much work to do.”
“You mean alone? By myself?”
Yes, actually I do mean by yourself – your committee of one. Changing your environment can dramatically change your outlook on every aspect of your life. Your creativity soars and the best part is how quickly it happens. I have regularly scheduled “self-care” mini-vacations each year. I've learned that when you can change your environment and reframe your thinking, the big ideas, dreams and goals begin to stir inside.
Still can't get your arms around making that leap to get away? Here are a few tips that will help you make the decision so that you, too, can get a new, fresh look at your life while enjoying some time off:
1. Get it on your calendar in ink – This is probably the best tip I will give you. Decide where you want to go and book it. Enlist help from family and friends to care for your children, feed the dog and take care of any details that will free your mind to make the most of this gift you've given yourself.
2. Go local – If your budget won't allow for an extended trip right now, no problem. Driving 30-minutes to one-hour from your home and staying in a new environment changes everything. The women who work with me in both my Success Circles and privately at the B&B by the beach in Los Angeles report that a half-day to 24 hours creates dramatic, positive change in their lives. They give themselves permission to “reframe” different aspects of their lives.
3. Quality not Quantity – Organize your time away so that it works for you and everyone else that goes with you. For example, we have our time in Park City set up so that everyone gets plenty of time together as a family and plenty of time alone. Our kids attend some of the local camps during part of our vacation. This gives them the opportunity to meet new children and do lots of fun outdoor activities in a group and it gives me some alone time that I desperately need. The statement I just made is sometimes difficult for women to hear–“alone time that I desperately need.” Women with or without children who lead busy lives never get enough alone time. This is a time to reconnect with your authentic self. It is a time for you to spend “checking-in” with you rather than everyone else in your life. This is a crucial action step to take periodically if you have a desire to live a passionate, purposeful life.
4. Limit your Access – Create some “barriers” around your time away. One of the reasons I love my work is that I can do it most anywhere, anytime. Be vigilant about not checking email or voicemail. Take some time to “honor yourself.”
Family vacations are essential to creating those special bonds and life-long memories. Giving yourself permission to get away for some solo time is essential to becoming the best version of you possible. It also sets a good example for others to see. Be that beacon of light for others. Grab your calendar and schedule your “me” time today.
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2013 Joy Chudacoff
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