Peace of Mind Organizing

Taking time for yourself

7 February 2011

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give to my clients is to be kind to themselves. That self-care is so often lacking. For many of my clients (the majority of whom are busy women) the biggest gift they can give themselves is time alone. A bubble bath. A cup of tea and a novel. Stealing away to a matinee.

I’m following my own advice in a big way this weekend. About a month ago, I planned a five-day retreat with my friend and Declutter Happy Hour partner, Shannon Wilkinson. We’re at her parents’ beach house on the Oregon Coast. We’re having a great time. And we’re also doing some serious stuff. We’re brainstorming. We’re strategizing. We’re helping one another come up with brilliant plans for our respective businesses. (And we’re watching a lot of Glee.)

Here’s a photo of the Pacific Ocean, a stone’s throw from where all the retreat action is taking place:

Haystack Rock. Photo by Shannon.

I’ve been really busy in 2011 and my calendar is chock-a-block full of obligations. So it seems like a huge luxury to take five full days out of my schedule for this getaway. But it’s so important. I have a feeling in the months to come that I’ll look back on this weekend and wonder what I would have done without it. I’m inspired. I’m energized. And I’m grateful to have a friend like Shannon.

Is there something you could do for yourself today or in the very near future? Take a moment and think about something you’ve been wanting to do that would feed your soul. Now think about how you might go about accomplishing it. Sooner, rather than later. Maybe you’ll need to miniaturize a giant fantasy to make it doable soon. Perhaps you’ll go for a weekend away, rather than a month in Europe. Perhaps a series of yoga classes rather than a yoga retreat. I’m willing to bet there’s something you could do for yourself that’s within reach.

Here’s the trap I see people falling into: they don’t want to reward themselves until they’ve completed a big goal. The problem with that is burnout on the way to achieving a goal that’s never achieved. So instead, you can boost your spirits and energy by rewarding yourself now. You’ll benefit. The people around you will benefit. And, if you’re like me, that little break will take you closer to achieving your goals.

Tagged with: empowerment, rewards, self-care, shannon wilkinson

Comments