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 In today’s society, there seems to be a growing fascination with running about, making to-do lists, and constantly doing things. We’re struck by a sort of “busy syndrome.” So many of us moms fall into this category – even those of us who are über-organized. We have a hard time making room in our schedule to catch up with old friends, set up an appointment for our physical, or actually read the book club selection. For some, this routine is clicking along just fine, we’re taking care of what’s important, we’re content, and life is going as expected. For others, there may be a nagging feeling that life is a bit out of sync with what you had imagined for yourself. Did you intend on someday starting a business, writing a book, going back to school, learning to sail? Rather than staying adrift in unrealized dreams and goals, it’s time to give some traction to those ideas swirling around in your head. A little time away can be just the escape to re-energize you, pump you up and help you re-imagine how you want to live your life and the work you want to do. It’s important to note that this type of escape is different from the all-important girl’s weekend when you hang with your friends, reconnect and relax. There is a specific intention behind a personal retreat that will help you design the future you want. Here are some tips to help you plan your retreat and plot your way to that vision: > Set a date – Take a close look at your calendar and find the time for you. It can be a half-day, whole day or even a long weekend that you can block off all to yourself. Put your name in ink and do not attempt to cancel or overwrite with other “fires” and obligations. > Find a Destination – You may think it’s a good idea to have a retreat right in the comfort of your very own home. While this option is convenient and inexpensive, it is far too riddled with temptation even for the most disciplined. The fact is, there are just too many distractions around you at home – phone, e-mails and that pile on the island in the kitchen will all be calling your name. What are the places that ignite your creativity? Where do your tend to go when you’re alone? You may like to connect with nature and want to find a place that offers peaceful surroundings, or perhaps you are energized by a bustling bookstore or café; even a hotel lobby can work if the environment inspires you – that’s what’s most important. > Define your intention – Be clear about what it is you want to accomplish with your time. What is the issue you want to explore on your retreat? What is it that will help you get your life back in balance so that you feel more fulfilled? Maybe you want to become financially savvy, deepen or work on a relationship, or launch a new project. While you may have a wide variety of topics you’d like to explore, its always a good idea to approach your time with a keen, laser-like focus; whittling your list down to one will help you move forward. > Plan your day – Many of the organized retreats have a set timeline to make the most effective use of your time. While it will take great self-discipline, try to impose this same structure on yourself, but be sure to allow some cushion for spontaneity. Plan out how much time you’d like to allot for each activity such as brainstorming, creating an action plan, follow-up and support steps, etc. If you have a half day, for example, there may not be time to schedule in a hike or a little yoga session. If you have an entire day, however, you may want to fit in exercise and some form of relaxation or meditation to help clear your mind and help you focus. > Bring your “toolbox” – To get your creative juices in motion, you’re going to need the right supplies. This is no time for a boring yellow legal pad. Gather up sketchbooks, journals, markers, pens, pencils and colorful sticky notes. Inspirational books, favorite quotes and magazines are also great for tapping in to the right brain. If all goes as planned, your retreat will set your direction and help to prepare your mind. Once you have gathered your energy, focus and commitment, you have created a very powerful mindset. Now the trick is to bring this plan into our everyday lives. Maria Bailey is founder of smartmom.com and author of “Trillion-dollar Moms.” Jennifer Arnold a freelance writer and mother of three.  SOLUTION OF THE MONTHLunch Fun Spice up that boring lunchbox with a different kind of note from home. Kids love to get a note from Mom or Dad when they reach for the PB&J. Here are some ways you can put a creative spin on the old smiley face post-it: > Start an ongoing game of tic-tac-toe or hangman; you each make a move of the day. > For older kids, write down a few lyrics from a song and have them guess the title. Or, toss in a knock-knock joke or a question of the day. > Create a crossword puzzle about people you know. > Start the week off right and wrap a “mystery treat” in foil every Monday – perhaps a piece of candy or a few jumbo marshmallows. SMART MOM GOES GREEN Top Bags According to the EPA, a child’s lunch creates 67 pounds of waste each year! One local mom decided to take action when she realized her family was throwing away more than 1,000 plastic bags per school year: She created Dajo Green Bags, reusable sandwich and snack bags made with a durable, quick-drying nylon shell with anti-microbial properties that are resistant to mold and mildew. They’re perfect for kid’s school lunches, playdates at the park or travel snacks on the go. The bags come in fun colors and camo, and are sold packaged in a waste-free lunch kit, including one sandwich bag and two snack bags for $19.95. |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
This MOM is on the right track. She is planning the future of Hers and our kids----which effects all of us.
Our kids ARE the future of our world and this Mom has stepped out there to do something about it. Way to go DAJO BAGS.
| Comment at 2/27/2009 |
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