Take a Break

As an avid reader, I love it when I come across a book that so perfectly fits where some of my clients are in our work together, and where I often am in my life too!  One such book is The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr, particularly the strategy and importance of taking purposeful breaks throught our day.

You see, I am of the belief that productivity is of upmost importance.  Now that belief has been beneficial to me, but it limits me when I push through a project even when I am tired or disengaged – especially when working on the computer.   Now, when I feel my body or brain is ready for a break, I take it!   Since I work from home, my breaks may include taking a short walk (or just walking away from my desk), retreating to my deck or sunroom to just sit, have a snack, or pet my cat.   Sometimes my afternoon break even includes (gasp!) taking a quick nap! 

Giving myself permission to take breaks and do with them what I feel my body and brain needs in the moment to recharge, is incredibly freeing and exciting!   In fact, I took a week long break just this past week!

How often do you take a break?

Take the first step in starting that business you have been dreaming about.

Have you ever said something like “it would be great if I could create a business around….”?  It could be a hobby or passion you have, something you do exceptionally well or something you see a need for.   Depending on how far along your thoughts are about this business, there are a number of things you could do to just take one step toward creating it.  Even if you are not sure you want to dive in fully, what if you tried it, took one step in that direction – what possibilities might open up for you?  

Some first steps might be:

  • Writing a clear vision for what your business would look like if it were up and running today with you as its leader
  • Finding a business that exists that is similar to learn how they structured it
  • Trying your hand at it by finding a part time position or volunteering in the same area. 

My experience…

Before becoming a coach, I thought about professional organizing as a business for I absolutely love everything there is to do with organizing. After researching it a bit, I found two pro-bono clients to test out my skills and interest.  It worked wonderfully, as I realized this was not the business for me.  The day to day environment was not a good fit with my skills, needs and wants.  Even though this particular business was not for me, by testing it out I got the “entrepreneurial bug” and quickly found a better fit in coaching!

An easy first step: sign up for a Vocation Vacation to get first hand experience of what it looks and feels like to run a business from someone who is not only passionate about what they do, but in sharing it with you!

Accepting Yourself

What would it mean to truly accept yourself – just the way you are, just the way things are – for today? 

Many people think acceptance is giving up or giving in.  I believe that acceptance is learning to love who you are, how you are and where you are – just as it all is right now.  That does not mean you stop growing and developing and challenging yourself.  What it means is smelling the roses, seeing what’s great and good today, enjoying the journey of your growth, not just racing for some finish line that seems to always stretch farther away the closer you think you are getting to it.

Acceptance is taking a breath, looking around you and marveling at what you have already created.  Acceptance is looking inside and seeing the beauty, courage, strength and quirks that make you truly unique and special.  It is celebrating who you have become, while continuing to walk toward your future.

Accept yourself just the way you are today – in body, mind and spirit!