Vacation and Relaxation

Often times our inner voice reminds us of the things that are most important. Although task building and strategizing are essential tools of the growth matrix, we must never detach ourselves from the bigger picture. The truth is, although the frame is standard, the photo is different and the picture itself tells a unique story that builds a narrative based on who we are or working to become. Life creates hundreds of little moments. We should all work to maintain the memory of those special moments that remind us of what matters most. The beauty of it all is that this is a unique and individual experience. Have you ever felt booked, busy and out of balance? If so, your not alone. Some may have even felt powerless. However, with summer upon us there is an open opportunity to take back a little of your time to structure some guilt free fun.

Creating memories are easy but vacation and relaxation retreats require a little structured planning. Before you book a random get away refresh your memory and remind yourself where you last left off on your personal bucket list. Determine if you have enough time and 2 good friends that are available to join you on your journey. Always be responsible and don’t forget to check-in and turn in any deliverables prior to leaving home and taking time away from any work-related duties. The objective is to leave with everything in order and to reduce stress upon return. Depending on your work schedule or lifestyle, that might be easier said than done. Don’t panic. Remember, overthinking leads to less personal time to build on special intimate moments. When in doubt, just do your part and trust the rest to work out.

Every beauty needs to rejuvenate. Take the opportunity to do you and work on rebuilding that inner connection to self. Focus on what you want. Work on mastering your inner glow and create some new memories with a snapshot to share and take with you on your ever growing journey.

Fight the Urge to Quit or Feel Discouraged

If you find yourself functioning in a state of performance-based tasks but no longer impressed with the rewards, fight the urge to quit or feel discouraged. Sometimes being busy communicates visibility more than balance and can be counterproductive. Afterall, how effective can you be if your bucket list of goals continues to grow without the support to sustain the progress of what has already been accomplished? Instead focus on your potential by engaging your imagination. Take your mind off the work and change your perspective.

Place your attention on innovation, relationship building, and planning. All 3 require you to have an open and approachable disposition. Creative ideas are what you may need to renew your energy toward a task or project. Remember, as the saying goes, “there is no I in team”. So, start finding ways to reintroduce yourself and don’t start the conversation by reiterating your resume. The more people you relate to the more realistic your goals will become. Great fortunes come to those who thoughtfully plan ahead. Consider the advantages of strategizing to broaden your network of support.

Observe new ways of doing things to make yourself more effective. Adapt and move forward. Learn and grow along the way without fear. Develop your ability to obtain personal growth.

Building Confidence

Confidence is key, but it takes more than determination and grit to achieve greatness. The loudest voice is the one that stays with us the longest. The voice may have a familiar tone outside of your own recognizible voice. Self-image is not the only image that influences our growth potential. It’s also the environments in which we function and the relationships we cultivate. People pleasers often experience the not so subtle side-effects of codependence. However, many people struggle with establishing boundaries. It’s important to identify your individual needs by acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses.

Building confidence takes time. It’s important to learn personal development skills that facilitate positive self-talk by doing research and finding trusted resources that can build on your growth potential. Finding people that embrace the best version of yourself will help you achieve success in more than one area of your life. Get comfortable with constructive criticism because when used correctly, it can become a great asset to building a strong foundation. However, stay clear of negative self-talk. Especially in business. Making evolved choices requires being open to seeing things from a wider scope. Sometimes, it takes time to evolve. But whenever you’re ready, know you’ll never be alone. Check out some interesting fun facts from UN Women as you ponder over new possibilities that push you into the next level of self-love, growth, and a goal balanced evolution as you learn the value of establishing your voice.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know that Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase the awareness of mental health and wellness in America? Everyday people are finding ways to identify a better strategy to navigate self-care routines that allow them to take back control of their time and their mind and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Culturally, it’s becoming a topic of regular discussion to explore the social and intimate behaviors of people. In the month of May, take the opportunity to discover more about your personal needs. Identify ways of becoming more balanced. Become aware of your thought process and the ideas (good, bad, or indifferent) that use up most of your imagination. Start by observing your daily routine. But, don’t forget diet is everything.

There are a lot of resources that talk about the gut-brain connection. Maintaining a well balanced diet should be viewed as a top priority for everyone. Even with a tight budget there are healthy alternatives, so be open to cooking more at home and when needed substituting more expensive purchases like meat and poultry for fish, fruits and vegetables. Also, consider buying foods that can be used in multiple recipes and create new ways to repurpose any leftovers from breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to avoid food waste. Food for thought, learning how to make your own bread could also be a great benefit.

When necessary do not hesitate to contact a health professional to evaluate your individual needs as it relates to health (like check-ups and screenings) nutrition (what your putting in your body) and sleep (to make sure your allowing yourself enough time to ‘rest and recover’). Also, stick to a plan that is healthy and balanced. Make your emotional health and your physical health a priority by finding supportive groups and educational resources just in case you need to consult with someone other than family and friends. Be sure to also share and discuss mental health awareness month with those close to you.

The Friend Strategy

As we learn new skills, we should focus on the potential of partnerships. Of course, we have our close network of what some refer to as ‘the chosen few’. That select group of ride or die, forever up for whatever people, that accept us in the most familiar form. Yet, if we’re being honest with ourselves there have been moments that make you think it would be a good investment to add a few names to the friends list. The idea is almost cringe worthy but oddly exciting because deep down inside you know it could be achieved. Although there may be a slight feeling of annoyance, anxiousness, and apprehension a good way to overcome those emotions would be to incorporate a strategy to help you meet and cultivate new friendships for potential partnerships (that aren’t romantic). Go beyond the basic catch and release technique. Go big and start making waves to connect with people and focus less on the photo ops. Of course, everyone loves a great memory accompanied by a great photo. So, before you tap, click, or snap your next milestone be sure to tell a joke, collect a few names and exchange information before you go your separate ways. Connect to reflect and be prepared to follow up.

The Friend Strategy:

Make a list: Create a list of qualities you would like to see in the new people you would like to meet. The objective is to become open with people. You don’t have to have everything in common to be present and engage in good conversation.

Avoid overthinking: Don’t be over analytical or judgmental. Be willing to have new experiences within a safe level of comfort that will allow you to explore new perspectives.

Stay away from narcissistic behavior: This statement does not imply that it could be coming from the other people. Make sure you share the floor and add something to the conversation that allows other people to feel seen and heard as well.

Travel: Go to new places to give yourself a new perspective. It’s great to plan an adventure with a crowd or plus one. However, you may also meet them once you arrive unexpectedly.

Smile: A friendly demeanor can go along way. It may feel or seem awkward, just stick with it.