My life has been a whirlwind over the last few months and I feel that I have finally come up for air. Last week I spent 5 days on a beach with an old friend with the goal of perspective-getting and it worked. Before arriving at The Crane Resort in Barbados I had been able to make little sense of everything in my head. I had recently sold my newly established business which had been my major focus over the last year so I was asking myself, "where do I go from here?"
My toes at Crane Beach.
Many of us never have the luxury of taking off for 5 days to focus solely on numero uno but I was lucky enough to do just that and came home calmer and more focused. I was able to put things in their place and move on from certain things while bringing others into focus. I highly recommend this process for anyone in transition. Even if it is just a weekend at a friend's cottage or day at the spa, focusing energy on yourself for a change is definitely energizing.
Here is what my time away helped me to discovered:
1. Entrepreneurship is really hard. Partnerships are harder.
2. I've got it pretty good both personally and professionally.
3. There are certain things about my life that I am not willing to give up even for the most interesting opportunity.
4. I don't always have to be going full throttle. I don't always need a "next big thing".
5. I have built something of great value in the last 8 years that facilitates my life both professionally and personally. I should celebrate this and utilize it.
On top of all of this I had 5 days to spend with an old pal in a beautiful setting. We relaxed and chatted and ate wonderful food. I had time to focus on me but also time to miss my family and I was ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of our lives by the time it was over.
So now I have a plan. I am putting my energy into fixing up my homes - the virtual one and the real life one. We are embarking on a massive renovation of our nearly 100 year old Toronto home this summer and I need to be fully engaged. I will be writing about that process starting very soon. It should be interesting considering I know absolutely nothing about design or decorating! Hopefully I can get some valuable tips and experiences to share with you so that you can learn from me as I go and I can learn from you.
Plus, UrbanMoms, my virtual home for the last 8 years, deserves a refresh too so I'll be working on a virtual renovation as well. Keep your eyes out for a fresh new look right here over the next few months.
You know that expression, "everything happens for a reason?" Well, I can attest to the fact that this is true. Sometimes you just need to spend a little time figuring out exactly what the "reason" is.
Have you ever taken time away to reflect and get perspective?
Oh, Jen, it sounds like you are in SUCH a good place right now. Taking the time to really examine your life, your deepest dreams and desires, and focusing on what truly matters. Exciting times ahead! Wahooo!
Good for you, Jen! Sounds like you have come home totally refreshed. Best of luck with everything over the next few months.
I'll be keen to watch the house reno's... fun! :)
Any home reno tips are MUCH appreciated! I have zero experience and have never even bought a design magazine or watched one of those TV shows. *gulp*
total exciting times ahead! So awesome! So happy you were able to get away and reflect!
I had a week away in October to write, but it became so much more than that, and was needed so much more than I realized. I truly feel I am a different person now because of it. Stay in the moment and try each day to remember what happened for you on your 5-day break. That will keep you focused and allow you to keep what you need and leave behind what doesn't serve you.
PS: pretty toes!
So excited for you Jen!
Sounds like the trip served it purpose in more ways than one! Can't wait to follow the renovation journey. And of course the UrbanMoms journey!
Sadly I have not had the opportunity to re-charge, reset or re-focus but I have listed it as an intention for this year. The time has come for me to take care of me!
sounds like christmas is coming early :-)
Everything totally happens for a reason but also that you're always open to giving something a chance. Better to have tried than not at all! Now, that you have some breathing space and can focus on other aspects of life is a good reminder for us all! Here's to breathing fresh air into life!