Lost your spark? This will help…

Running your own business can feel like applying for a new job each and every day.

You put yourself out there in your best light.

You psych yourself up for the interview or sales call.

You do the mental and spiritual gymnastics required to slip into the a positive, hopeful mindset.

You work hard to keep the demons of negativity at bay.

Each and every day.

No passes.

Zero days where you get to coast through the motions (and still get paid).

You've gotta be smart, savvy, and ON. All. The. Time.

It's exhausting!

But here's the thing.

Entrepreneurs can't AFFORD to be exhausted.

Exhausted doesn't serve our clients.
Exhausted doesn't let us create.
Exhausted doesn't pay the bills.

So now on top of being exhausted, you're STRESSED.

But rather than plowing through, here's a suggestion.

Rather than fight the exhaustion, why not listen to it?

Why not see it as a signal? A signal that it's time for a break. 

Ignoring it will only make things worse. You'll get sick. You'll have a meltdown. It's inevitable: you will have a setback.

But if you listen to to exhaustion and heed its message for you (REST), you'll recharge your batteries and find a fresh perspective. And this is a wonderful thing.

So, what can you do to recharge?

Does crashing on the sofa feel too passive? (I get that).

How about a CREATIVITY RETREAT instead?

Creativity is a great way to recharge your batteries. 

And it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

In fact, the possibilities are endless, ranging from simple, do-it-yourself options, to supportive groups, to destination retreats.

I'm fresh off a terrific experience leading a group of women entrepreneurs where we met weekly to discuss and reflect on the themes from the book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. Our class served as a mini-respite from the busy-ness and noise of the outside world. We began to treasure our time together, writing, sharing, and tuning in to our creative muses. 

This group really illustrated a point for me. Entrepreneurs need support that goes beyond business strategy, branding, and marketing. We are not machines. We need fuel for our creative souls.

That's why I'm committed to helping entrepreneurs like you find nourishment and inspiration. Here are five ideas for creating your own retreat:

1. Give yourself the afternoon off. Go see a movie. Go to a museum. Julia Cameron, author of the Artist's Way called these "Artist's Dates," and suggested we build them in to our week on a regular basis. The idea behind this? To nourish your creative soul. 
   
   
2. Color. Don't want to leave the house or office? Grab a coloring book and spend a few minutes getting lost in the moment. A quick Amazon search will show you all the adult coloring books on the market now. You may have to talk yourself through a wall of resistance to get started, but once you give yourself permission to play with the colors imperfectly, it's amazing how refreshed you'll feel.
   
   
3. Take a walk. Moving your body is a great way to hit the re-set button. Add some fresh air to the mix and you're golden. Walking clears the mind and opens space for new ideas to flow in. Yes, it's counter-intuitive, especially when your urge is to push harder, but why not give it a try?
   
   
4. Take a class. Open a window of time in your week for a workshop or group class. The connections you make will feed your soul and give you chance to try something new. My Big Magic group proved this point. It truly made a difference! One participant said it "broke down walls for her." Another said it helped her find her "zing" again. (Do you live in the Bloomington, IN area? My next Big Magic group begins March 21. Details here).
   
   
5. Go on an actual retreat. Sometimes a change of scenery is the best antidote for burn out. Stepping out of your normal routine and spending time in nature can do wonders for your creative spirit. Yes, there's more of a financial investment involved, but this investment will give you returns. In fact, retreats are really a must-do if you want to sustain your energy for your business. 

Which brings me to my EXCITING NEWS!

I'm offering a Big Magic retreat this summer in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, NC. Want to learn more? Click here. (Enjoy significant early bird savings now through 3/23).

As a creative and entrepreneur, I've been to burnout and back many times. And I've learned one thing: soul care is a requirement for the journey. Creative soul care has made such a difference in my life, and I am committed to sharing it with you. Won't you consider being kinder to yourself? Try one of my suggestions above, or do something that feels right to you. You'll feel better. I guarantee it.

From my heart to yours,