Rest! Reflect! Renew!

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening my ax." Abraham Lincoln

Seasons Greetings!

I am just back from an absolutely wonderful cruise vacation. Meals, housekeeping, child care, entertainment...my every need was met against the backdrop of clear skies, blue waters, and beautiful sunsets. It was my own little piece of--dare I say--heaven. The pics haven't quite completed their journey from teenager's digital camera to hubby's computer to my inbox, but I'll be sure to post a few next week.

I'd like to encourage you all to take a few days away from doing and just be. It's important that you leave your responsibilities, otherwise, you'll feel inclined to take care of them. This could mean staying at a friend's house for the weekend, checking into a hotel, or sending the kids to stay with auntie or the grandparents for a few days. Turn off your phone and hide the laptop from yourself. I didn't take a computer on the cruise and cell phone roaming fees would have been ridiculous, so I wasn't tempted to take care of any business at all.

Vacations aren't optional. They are necessary. We become dull with use and have to spend some time sharpening ourselves. Be sure to take at least a weekend as soon as you can. Below are some ideas for how you can spend your free time.

Rest.
- I spent the first day and a half of our trip being thankful and just relaxing. Eating. Sleeping. Inhaling. Exhaling. Enjoying my family without having to worry about housework, schoolwork, or a hectic schedule. Don't do anything, just be.

Reflect.
- As entrepreneurs and go-getters,our minds are often on overdrive and there is only so much resting that we can do. Once the thoughts and ideas start to creep in, write them down. If you're inspired to do something new, it's good to jot down an outline or strategy that you can implement when you return. Have you had a particular problem? There were some things that I prayed about and turned over and over in my mind until I received a solution.

Renew.
- Do you desire to be a better person? A better parent or spouse? Do you have business goals that you want to meet? Chances are, you vowed to do something a year ago, or a few years ago, and have fallen off the wagon. Renew your vow! Be true to yourself about what you need to do and then learn more about how you can get it done. I brought along a book and read a couple of chapters each day.

Take some time for yourself and come back sharper than ever!

Adrienne Adams is an author and business coach. She is passionate about helping women earn an income doing what they love to do -- and are probably already doing for free!

Would you like more information? Visit www.itsnotenoughtodream.com