by Carmen Greger
When is the last time that you intentionally, proactively and mindfully carved out time for you?
It is so important to prioritize a weekly meeting with, and celebration of, yourself.
According to Julia Cameron, in her international best seller ‘The Artist’s Way’ which she penned more than 25 years ago and which is still jumping off bookshelves today, in order to thrive and feel fully alive and abundant with energy, creativity, clarity and new insight, we must all consider adding to our routine the taking of ourselves out on a ‘once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you’, in whatever form that presents itself. These ‘Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play’. They are a phenomenal tool for self-inquiry, discovery, growth and joy.
Whether a simple blanket lunch in a nearby field, with your favorite book of poetry and an exquisite bottle of Rose’, or a nice afternoon fully taking in the newest exhibit at the museum, an evening at the best restaurant in town, a hike through the trails that you too often just drive by on the way to the market, a mani-pedi coupled with a Venti Starbucks Latte’, a trip to the art store to purchase an array of oils, brushes and blank canvases and heading to the perfect vantage point to paint the skyline at sunset, a peaceful day on a boat at the lake, a weekend away in a new place where you know nobody, a visit to the driving range at Lakeland Golf Club (formerly Stonebridge) to hit as many buckets of balls as you wish followed by a leisurely lunch overlooking the 9th hole…. the list goes on… the opportunities are limitless.
For the next 6 weeks, I challenge you to book a weekly date with yourself. I recommend taking out your calendar now, perusing local events, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, spas, trails, parks, museums, DIY shops and plug in as you feel inspired, so that when life gets busy, as Fall gets into full swing, they busy-ness works itself around your prioritized intention to better get to nurture, know and grow with yourself in a loving, organized but joy-filled way. This experience, as it has proven to do for so many, will likely make you a much happier, healthier and more passionate individual, which in turn, impacts the people around you. Your zest for life and the interesting endeavors you experience, simply by consciously orchestrating them into the symphony of your life, becomes positively infectious.
I have a dear friend whose daughter was out of town and was considering a Date with herself. She sat on the couch after a long, good day of work and contemplated her almost tapped out energy levels and the comfort of her cushy sofa and thought, ‘hmmm…. Maybe I’ll just put on a show, pour a glass of wine, order takeout and go to bed early like I do most nights….’ Somehow her best-self jumped out of her skin, took the reins, tamed the beast and said ‘No way! Get in the shower and take yourself on your date!’ Thankfully, she listened. She changed the trajectory of her whole evening by making that simple choice. She lit up completely and deepened her experience fully just by taking herself out for a really nice dinner, speaking with the Chef about the excellence of the Fillet and the need for a gluten and dairy-free flourless chocolate cake (which he right then made the executive decision to add to the Fall menu), she went shopping for golf attire, as she had been planning to get back into golf, she stopped by the bookstore, bought some beautiful greeting cards and a journal, went to d a different restaurant for dessert (where the first thing on the dessert menu just happened to be gluten-free, dairy-free flourless chocolate cake) filled out her beautiful cards and filled in an entry in her new journal while the golf match played on the background screens at the bar, she then went and bought herself at least 100 roses that she found at a ridiculously discounted price (much to her delight!), then traveled home listening to her favorite songs and wrapped up the evening with a cup of herbal tea while she lay in her hammock taking in the beautiful night as she stargazed. She reports that she is thrilled that she motivated herself to go and that she is excited continue this new weekly life practice ongoing. What a difference that one simple decision, that one single day, that one sweet date made.
We hope you will accept the ‘challenge’ and treat yourself to a weekly Date, at least once, hopefully for the next 6 weeks, and would be thrilled to know that it’s a thread you will consistently weave into the tapestry of your life.
Lakelanders, we’d love to hear what you have decided to plug into your agenda, and if you have any great local recommendations or suggestions for others to try, please share.
Embrace & Enjoy!
