I’m excited announce the launch of the Panta Rei Retreat, it’s a spa and workshop weekend at the luxurious Sutton Mill Inn where people can step out of their busy lives in a nice setting with some time for expansive thinking about what’s next in their lives and careers.  After doing workshops and conferences at hotels I decided it would be nice to do it in a natural setting and away from all the distractions of daily life to do this type of thinking.  Plus, I’m including massages, wine tasting and chef prepared meals….all things I love!  I figure it’s good to get pampered while you’re doing some deep thinking!

The first one is the weekend of September 25 and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve heard from many people recently that with all the turmoil in the world they want to know, “What’s next for me?” and people are so busy with their lives they don’t have the time or the space to really think this through.  My plan is for these retreats to be a great place to answer the bigger questions as well to have a great time.

Joe and I are headed up to the Sutton Mill Inn this weekend for a little relaxation and some planning on my part.

Many of us find it hard to say no.  Often times when we do say no to something we feel the need to give reasons for it.  In one of my workshops recently a woman made the statement that she felt free when she realized that the word “no” is a complete sentence.  I love that!  We don’t have to justify our decisions to others when we are choosing what’s best for us. I’m not saying to be belligerent about it, but you don’t always have to justify your decisions.

In the last 5 years I’ve learned to recognize when I’m in a situation with a client that isn’t good for me and to put a transition plan in place so that I can focus on the things I want to focus on. It’s not always easy to do it, but when you can say no to a situation that isn’t serving you it creates a space for new opportunities to come in.

The other thing I’ve learned to do is to say no to social events, dinners and other things I get invited to that I really don’t want to participate in.  I used to go because I felt like needed to (not sure why?) and then once I got there I couldn’t wait to head for the door.  Now, I spend my time doing the things I want to do and with the people I want to be with.  Time is so precious these days, I only want to spend it doing the things I want to do and I don’t have room any longer for those other things.  Some people may think that’s selfish, but I’m okay with that