For Mother's Day, my husband and kids sent me to one of my favorite places in the world -- Paris. And they sent me by myself. This may seem ironic to some, but for me it was the perfect gift.
The food, the atmosphere, the art -- just walking! All for me to enjoy without having to worry about any schedule, agenda or need that is not my own.
Taking time to restore your self is an incredibly difficult thing to do. Yet, it is vitally important.
Recently, I was faced with a family crisis. Usually, I consider myself someone who rises to the occasion and is able to turn immediately to action, putting my own issues aside. In this case, however? Not so much.
All I could think about was how it impacted me. Instead of responding with grace -- I burst into tears. I fumed. I did the best I could at the time, but I'm not proud of how I handled myself at all.
I canceled my work trip. I re-arranged my schedule. My clients were gracious, my friends and family at home understanding and awesomely supportive. My husband felt terrible; he was going away and I was going to have to handle the situation on my own. My new friends here in the Netherlands were gorgeous.
The truth is I had run my battery down so far I had no reserves when I needed them. And this needs to change. I am blessed with an incredible support network, but I need to create buffers so I can recharge myself and rely on my own resilience. Next week, I'll actually be working with the brilliant Stefanie Hooglund to create this space for myself.
Thankfully, the crisis has been averted. I am optimistic and actually deeply grateful for the early intervention.
Life will return to "normal" at some point and I've readjusted my goals so I can be okay with not knowing exactly when.
And, of course, I'll always have Paris!
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Do you need inspiration? Take a look at my Paris Inspiration Weekend Board.
Sometimes, just taking a moment to look at it will be enough. At other times, I will need to be more bold and schedule a day off here to do the things I love to do in Paris. After all, cafes, art museums and people-watching exist in the Netherlands, too!
Make a board of your own and share it! Who knows what might happen?
Sometimes, just taking a moment to look at it will be enough. At other times, I will need to be more bold and schedule a day off here to do the things I love to do in Paris. After all, cafes, art museums and people-watching exist in the Netherlands, too!
Make a board of your own and share it! Who knows what might happen?


























