Balancing the Scales

I finished up with the West Linn Arts Festival yesterday. It was a good experience. The first time I have attended that particular Festival. The weather was beautiful - sunny, blue skies and not too hot. We had a great location that allowed us to really hear all of the musicians and performers which completed the experience. We had a good weekend of sales, but more importantly we met some great people and made some great contacts.

Now it is time for some balance. I have several exciting opportunities coming up - shops and galleries that we are in conversations with, custom orders to complete, our annual holiday sales as well as a special private sale that I am working on (more details to come on that later - it will be GREAT!). By rights I don't have time to catch my breath.

HOWEVER . . .recently, I had a bit of a wake-up call. Nothing major - but enough to make me aware that it was time to put a bit more balance back into the life. I've always been an extreme advocate of women making time for themselves. I remind my friends often that they are not being selfish when they make time to care themselves - take time to go for a walk or a hike, take the bubble bath, read that book for fun, work on their hobby. And I work in my studio all the time. I love my studio time - but when preparing for shows and filling orders - it is the business part of the venture and it is work. Work that I love doing, for sure - but work none-the-less. So it is time for me to take some of my own advice and "sit, talk, laugh, share and relax".

The reality is - when I honor myself and allow myself time for a walk or to do something special for myself - I truly am more productive. I can get more work done in less time. It's one of those little life anomolies that don't necessarily make any sense!

So with the need for balance in mind . . . 

I am actively planning some little mini-vacations to allow myself the time to do just that.

 I am starting with a day trip this Saturday. I'm not sure exactly what the day will hold - but I know that a soak in a mineral bath will be high on the list.

I am planning an early evening pedicure.

And I am looking for someplace to escape for a little weekend get-away.

What kind of things do you do to stay balanced? Share ideas - maybe I will borrow one or two.