Take time to fill the well

Sometimes we get so caught up in "making things happen" in our careers that we forget to take time to recharge. Or maybe we consciously avoid it, feeling somewhere inside that it's not productive time.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. It's incredibly productive time, and if we don't take it, we'll inevitably start coming up with dust in our bucket when we go to the well.

Here's an article on the Life Challenges site with some suggestions for making sure the well stays filled. It is specifically aimed at women, but much of it seems pretty applicable across the board.

Plan one day a week to do something for yourself to nourish your soul. Use this time to remember your dreams and ideas. Schedule this day in your daybook.

It goes on to suggest:

Chill out. Relax, do nothing, sit in a comfy chair. Stay in bed all day; don't get out of your pajamas, snuggle up with extra blankets, and bring a mug of tea or hot chocolate to bed. Meditate. Write in your journal. Read inspirational books or a novel. Take naps all day. No housework allowed!
Pamper yourself. Soak your feet in a tub of hot water mixed with epsom salts, lavender and tea-tree oil. Go for a massage, energy healing, sauna, shiatsu or get a foot massage. Get a manicure. Take a hot bath, surround yourself with candles, and play your favorite tunes.
Treat yourself. Buy yourself a gift and wrap it up. Buy yourself flowers. Prepare a special meal at home or eat out. Make or purchase your favorite snack foods and indulge.
Find out. Get a tarot card or psychic reading. Pull a Rune stone or an animal card. Visit a fortune teller or palm reader.
Explore. Go on an adventure in your neighborhood. Walk down new streets. Go into stores you've never explored, visit a local plant nursery, or tour a museum. Plan a local bike ride, a hike, or a picnic at a local park. Take a pottery or art class. Listen to an orchestra rehearsal.
Get outside. Be alone in a park or at the beach. Hike in a local forest or park. Sit or walk by a lake, a stream, or the ocean and listen to the water. Watch birds and butterflies. Plant a garden or pot some flowers. Go for a walk and smell flowers along the way. Go out and look at the moon and the stars. Watch the sun rise or set. Listen to the rain.
Create. Write a letter to a friend or yourself. Paint, draw, color, sculpt or sketch. Make ornaments, decorations, or crafts according for the season - Xmas tree ornaments, door wreaths, painted easter eggs, handmade soaps and lotions, dried flower bouquets, gift cards, or potpourri.
Laugh. Watch a comedy or magic show - live or on TV. Read a book by Ben Elton or Bill Cosby. Subscribe to the Funny Times. Sing out loud in the shower or tub. Dance naked around your house to your favorite upbeat music. Watch children play.

Curt Rosengren
Passion Catalyst ^SM