Thinking of my daughter, Dana and my brother-in-law, Dan who just passed, and the question, “What makes a life well lived?”

Last week my Dana took some amazing pictures and wrote about her recent trip to the Catskills and NYC. Those who knew Dan, knew how he loved his vacations to the beach. So for Memorial Day weekend I want to reflect on both and the power of vacation.

My daughter Dana knows how to live life fully with passion as you can witness in her writings (and both of her popular blogs).  She also knows how to relax, two key elements to optimal health.

The first wealth is health.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you read last weeks blog, you know that I definitely need this three day weekend and to heed my own advice, to relax. Like Dana, I have been accused of having a lot of passion. Who me? My business coach gave me the best advice. First, schedule in multiple vacations before any other business appointments, and commit to this.  We need to be our best selves in order to thrive and have our best business. Unfortunately, for most of us, when life gets tough, we tend to do just the opposite and vacations are often the first to go. This has been true for me and I’m sad at how many I’ve missed over the years.  I bought into the myth that I had to just “work a little harder” to meet my goals.To lead a balanced life we need to balance work and play. This is essential for your health, business and financial goals.

As I said in my book, part of step one to optimal health is to “Commit to Self”. When I set my goals in January, I committed to a family vacation, at least one personal retreat and to lead one or two wellness retreats. I am very proud to say that 6 months in, I’m going to meet those goals.

Here’s my calendar for the rest of the year. June, I’m attending Wanderlust, a yoga festival with Beloved Yoga Studio in West Virginia. A wonderful mini vacation and retreat. This will prepare me for Love Your Body Day in Reston, Va the following Sunday, please come join us and hear me speak in the therapeutic yoga tent on June 14th.

July, is a mini-trip to San Clemente California to do a workshop at Asana Yoga and see my son and his lovely girlfriend and a generous friend offering me to stay in her condo.

August, is our family retreat at a 7000 acre Bison Ranch outside of Yosemite National park, with stargazing, horseback riding and cowboy camping on the wish list.

I am most proud to invite you in September, to my biggest retreat with some amazing and inspirational authors, in Asilomar California; a must do if you want to be inspired and are serious about healing from within. I will be there in September only.

Asilomar is a retreat center on the coast in Monterey California where Deepak Chopra has led some of his meditation retreats and Dr Wayne Dyer filmed the movie, The Shift. This weekend why don’t you watch it and see why you need to attend this inaugural event. If it speaks to you, so will this retreat. Not only will there be one of a kind workshops, yoga on the beach, healthy organic food and the freshest seafood, nighttime entertainment and a unique beach lunar eclipse experience; we will also offer personal time and hikes in the National Park next to the retreat. All in a four day mini vacation.  Participants will get so much more before and after the event too, so check out all the benefits of participating in this amazing community. here: 

Finally, home and refreshed, in October, I will be representing our Integrative Wellness Program at the center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Healthy Expo at the Silver Spring Civic Center.

Life is short, how will you commit to living life to it’s fullest?  How will you replenish your cup so you can best serve those that you love? I would be so honored to have you join me as I fill mine. Please contact me if you are interested in exploring further. 

Carpe Diem!

Lisa

PS

To see Dana’s vacation pics click here