Carving out any fun time this summer?

There's nothing worse than getting to the end of a glorious Northwest summer and realizing you've missed out.

In the past, there have been summers so busy that I barely had time for a brief camping trip. Now I start thinking about this early in the spring when I'm planning my calendar and I intentionally create one light month each summer. This summer, it's August. I have a couple of nice weekend trips planned, no workshops or groups to facilitate, and more open space overall in my weekly schedule.

Do you make a conscious effort to carve out time for yourself? What works for you?

Warning: shameless promotion coming... I'm doing a Biznik book group on this topic on July 31st, 4-6pm in Seattle. If you're interested in continuing this discussion with other like-minded folks, I'd love to meet you. The book is How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner... and Still Have a Life by Bill Collier

The Inspired Life: You can get there from here.

5 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by Arthur Torelli, Seattle, Washington | Jul 02, 2008

I just try never to plan too many things so I always have time available for spur of the moment things. Art T.

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Posted by Jeff Fisher, Portland, Oregon | Jul 03, 2008

With my Monday through Thursday "office hours" I have a lot of flexibility for long weekends - or staying at home to garden or work on related projects.

Heading off tomorrow to White Salmon to stay with friends for the 4th of July. Trips to Cannon Beach, out of town to visit friends, and the Wallowa Mountains for our annual week of gold mining are on the upcoming schedule.

In addition, the last week of August I'll be in Chicago as the closing speaker for the Creative Freelancer Conference. I do enjoy Chicago!

Already working on plans for Christmas in Hawaii and my annual two weeks in St. Croix in the spring of next year. In fact, I'm already planning a month in France for 2010 and an extended Mexico trip in 2011.

It's about working to live; rather than living to work!
Posted by Andrey Rozmaity, Kent, Washington | Jul 03, 2008

I have a month long out of country vacation coming up on the 23rd of the month =]

-Andrey

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Posted by David Krafchick, Seattle, Washington | Jul 08, 2008

I have something I call Ego Funding. It can be free, costs very little or more, be an hour or more, but it's time for yourself to give back to yourself in the most selfish, self gratifying way. If someone joins you, then they can only have a good time - no business, just selfishly sharing a great time together.

I have seen a free movie (I have passes and a membership- $20 a year), gone for a walk, taken friends to Jazz Alley. I give myself little gifts no one else would give me. Even in the busiest times, I make a little time for Ego Funding. It gives you a break, recharges your batteries and makes you feel oh so good.
Posted by Debbie Lacy, Seattle, Washington | Jul 09, 2008

Great to see how intentional people are about taking time off, and in such inspiring ways, too! Jeff: gold mining, a Hawaiian Christmas, two weeks in St. Croix, and you're planning a few years out for a couple more trips? Fantastic!

I love the Ego Funding idea-- Thanks for sharing, David! I also like Julia Cameron's suggestion for an "artist date" where you take yourself out on a play date to do whatever nurtures your creativity.

Andrey, where to on the 23rd?

I was in South Africa for 3-1/2 weeks over the holidays this past year, but have been going & going ever since. It'll be good to slow down next month.

The Inspired Life: You can get there from here.