We’re officially mid-way through the year, which is a fantastic time to check in:

     – How has the first half of the year gone for you?
     – What do you want to do differently in the 2nd half?
     – Finish this sentence: By the end of 2023, I want to _______

Personal Retreat Days are a perfect time to get away and ask yourself questions like these. Grab a journal, head out to a coffee shop or botanical garden, and spend time reflecting on the past 6 months and planning your next steps. 

Mid-year also offers a good opportunity to go back to your WHY. Why should you regularly practice Personal Retreat Days? When I teach people about the power of PRDs, I’m often met with resistance: 

“I don’t have time”
     “PRDs feel selfish”
     “I have to take care of my family/my job/my house instead”

I want to remind you that the most important relationship you have is the one you have with yourself. You can’t break up with yourself, and you can’t block your own calls! The one person you will always be with is YOU! So, doesn’t it make sense to create the best version of yourself? Personal Retreat Days give you the time and space to do that! In a PRD, you will spend time evaluating what’s going well in your life, and where you want to make changes. Without intentionally setting aside time for reflection, we tend to just keep grinding through our days. Then one day we wake up and realize, “this is not what I thought my life would look like!” Don’t let that happen to you. Schedule your next PRD and spend time reflecting and planning.

During your PRD you should also ideally spend time on self-care.
     Rest your body: take a nap, take a bubble bath, maybe even splurge for a massage every once in a while.
     Feed your spirit: take a walk in nature, meditate, read scripture or sing praise music.
     Clear your mind: journal, make lists, or do a “brain dump” by writing down all those looping thoughts that clog up your mind.
Remember, self-care is NEVER selfish! We bring our best selves to others and to our jobs when we are rested and relaxed.

And that, my friends, is why you should prioritize Personal Retreat Days!