"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
- Romans 12:2 

 

Dear Friend,

 

I would like to share a newsletter with you that I wrote a couple of summers ago.  I hope you enjoy it!

 

I just stepped in from the balcony of my hotel room on Miami Beach. A few quiet moments gazing at the gorgeous ocean coastline, and a couple of days in an environment outside of my norm, always opens my mind to new ideas, options and dreams. Have you ever noticed how going away gives you a new perspective on things? This week, I challenge you to consider ways - big and small - that you can put yourself in a different environment purely for the sake of renewing your mind. Breaking away from your regular routine can provide the inner renewal and energy you need to make decisions, persevere through challenges, and resist getting drawn into the drama and issues that can tempt you daily. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2 advises.

 

Major epiphanies in my life have occurred while out of my normal environment. My epiphany about my life purpose came while on a trip to Seattle, Washington in 1999. An inkling that I would be leaving Dallas in one year to live near the water occurred one afternoon while spending time at a local park near a lake in Dallas in 2002. One year later, I married and moved to Maryland, where I live near the Potomac River. Sometimes the inklings and attitude shifts that occur from putting yourself in a different environment can give you a better perspective on a frustrating situation at work or at home, defuse your stress at the end of a rough day, or simply renew your mind in the midst of multitasking. I'd like to share four ideas for getting away that may be just what you need to renew your mind:

1. Do something different.
It's so easy to get caught in the same routines day after day, weekend after weekend, and year after year. Identify new places where you'd like to eat, visit, relax or have fun. This week, commit to shaking up your normal routine with something different that will stimulate and nourish your mind.

 

2. Go away for the weekend.
A weekend getaway is like a miniature vacation. It is something you can do even if you don't have the chance right now to go away for a week or two. And it is a great way to refresh your spirit between vacations.

 

3. Take advantage of beauty in your own backyard.
It amazes me how often many of us take for granted the nature that is all around us. Having lived in some beautiful places - Florida, Germany, Colorado and California - I didn't recognize how much I'd taken my scenic locales for granted until I moved to a place that didn't have a beach or mountains. While in Dallas, I learned to appreciate that beauty doesn't have to be grand in order to nurture our spirits. Get out and take a walk. Go to the park. Enjoy trees rustling in the breeze, birds chirping and flowers blooming. And if you live in a particularly scenic area, by all means, take advantage of it!

 

4. Take a real vacation.
There is nothing like true respite from the cares of everyday life. Don't shortchange yourself by calling a weekend a real vacation. Take out your calendar, block off a week or more and write a vision of your ideal vacation. It might be an exotic trip - or it could be a peaceful period of nothingness right at home.

Journaling assignment:
How are you feeling lately? Overloaded? Rested? Hurried? What would renew your mind, body and spirit?

 

My challenge to you this week:
Take five minutes right now to ponder what you would like to do to "get away" and put yourself in a new environment. Then take action to make it happen.

Until next time ... 
 
Warm wishes,

Valorie