pen to paper

May 17, 2011

coming into focus
planning for the virtual summer retreat has begun!

i can’t decide what i’m more excited about: planning this 6-week experience, or actually going through it personally with so many of you! so far, i’m still in the brainstorming stages [i will be putting together the elements in a more concrete fashion during my upcoming vacation].


i’m having a great time putting my ideas on paper, and i already have a number of things up my sleeve. but since two heads are better than one — and i know there are plenty of brilliant heads out there reading this — i would like to solicit your thoughts as well!


so, i would love it if you would share with me any of the following:

■ an idea for an activity or journal entry

media: a blog post, free e-book, video, or podcast that has inspired/spoken to you

■ what YOU would like to get out of the experience [general or specific!]

what’s in it for you?
i know you’re all going to be shocked, but i am going to recommend that participants dedicate a notebook [preferably a cute one that makes you want to write in it!] specifically for this journey.

if you can write it, you can do it!
and this [rather awesome] one is up for grabs to anyone leaving a brainstorming comment on this post! the winner will be chosen on thursday AM, so get your thoughts to me before then.

——————————————————————-

5.16.11

workout: 3.2ish mile run outside [perfect temps — ahh, i wish i could just hit ‘pause’ and keep this NC may weather year round!]

super natural cooking
this recipe is from super natural cooking, a beautiful book filled with recipes that have never let me down. [i am currently coveting the recently-released sequel super natural every day — and i will succumb eventually!]

this pasta dish is in the book but is also online on the lovely simply recipes site. unfortunately, my photo cannot compete with elise’s, but trust me when i say this asparagus-spinach pesto pasta was delicious.

layered with extra spinach as a healthy base
i had anticipated leftovers, but josh took it upon himself to eat approximately 4 servings of this meal and now it’s all gone. note to self: next time, ignore the serving size on the package of pasta; it takes a lot to satisfy this burger king.

11 Comments

  • Reply loreejo March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    burger king! ha i have to admit that the glee-ful pix of josh w/a burger are some of my favorites on your blog. why am i not surprised a notebook is recommended for the retreat? should i not win the one offered above, 🙂 , do you suggest a tabbed notebook in particular?

  • Reply girlinmaths March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I have two things to share with you: one is a book on time menagement that I think will speak to you: time management from the inside out by julie morgenstern. I have not exactly implemented her suggestions, but the ideas are inspirng. The other thing is about what I want out of it: I want to be able to work when I should work, and enjoy my free time fully. I do neither at this time, so I am always halfway feeling I should be working, and procrastinating when at work. Maybe this has something to do with fear of never doing anything good enough, or with not having enough fun things to do in my free time or something else. If I could get change this that would help me grealy.

  • Reply Kelsey March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I want to be able to go with the flow more easily. My whole day gets derailed when plans don’t go accordingly and then I start stressing and it’s a downward spiral to a bad day. I need to stop sweating the small stuff!!

  • Reply Nan March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I ‘m all for routines and structure in general but I would love to work on breaking out of a rut that has come of feeling like my life is so routine! I would love to work on indulging in good old self-care guilt free…How can we include that in our lives so that it is actually helpful to tapping into our true passions and creativity to lead more authentic and richer lives.

  • Reply @SeeAmandaTweet March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I think I’d like to learn about balance (wouldn’t we all haha). I tend to have a hard time focusing on the project at hand, and spend too much time worrying about all the other things I have going on. I think learning to balance would go a long way towards making me a stronger, happier person.

  • Reply MSWR March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    My fertility yoga instructor gave me a lovely journaling prompt that I’ve been trying to start most days with:
    1. I am grateful for… (I usually list about 10 things)
    2. My intention today is…
    3. To Do today… (the first item is always "Breathe")
    4. Right now I feel…
    5. What am I joyfully anticipating?
    6. What have I learned lately?
    I’ve really been getting a lot out of starting my day in this thoughtful, mindful way. Speaking of mindful, mindfulness (and being present) is one of the big things I’d love to get out of the virtual retreat.

    Also, I collect quotes, and this is a great one from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered by your old nonsense."

    One other suggestion I have is for the Daily Om site: http://dailyom.com/
    I get a lot out of the daily messages that I’ve subscribed to. Here’s an example from a recent message: "Most people don”t always fully realize that we all have within us the ability to cocreate our lives with the universe. So many of us are taught to accept what we are given and not even to dream of anything more. But our hopes and dreams are the universe whispering to us, planting an idea of what”s possible while directing us toward the best use of our gifts. The universe truly wants to give us our hearts” desires, but we need to be clear about what they are and ask for them. "

  • Reply Priyanka March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    You have some great tips going on here, I think we should have a online book club. I don’t how the logistics would work out, but if we can poll and plan ahead, a date in the later part of june can be set. We can all read a book that you highly recommend and pick up some habits/ideas as a group.

    seriously Sarah, your post on my blog has changed me for good. Its not that I don’t procrastinate but to-do lists have really pulled me out of that procrastination rut! I am your fan!!!!! 🙂 🙂

  • Reply Chelsea March 10, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    Recently I’ve come to the realization that I use running and junk food (not tons of it, but too much) as coping mechanisms, and I’d like to have other things to turn to when I need to relieve stress.

  • Reply Jill B March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I think it is very important to end with contemplation and a small action to do- something that you can do in 5-10 min. I also think it is important for you to figure out where your talents and skills are- focus on topics that you ahve unique knowledge and experience on and that are close to your heart. Then it will be most transformative for us too.

  • Reply Jo-Lynne Shane March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I love love LOVE Terra Chips. Dangerous is right. That pasta looks divine. Unfortunately carbs hate me, and I’m gluten free. Boo.

  • Reply @ejcallen March 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I’d like to spend some time focusing on thankfulness. Sometimes I devote so much energy to thinking about what I don’t have or the way I wish things were that I don’t see the good things right in front of me. It also helps when things get rocky to remember to pause and be thankful.

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