A Vision of Hope

Monday, January 19th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

After a week of working long hours in my home office, I was experiencing a case of cabin fever so I set out to visit my local Starbucks for a change of scenery, and more specifically, to surround myself with human contact (and a soy latte). And, this is what I found so interesting and what I continue to find uplifting despite our current economic atmosphere: There were people, a lot of people and as one walked out with their favorite drink in hand, another one or two walked in with cash in hand for their favorite hot potion. And, ironically enough, I was reading a New York Times article discussing how consumers have been taking on some of the tasks that they used to pay for, such as brewing an espresso at home. It went on to report that many of us started cooking more at home, are coloring or cutting our own hair, grooming our own pets and working on our own cars. Well, the question that comes to mind is this: Is this out of fear, guilt or because we really want to take on more tasks despite an already hectic work/life schedule?

From the experience I had at my local Starbucks (Chesapeake, VA by the way), this isn’t unique as I escape to this location when I get cabin fever and it’s busy like this most of the time. So, the other question is: Who is making their own lattes and is it a few or the masses?

We can agree that small businesses, namely service-oriented, are affected by our current economy as we cut back, however we’re Americans and we’re resilient and although it’s wise to make cuts to sustain ourselves, it’s also vital to employ the services of those that have been available to our needs and not turn our heads on them now. After all, ‘they’ could be us and yes, that is the case here and amongst some of the small businesses that I continue to support. For instance, consider that coloring your own hair may be harsh to your scalp/hair and not last as long if not done correctly. Perhaps grooming your own pet leads to hurting a paw or not taking care of all of their needs for good pet health. What did the latte machine cost? And isn’t going out for a cup of coffee more often than not about the experience and taking time away to reconnect with a friend or finding a little time alone to reflect and unwind? Travel is another area that has been affected by our current economic atmosphere and while travel buying habits have changed, people are traveling. Travel and tourism is one of our nation’s greatest resources for jobs and economic growth and support is vital as we encourage more overseas visitors to the United States.

Now is the time to re-connect and stand by each other. After all, we are Americans and small business leaders helped create our country and we must never, ever give up. Now is the time to sow our seeds and have faith that what we are planting and creating now will flourish and we will once again be prosperous. The sooner we live from purpose and focus on what we can do today to create a better tomorrow, the better off all of us will be.

This is an exciting time, it’s a ‘do over’ for many of us and when we can find our way to embrace that – imagine the possibilities. This isn’t about politics. It is about believing in the power of people and the belief that we can rise above, just as a phoenix rises from the ashes. As Barack Obama said in his fateful speech on November 4th, “This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”

This is not to be confused with a ‘Pollyanna’ viewpoint; it is written with the intention of standing together and realizing that there is positive news out there. There are stories of business growth and successes despite the daily news of company closings and low profit margins and when we choose to read more of the positive news we can all be inspired to get up in the morning and face the day with purpose and a knowing that it is getting a little better each day.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said many years ago, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” What is your dream and do you believe in it and yourself?

Rancho la Puerta – new special

Saturday, January 10th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Hi – well, this just came in and you’re the first to know….okay, second……I’ve never seen a special like this during peak season at Rancho la Puerta and I’m excited that there’s another opportunity to experience Rancho la Puerta at a special rate. Here are the details:

Enjoy “Bring a Friend” weeks and save $1500 to $2200
January 17-24, 2009 | February 7-14, 2009 | February 21-28, 2009

All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off.
Share the room…share the savings! Now is the perfect time to visit Rancho La Puerta,
legendary luxury fitness resort and spa founded in 1940. Only one hour east of San Diego.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages. NEVER A SERVICE CHARGE.
Private garden casitas…three healthy, organic meals daily…over 50 cutting-edge fitness classes…3,000 private acres…guided hikes, tennis, swimming…organic farm…cooking school…soothing spa treatments transportation to and from San Diego Airport included.
(Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only.)

For more information, visit: Spa Vacations

Article: ‘Ranch’

Top 10 Destination Spas for Change

Saturday, January 10th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Top 10 Spa & Wellness Retreats

Are you ready to take action to change your life and create what you want for your life? Get ready to challenge yourself, nurture yourself and reinvent yourself using travel and spa as your vehicle. Choose to live in the moment in 2009 and reach beyond your limits to uncover your hidden passions and a more positive you. It starts here, are you ready?

Mindful Adventure’s Top 10 Destination Spas for Change
Positive Action creates Positive Changes

Canyon Ranch, Tucson – The healing power and energy of the Sonoran Desert is a respite to those seeking programs to nourish, challenge and pamper themselves. Consider hiking, biking, nutritious dining, workshops and consultations by wellness and medical experts and a full service spa for relaxation and renewal. The possibilities are endless and a destination spa, such as this, will give you the tools and the time to evaluate your priorities and set yourself on a path of growth and new beginnings.

Miraval Resort, Tucson – Find inspiration and learn how to live in the moment. Be present, rather than worry about the past or the future. Different experiences present choices for nutrition, fitness, stress management and meditation. Explore challenging activities, inspiring classes and relaxing moments to help you create a healthier lifestyle.

Golden Door, Escondido, CA – Discover a hidden oasis inspired by the ancient Japanese Honjin inns and find yourself embraced in luxury and care at this world-famous sanctuary. Small classes, attentive staff, luxurious therapies and engaging activities support the body, mind and spirit and help create a completeness in who we are becoming. Inspiring hikes, nourishing meals, invigorating days and relaxing nights lead you to a new enthusiasm for an ongoing healthy lifestyle.

Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico – Rancho la Puerta offers an abundance of fitness classes, hiking opportunities for the beginner to advanced, cooking demos, lectures and plenty of options for pampering in their health centers. Meals are nourishing and vegetarian and simply delicious. The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and they’re very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.

Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah – Only 90 minutes from Las Vegas, this resort is surrounded by majestic red mountains, vivid blue skies and the peaceful setting of the Utah desert. Adventure awaits guests with activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking as well as healthy living classes, fitness, healthy dining and pampering spa services to soothe your body, mind and soul after a fulfilling day. Consider the assistance of their Life Coach, Cindy Clemmons, and take part in one of the workshops to help you make the changes for a more fulfilling life.

Green Valley Spa, St. George, Utah – Founded in 1985 and family-owned since then, this resort is a luxurious oasis in the Utah desert and offers an amazing tennis program, as well as hiking, spa, wellness programs and nature at its best. Green Valley Spa is also home to a Weight Loss Clinic and other programs helping guests create positive change in their lives.

Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, CA – Recently renovated and one of the best values in a destination spa vacation. They offer up to 16 exercise classes and fitness activities per day, a 1000 calorie-a-day spa food plan, spa services, and healthy living classes and an opportunity for (mostly) women to make positive changes and return home renewed and rejuvenated.

Cal-a-Vie, Vista, CA – Located in the rolling hills outside of San Diego, this intimate European villa-inspired resort offers guests the tools to create a more balanced lifestyle with nutritious meals, fitness classes, stress management classes and a luxurious spa. Contemplate the changes you’re ready to make while doing a walking meditation in the labyrinth or within the quiet walls of their 400 year-old chapel.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX – Located on Lake Austin in Texas Hill Country, this highly rated resort is a rare find in the Austin area and a unique setting for a destination spa. It is truly like going to your best friend’s lake cottage! Fitness classes, healthy living classes, nutritious and delicious dining are available. If you’re looking for a unique program in healthy cooking, then the Culinary ExperienceÔ is one to look into for an interactive experience, which is another opportunity to take action to create positive change in your life.

Mii Amo, Sedona, AZ – Mii Amo, a Native American word meaning “journe,” is located at Enchantment Resort and surrounded by the awe-inspiring red rocks of Sedona. There is a sense of healing and feeling of life-changing energy in this magical space in the desert. There are different “journeys” or programs that you can choose from for a 3-, 4- or 7-night stay such as the Healthy Lifestyle journey, Ayurvedic Balance,m or Healthy Aging. Journeys include all meals, classes, activities and spa services. A stunning and inspirational setting creates the stage for change.

Life is a Journey….that we can all agree upon. Take the first step to create the positive change you desire and keep on walking!

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.” Lao Tze