This summer, I’m going back to one of my favorites places on earth: Santorini, Greece
Most people think of the event industry as glamorous, and I suppose it can be…if you are a guest at one of my events (ha ha). If you are in this industry you probably know that as exciting as our business is, most of it is long hours of schlepping, minimal sleep and hard work. I am in awe of how folks with children manage their time and energy while working full time jobs. After an installation, I just want to go home and crash.
Leaving time aside for relaxing or re-charging our bodies is one of the most difficult things for most folks to put on their To Do list. One of the ways I relax is by going to the gym. I belong to two gyms: The Chelsea Piers in New York, and the 24 hour fitness center (for a late workout before or after a long trip).
I get my best ideas when I am relaxing. Whenever I feel creatively blocked, I know is time to stop and visit mother nature. (She tends to be full of inspiration). So, this week in Your Turn, I’d love it if we could all make a serious commitment to taking the time to relax and have some good old fun. And you can start by sharing with me what your vacation plans are. (If you don’t have any, MAKE SOME TODAY. No excuses.)
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Erica Scott
May 28, 2010
Well for regular relaxation and rest I take long hot bubble baths. I do this almost on a daily basis at the end of the day…it’s where I just relax and enjoy a good book!! Even when I get home from an event (sometimes 2-3am) I always get in the bath to relax my muscles or else I won’t be able to walk the next day….seriously!!!
When it comes to vacations….I try to do at least one a year even if it’s just a long-weekend getaway. The beach is my favorite place to be! Any beach will do
Alexandria
May 28, 2010
Most people think my life is a vacation since I work for Tourism Tofino, which is a lovely resort town in Canada, but in reality my job promoting the town often makes it difficult for me to fully relax and stop thinking about “what can I do to improve our business here?” or “how can I make a visitor’s stay better?”. I am planning a weekend at home in August when my new nephew arrives, and then a longer family vacation in Ohio where my extended family lives. Being around the people I love always recharges me and reminds me exactly who I am. Just thinking about it makes me feel better!
Renatta
May 28, 2010
I just returned from a 10-day vacation in New Orleans. It was amazing! For the first 8 of those days, I saw and did everything from tours, attractions, family, the night life. And for the last two days I sat by the pool or in my room and did absolutely nothing – that was the best thing I could have done!
Eve
May 28, 2010
OH YES… I agree,. this job is stressful and demanding (totally unglamorous, and yet SO fabulous).
Oh and on SOME days (especially in winter) PJ days with DVDs and hot chocolate are the best!
I have 3 kids, so yes it is challenging! When I work, my husband is so amazing and takes care of the kids, so when I get back from an event I literally crash on the couch and pass out of exhaustion (as you know the feeling oh so well)! Some weekends, if I don’t work, I indulge in not turning on my laptop and answering only crucial calls (basically if your wedding is in 3 months time only, I will call you back on Monday). It is a real treat to spent time with my most favorite people in the world – husband and kids. When we go away, I love going HOME (Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and about 600 km away from Johannesburg) and just sit on the beach and look at the waves. Sometimes I mediate, but most of the time I simply enjoy the nature. For mini breaks, my husband and I pack the kids in the car and drive for a picnic somewhere wild. Yes, nature is the best therapist
Have a fabulous weekend!
pippa
May 28, 2010
I have a bolt hole – a beach house which I run to with my partner and good books any time my schedule will allow (sadly not very often). Just getting away from the same environments and quietly decompressing does wonders for my health – physically, mentally and emotionally. Vacation wise, last year I travelled around New Zealand – absolutley stunning and truly inspiring! Lovely beaches, misty rainforests, huge mountains – i hope to return next year!
Saufen
May 28, 2010
For a quick fix: There are few things that a trip to the beach can’t cure. I seek out small beach places with no sea sports facilities and no kids facilities. Sitting half soaked in the sea surf – things in my mind work themselves out. For a serious retreat: Yoga in Bali – live in the village, walk for an hour everyday to get to yoga class, another hour back after class, detox on organic vegetarian fare. Ultimate fix: Meditation in the Himalayas – when I need to reboot my system, I revisit my 2nd home – Nepal – living on the mountains, amidst such happy, friendly folk, is as close as you get to heaven on earth. You return to your daily samsara with a clean slate. For a serious spring cleaning of the rubbish in your mind, attend a silent meditation retreat for at least a week in the birthplace of the Buddha.
Janice Celeste
May 29, 2010
I need to work on this more; however when Celeste Studios films destination weddings that are also desirable vacation locations, we often will strike an unbelievable deal with the couple to stay a few extra days after the wedding, which benefits both of us. We get great b-roll of the destination location to add to their wedding movie and we have time to relax and enjoy the area as well. It’s a win-win.
Dona Carmen Milagros
May 29, 2010
When time and money are factors; I turn to period films and foreign films to get away and get inspired…
MELISSA
May 31, 2010
GOING TO MENORCA FOR 3 WEEKS……..
NO COMPUTER NOT CELL PHONE NOT CLIENTS……
FOR THREE SOLID WEEKS!!!!!!
XXOO
MELISSA
Emily
June 1, 2010
For a quick fix: There are few things that a trip to the beach can’t cure. I seek out small beach places with no sea sports facilities and no kids facilities. Sitting half soaked in the sea surf – things in my mind work themselves out. For a serious retreat: Yoga in Bali – live in the village, walk for an hour everyday to get to yoga class, another hour back after class, detox on organic vegetarian fare. Ultimate fix: Meditation in the Himalayas – when I need to reboot my system, I revisit my 2nd home – Nepal – living on the mountains, amidst such happy, friendly folk, is as close as you get to heaven on earth. You return to your daily samsara with a clean slate. For a serious spring cleaning of the rubbish in your mind, attend a silent meditation retreat for at least a week in the birthplace of the Buddha.