October 22, 2019
I have a question for the women reading this: When was the last time you did something special for yourself?
Not a vacation with your family that you had to plan and manage — an actual getaway, just for you.
If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Women disproportionately bear the unrelenting stress of trying to get ahead in business while managing the home. This mindset doesn’t just affect mothers and women in relationships, though — many of us, regardless of our home lives, also assume those tasks at work.
How do you know when you need a break? If the following rings true to you, it’s time.
Your creativity has dried up
Creativity is a battery that needs to be recharged. When was the last time you visited a museum or enjoyed connecting with the outdoors? When did you last create something just for the sake of creating?
You feel like you can’t connect
Women tend to put their own social needs on the back burner. Instead of recharging with friends over a glass of wine or meeting up with a running club before work, we tend to focus on making sure the people around us are OK. And yet studies show that people who cultivate their relationships live longer, happier lives.
You’re tired all the time
Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men — an astounding 57 percent of us report we experience insomnia at least a few nights a week. Without proper rest, we simply can’t handle the rest of our lives. It’s as simple as that.
You find yourself fantasizing about winning the lottery. A lot.
When your thoughts veer from daydreaming to escapist thinking, it’s a warning sign. Allowing yourself to indulge in too much escapism can create a cycle of low productivity and burnout.
If you see yourself in that list, consider recharging your battery with my Bike, Barge, and Bond 2020 River Cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium from Aug. 14-22, 2020. It’s a chance to forgo the usual madcap tourist dash for the slower pace of a bike and river barge. You’ll experience the Netherlands and Belgium propelled by your own power, with plenty of time to savor each new sight and sensation. During the evening, you’ll enjoy cultural walks, engage in thoughtful conversations, and learn how to maximize your potential.
By the end of the river cruise, you will have traveled from Brussels to Amsterdam and rediscovered your sense of adventure. This is a chance to do something for yourself, to recharge your creative juices, and to meet other fascinating women.
Space is limited to only 18 women, so sign up now — these spots will go fast! I hope you take this opportunity to carve out time for yourself.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Personal development, Travel, Communication, Etiquette Tips, Everyday Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged Amsterdam canal, travel, personal growth, cycling, women, bike & barge, Amsterdam, Belgium, river cruise
May 20, 2019
Hopping on your bike for a cycle around your community or on the local bike trails seems like a no brainer on a nice spring day. In recognition of cycling week (usually in May worldwide and May 27 to June 2 in Canada), here are some bike tips to keep in mind that will make your cycling safe and enjoyable:
- Safety is your number one priority
- Ensure your bike is in good working condition before you head out for a cycle (tires are fully inflated, chain is greased, brakes and gears are functioning properly)
- Always wear a helmet, even though it might look dorky. See #1!
- Wear reflective gear if you’re venturing out at dusk
- Make yourself highly visible at all times. Avoid getting in a driver’s blind spot, especially at street corners and stoplights
- Add a light to the front and back of your bike. Visibility, again, is a big one, and a light is a must to be safe on the roads after daylight
- Hook up a bell to your bike. Being heard is just as important as been seen!
- Wear proper clothing. Choose clothing and shoes that are comfortable and suit your bicycle. You don’t want anything to get caught in the wheels (or reveal too much skin!) Padded riding shorts are best for long distances or when you will be cycling over several days.
- Protective eyewear is a great idea. Avid cyclists find ski goggles work the best. They protect much of your face and they’re fog proof!
- Red means stop. Obey the rules of the road-both at traffic lights and stop signs. (Did I mention…Safety first?)
- Know and use arm signals:
- Left arm straight out to signal a left turn
- Right arm straight out for a right turn (or left arm upright at a 90-degree angle)
- Palm or fist behind your lower back to signal slowing or stopping (when in a group)
- Stay to the right when in front of a group of cyclists to allow room for others to pass safely on your left
- Communicate when riding with a group. If you see a hazard up ahead, let your fellow cyclists know about it
- Maintain a steady, straight line and avoid braking or changing direction suddenly
- Never try to push your rights with vehicles (if in doubt…yield)
- Plan your route stick to approved cycle trails when you can
- Drink lots of water
- Bring your fully-charged cell phone for emergencies (and photos!)
- If you are cycling alone, make sure you tell someone where you are headed and when to expect you back
- Have Fun!
- More Bike month info
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged etiquette tips, manners, cycling