Time to Unplug

We're taking the advice of fellow bloggers Jennifer Poe of Important Chocolate and Danyelle Little of The Cubicle Chick and taking some time offline.  It doesn't mean we're going to totally disavow the Internet, emails, or social media, but take the time to put life in perspective as we create a work/life balance.

There have been times when we have been way out of balance on either side, and it makes sense to reduce the "noise" so that we can find "clarity".  We'll continue to update the blog 1-2 times a week; check emails at least twice a day during week and once on weekends; make comments and interact on social media at least once a day during the week and unplug completely on weekends; and promote our  E-book, Take A Leap Career Mentoring Program, and WCP, LLC projects in online and offline platforms.  And if you need to get in touch with us outside of email or social media, a phone call is nice.  If you don't have our number, contact us via email at weconnectedprod[at]gmail[dot]com and we'll be glad to share our deets.

Here are some reasons you might find it necessary to unplug:

#1)  Refocus- whether in career or personal life, there are times you will find yourself needing to refocus.  For us, we find it in reading motivational books and magazines, talking to our Mentors, and in prayer.  Refocusing gives us new, thought-provoking, and think-out-the box ideas.  The creative juices are explosive.  Especially when you follow this tip along with #2.

#2)  Healthy lifestyle- as soon as we're off from work, we walk around our neighborhood trail.  Not only do we walk during the week, but also on weekends and vacations.  We also juice our fruits and veggies for instant and long lasting energy throughout the day.  We no longer feel sluggish at 2pm.  Taking time to unplug allows us to exercise, eat healthy, and put our energy into a strong body and mind.

#3)  Reclaim family time- we love finding time to spend with family whether in church, family gatherings, or sporting events.  There's nothing like being in the present with the ones we love.  And as the jet setting twins will have it, outside of SC, we also find time to visit distant relatives and often make trips to NY, NJ, TX, and NC.  Family means the world to us, and if we had a choice as to how to spend a day, it'll be with family.

What are some reasons you find it necessary to unplug?  Can you do it for a day? 3-days? 7-days? An entire month? Longer?  Please share a comment below.

Rhonda & Sharee 

What Do You Really Want Out of Life?

Early in life I learned that dreams and big ideas belong to you, and that you don't have to make excuses to have them.  There will be people that will doubt you.  People that don't understand what you are trying to accomplish.  Or obstacles that may seem impossible to overcome.  Where ever you are in life, it's important to know what you really want out of life.

I know what I want, and I go for it everyday in the knowledge I seek and actions I take.  I want my spiritual life to grow.  I want to improve my overall health and wellness.  I want to develop meaningful relationships with family and friends.  I want to live out loud the real meaning of Take A Leap in a new career and new travel adventures.  I want Take A Leap to be more than a webshow, travel blog, and career mentoring program, I want it to be a way of life.

In recent weeks, family members have shared with me that their employer will be closing business.  One will be within the next three months.  The other has ten months, but may take advantage of an early retirement package.  I share these two incidents because it speaks highly of the concept of Take A Leap.  Will they seek a new career? Relocate to another company facility? Take a long needed vacation?  Time will tell, but as the date gets closer to the closing of their respective company facilities, the question of what they really want out of life is ever more pertinent.

So I go back to the initial thought of dreaming big and having big ideas.  When a big set-back happens, are your hopes and dreams dashed or is it a chance to make a new beginning for a life you really want?   

And don't forget to check out our newly published E-book as a guide to transitioning to a new career and taking advantage of travel opportunities, with great tips on financial and career planning.  The link to make a purchase is found on the top right column of this blog.  Also, the Take A Leap Career Mentoring Program Mentee and Mentor applications are available until August 31.  The program begins in September.