This past weekend I went camping, for the first time since I was like 8, and it was awesome!!! I got to enjoy nature, fresh air (which is a commodity in LA), beautiful sunsets, and the best part was the unobstructed views of the starry night skies. They were absolutely magical. I wish I had a picture, but a picture just wouldn’t do it justice.

The whole week leading up to camping was practically a train wreck. I had finals, events, and was running myself ragged. I almost didn’t make it to the outing, I even tried to sell my ticket. But when nobody bought it I decided, why not? I need a little get away. Let me tell you, it was great for my entire being to just take a break. Even if it was only for a little while.

Life can be so hectic and overwhelming that sometimes, we can forget what’s really important. We get so caught up in the day-to-day that we forget to appreciate the little things. Peace. Being still. Ourselves!!!! We are important and sometimes we just need a moment to recharge and refresh. In this moment of clarity I wanted to share a couple of thoughts that really resonated with me:

Disconnect!!!!!

Take time for yourself. Point blank period. If you aren’t taking care of you then you cannot take care of ANYTHING else in your life effectively. Schedule little dates with yourself, go on walks, meditate, pray, journal, etc. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes, and never stand yourself up. Think about it, if you were meeting with the CEO of your favorite company or your favorite celebrity, would you continually give excuses and stand them up? No! Never. So why stand up the most important person, the CEO of your life?

Explore.

Get away. Travel. Explore! Even if it’s only within your state or city. There is so much world out there. One of my favorite quotes by Marcel Proust says something to the effect of “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Getting out of your day-to-day routine stirs creativity and can help inspire new thoughts and ideas.

Try new experiences.

So I tried rock climbing… Like real rock climbing. I was excited when I first got there and realized it was a real rock, but then I was also partially terrified. After our safety introduction I just went for it. Once I got to the top and looked down I had a moment of fear, but then I realized by climbing and getting up there I had already conquered it. I was so proud and excited for me. Not only did I try something new, using muscles I never use and having to think in a new way, but I also got to the top! Every once in a while, you have to blow your own mind.

So tell us…what will you do to take a moment and clear your head? Share your ideas below on how we can recharge and refresh for the road ahead…