Inspo Help from Julie
Today, I think it’s safe to say that the Universe has conspired on my behalf, to make this week’s post, a simple and obvious one. Last week, a friend of Ellevated Outcomes emailed me with the eye-catching subject line: “Inspo Help from Julie.”
It couldn’t have been timelier, as I must say: I’m proud of the intentional efforts and actions I’ve made this summer to reset and re-energize. I’m feeling like my 30-year old self, which was one of the best periods of my life. I’ve been joking that this is the summer of: “Hold on, I’ll be right there!”
So instead of a how-to or 1-2-3, I thought that today, I’d do a little something different and share the mentioned email exchange “Inspo Help from Julie,” with you, directly…
Julie,
How was Italy??? Did you enjoy the restaurant that Jenny suggested? Would love to hear about it.
I am feeling a little stuck lately in the creative/intellectual dept. Of course my xx practice is intellectual and the design aspect of my xx project is creative, but I am looking for some external inspo to feed my soul. I have not traveled much at all in the last year and am considering a long weekend in NYC in early Nov. I am thinking a change of scenery and hustle and bustle would be a good change for a few days. Also, I’d love to know where you get inspired locally- any interesting coffee shops, restaurants, shops, etc. move you lately??
Did I answer the actual question they asked me? Of course not! Typical me: it needs my own spin :p
Hi xx!
Italy was really good; for Dave, it was the trip that fulfilled his dreams. For me, it was the nearly 3 week(!!) separation from everyday life and work that was the biggest benefit. I feel like I unclenched my “grip” (and jaw- ha) for the first time in years. Jenny’s rec was wonderful and such kismet. Their opening day for the season happened to be the day we did a hike near that town and had a gorgeous lunch at her parents’ spot.
My answer about inspiration is going to sound like a copout, but I’ve been thinking hard on your Q over the past few days. Similar to my above description, my resets and inspo don’t come so much from specific places but really just the act of separating and connecting with people (and myself). I’ve been doing some work on this in therapy too, so it’s really on my mind!
My model (or equation of sorts???) for Inspiration, refreshment, and energy = a different place + reading & writing + seeing old friends or tiny connections with strangers – digital everything (limited phone, computer, etc).
I say “a different place” because it can definitely be travel to a different city (you know I love me some northeast energy!!), but it’s also as simple as going to a coffee shop or restaurant in town that’s outside of my daily habits.
The key, key, key is limited phone dependency. This changes EVERYTHING and makes the space for the other 3 parts of the equation. I know this sounds so philosophical and maybe not what you had in mind. But it’s a timely question, as this summer, I do actually feel like I’m revisiting the art of re-energizing. I’m (re)finding joy and meaning that I haven’t experienced in a decade (literally).
Inspo Help = Different Place + Reading & Writing
+ Seeing Old Friends or Tiny Connections with Strangers – Digital Everything
Disconnection from digital is what no one wants to hear, but it is the magic pill for connection and inspiration.
And speaking of that, here’s the other kismet timing of this reflection. An interview I recently did with HEC – Can a CEO Really Disconnect?* – was published last week. They interviewed 4 CEOs, including the CEO of L’Oreal(!), gathering our philosophies of vacation and disconnection. (Obviously, I’m the itsy, bitsy, tiny woman on this totem pole of executives). But I’m really proud and flattered to have been asked for my contribution. You can see that not everyone shares my opinion… but Jean-Paul Agon does!
