I was just invited to “a quick escape before the year is over.” It was an ad from a cruise line. A quick escape? We’re selling that now?

Planned vacations for rejuvenation are essential. Experiencing novelty, something new to do or explore, is great for both mental and physical health. And sure, there might be times that you just want to scream that you need a vacation or a break from your life. It’s not unusual, and heck, I’ve felt it, too. 

The harsh truth is that the desire to just get away likely comes down to pressure that you gave to yourself. If you’re honest, you agreed to more without negotiating priorities, so everything looks like a priority.

Or you said “yes,” so that others wouldn’t think badly of you. We run so many subconscious programs based on our perception about what others might think of us. 

Here, I’m inviting you back into your power and reminding you about the control you likely forgot you have in your life.

It might be uncomfortable to read about the pressure that mounts from feeling overcommitted, from giving of yourself when your tank is empty, or from the demands of others (including family, your work, or your friends). Whatever caused you to feel overwhelmed, you can course-correct for the direction you want now. 

Sure, easier said than done. And, better done than to endure more days, weeks, months, or years of something that’s essentially killing you.

THE thing to keep in mind is that you don’t try to escape the things you love. People joke about having had “too much fun,” yet no one dreams of escaping it. People come back from vacations saying that they need a vacation after their vacation. No one says, “oh, I’m never doing that again.”

You might need a reentry period. You don’t need an escape.

Feeling like you need to escape, means you’re feeling oppressed in some way.

Turn that around and focus on what it is you want. You can’t want a “not that.” 

I don’t want to think of a blue-spotted polar bear. Poof. Now I’m focused on what a blue spotted polar bear would even look like. We use our imaginations in the wrong way, and give ourselves details about the things we don’t want.

Instead, focus on the thing you really do want.  What do you want to do, to have, or to become? How do you want to live? And again, it’s not, “not that.” 

If you feel the need to escape, don’t get carried away by what you’re escaping from, but rather, focus on what you are escaping to!  

What is it you really want? What will you do to create it?

Most people want a greater sense of freedom.

Realize how much power you have. You put yourself in the position of feeling a need to escape something. There are other jobs, relationships, locations, etc. You get to choose what’s on your calendar and who’s in your circle. 

Maybe you do realize the power you have, and you’re not living to escape. You’re living to contribute. You’re making a difference by creating something that’s uniquely yours and contributing to the world in some personal way. When you do that, when you know you’re creating and contributing, the idea of “escape” never even enters your mind. 

Today, as you read this, think about what it is you really want to be doing and feeling. Think about what it would take to be doing it and to actually feel it. It’s right in front of you and just needs one thing from you: your permission. Give yourself permission to feel so good in doing what you do that there’s no need for escape.  

Bring joy to all you do and everyone you encounter. If you had a mission to make others feel great every time you were in the room, you’d be welcomed everywhere. No need to escape that, right? 

Plan to feel good for the rest of this day, this week, this month, and beyond. Hold boundaries, release pressure, and give yourself a little more permission.

Keep making your magic!

= Wayne = 

YOU MISSED IT! My signature small group mastermind just passed. A select handful of mighty participants worked on upleveling their lives by challenging their current beliefs and stepping into new heights of what’s possible. If you’re curious about that, reach out to me or check out https://www.WaynePernell.com/ESS 

We’re booking now for April 15th – 17th in San Francisco. Let me know if you’d like to be at the table with us.