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Hey there, friends! Today, we’re diving into how high-achieving women can learn to be intentional on vacation. Spoiler alert: it’s about letting go of strict agendas, which is not just great for your mental health but also your relationships. We’ll talk about some practical steps to being more intentional and the amazing benefits it brings to your life.

Summary

• Being intentional while on vacation is crucial for high-achieving women.
• Let go of perfectionism and the need to control every aspect of the vacation.
• Set clear intentions and focus on relaxation, connection, and fun.
• Practice mindfulness and be fully present in the moment.
• Communicate openly with your family about your intentions and desires.
• Create flexible plans and allow for spontaneity and downtime.
• Prioritize self-care and engage in activities that rejuvenate you.
• Being intentional on vacation reduces stress, improves mental health, strengthens relationships, and creates lasting memories.

The Importance of Letting Go

So, let me set the scene. Yesterday, I took the girls to the beach. It’s been a crazy long week—one of those where Monday felt like Thursday. We’re in the middle of hiring a new clinician and restructuring, so I’ve been super focused on intentional leading. I’ve been reading tons of books, almost to the point of ridiculousness. As Outside the Norm grows, our team and client base are growing too, and I need to be ready for that growth. Part of that means constant learning and training.

Anyway, I decided to take an early day off on Thursday because the girls are on summer break, and honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit guilty. Aubrey has been busy being a youth leader at church and attending summer camps, while Brooklyn is also preparing to be a youth leader. With Brooklyn being home, even though Willie works from home, I felt like I needed to entertain her or get her involved in something.

So, I took the girls to the beach. Despite having a million things to do, this felt more important. And not just for the girls, but for me too. We packed everything up, got lunch, and headed out. Now, I’d love to say I was completely present, but I did take a couple of work calls. I know, I know, but hey, it’s a work in progress!

Brooklyn and her friend were in the water, and I was watching them like a hawk. They went pretty far out, but I figured they were good swimmers and there were surfers around. Suddenly, I saw a lifeguard running towards them. I panicked, thinking I missed something. I tossed my watch and glasses on the sand and started wading in, only to get knocked over by a wave. By the time I got back on my feet, the lifeguard had the girls on that orange floaty thing and was bringing them back.

Turns out, they were caught in a riptide. I was so focused on them, but I missed the signs. The lifeguard explained he was being preventative. It hit me hard—I almost lost my kid while I was right there watching. When we got home, I talked to Willie, and he made a good point. The lifeguard had a higher vantage point and could see what I couldn’t. That made me feel a bit better, but it also got me thinking about why we put so much pressure on ourselves.

“As high achieving women, we often place enormous expectations on ourselves and others, especially during vacations, especially during downtime.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Reevaluating Perfectionism

As high-achieving women, we set enormous expectations, especially during downtime. We want everything to go perfectly, and when it doesn’t, we get frustrated. This can lead to treating our loved ones harshly, which is the opposite of what we want. We want love and support, but our need for control and perfectionism gets in the way.

I remember a trip to Spain where I was so focused on capturing perfect moments on video that I wasn’t really present. My kids even told me to just be in the moment, which was a wake-up call. It’s important to let go of perfection and embrace the unexpected. We need to be intentional about our time and focus on what truly matters.

“Let go of perfection. Accept that not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Steps to Intentional Vacationing

So here are some tips to help you be more intentional on vacation:

1. Set Clear Intentions: Before you go, decide what you want to achieve—relaxation, family connection, fun—and remind yourself of this daily.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Engage fully in activities without worrying about what’s next. Use mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and the five senses: what do you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch?
3. Let Go of Perfection: Accept that things won’t always go as planned. View challenges as opportunities for spontaneity and adventure.
4. Communicate Openly: Share your intentions and desires with your family and encourage them to do the same. Open communication reduces misunderstandings.
5. Create Flexible Plans: Develop a flexible itinerary that allows for downtime and spontaneous activities. This reduces pressure and increases enjoyment.
6. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for yourself even on vacation. Whether it’s a morning walk, reading a book, or taking a nap, prioritize activities that rejuvenate you.

Being intentional on vacation helps you relax and connect more deeply with your loved ones. It reduces stress, improves mental health, and strengthens relationships. Plus, it creates lasting memories, which is exactly what we want. So, here’s to more intentional, relaxed, and enjoyable vacations!

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
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• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

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