My most recent “never say never!” happening caught me by surprise, as I guess they always do…
Burningman served as a recurring vacation for me during most of my 20′s.
It was a college reunion for my friends and me, where we would reconvene each year and camp and party together in the stark Nevada desert (with 30,000 other people!).
It’s often said that you can’t describe Burningman to someone who’s never been.
And on a multitude of occasions I have unsuccessfully attempted to articulate what a temporary city of tens of thousands of people celebrating art and life represents. I am always met with a blank stare, or the common response, “So, it’s like a music festival, right?”
Ummmm, not exactly…
So instead of trying to explain what Burningman is to you, here are a few pics…
Like I Said, Words Cannot Describe It
Burt & Ernie Would Pee Their Pants!
Dinosaur Puzzle Byproduct = Temple
My Camp, Podville c. 2003
After a three year hiatus, I’ve recently decided to attend this year’s event, which takes place the week before Labor Day.
In my business, the end of each month is always a very exciting time. It’s when most business takes place, and when I work feverishly to close out the month.
Because I’ve been so dedicated to working my business seriously for these past several years, the decision to attend Burningman during the last week of August was always a tough one to make. As a result, I stopped attending.
I find myself in a different spot this year, with a stable business and a desire to return to “the playa” (the popular name for the land at Burningman). The timing feels right and my desire is ripe to reconnect with friends and the earth, have hundreds of new experiences each day, and embrace the unleashed culture at Burningman.
My mentor taught me that “celebration” is one of the most important parts of our business. This means to recognize how far we’ve come, and to give kudos to ourselves for our accomplishments.
It also means to reward ourselves and others for the successes, however small, that we’ve achieved in business and in life.
My trip to Black Rock City this year commemorates several milestones for me: 5 years as a full-time entrepreneur, my first year in my new role as a wife, and ten years of adulthood since I graduated college one decade ago.
As the vacation approaches, I’m getting my ducks in a row to take about a week off and unplug from work. I feel so good about it, because I know I deserve it!
I’d love to hear what you’re celebrating.
Yes, we all can easily identify what needs to be better or what we’d like to improve, but what are YOU most excited about?
What do you recognize as a huge success this year?
Thank you for giving yourself a big pat on the back by commenting below, and for re-tweeting this to your network… I can’t wait to read what you post!
14. August 2010 at 12:45 am
Okay, now I get what a playa is! I thought it was a new Gen Y word that I had to learn!…LOL
Congratulations on your success and on your decision to reward yourself! I am so happy for you! (even though I don’t know what a Burningman is)
I love owning my own home based business and as you know, our company rewards us with a free vacation each year, so we are always “forced” to take some time off! I love it! We just got back from the Atlantis in the Bahamas, Florida (Universal Studios, etc), and the Mall of America in Minnesota! It was great! Thanks for asking!
We will be looking forward to seeing your pictures!
Aloha,
Kellie
Kellie Hosaka´s last [type] ..How To Use The Pareto Principle 80-20 Rule To Increase Your Success
17. August 2010 at 7:52 pm
good for you kellie!
we’ll have to have a one-off convo about burningman!
i love that you vacation on the mainland… aloha!
14. August 2010 at 8:49 am
Right on, sister! I knew we had more of a connection than business when we met!
I know you’ll have a blast, playa-style, and I look forward to reconnecting when you’re back and settled. I’m sure we’ll have some stories to share!
I love that you’re sharing this on your blog, Melissa!
Beth Allen´s last [type] ..Lessons for Winning in Business & Life
17. August 2010 at 7:53 pm
tee hee! clearly not a well-read post… but i knew it would connect with the right peeps!
20. August 2010 at 3:17 pm
That is so fascinating Melissa. I love the fact that you are so passionate about this and you find such joy in it. Celebration is absolutely necessary and important.
Thanks for sharing this,
Michael
20. August 2010 at 9:36 pm
Hi Melissa,
congratulations on you milestones! Wow “5 years as a full-time entrepreneur” – Awesome!
Burningman sounds amazing 30 000 people yeehaa. Great Pictures!
Thanks for sharing!!!
Yorinda
Yorinda´s last [type] ..Fun- Happiness and Success
22. August 2010 at 7:22 pm
Melissa, I love the pictures. Looks like a really fun place. And congrats on all your milestones and on your willingness to take the time off to go and celebrate – and have fun.
I have a lot to celebrate. In the past few years I have gotten my books and ebooks published, my social media sites flourishing, my blog and quiz and web sites doing well. And I am launching a new web site shortly. Today, I took the day off to play some tennis (in 94 degree weather) and to celebrate my friend’s birthday – cake and all!
(That chocolate cake just melted in our mouths).
Warmly,
DrErica
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..The One Power of Love