Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat, May 17-19

May 1, 2013 — Patrice

event_199174772Would you like to learn more about yourself and find new ways to lead a fun and fulfilling life?

To create a new and exciting life or to energize your current one, while relaxing at a world-renowned spa?

To meet and make new friends?

Then book now for our second Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat in May!

Last year’s retreat received rave reviews*, so we are meeting-up again at Safety Harbor Resort & Spa in Safety Harbor, Florida.

We have reserved the rooms, so you can beginning booking yours – now!

Three fantastic Meetup groups, Wishful Thinking Women, Tampa’s Wishful Thinking Women and Project Reinvention (organized by Lynn Valaes), have once again joined together to create the perfect women’s only retreat. The package we have put together is absolutely AMAZING! (You don’t have to be a member of Meetup to join us!)

The fun begins on Friday, May 17th and continues through Sunday, May 19th – that’s 2 nights and 3 days of relaxation and rejuvenation at Safety Harbor Resort & Spa in Safety Harbor, Florida.

The Resort & Spa is just outside of Tampa, but feels like it is miles away from everywhere. It is the perfect place to decompress, renew your spirit, or begin planning your reinvention.

Safety Harbor Resort & Spa is Florida’s only natural mineral springs resort spa, and now you can relax and rejuvenate at this historic landmark resort while attending a wonderful Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat.

Your Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat includes:

  • Wishful Thinking Works group sessions and gatherings throughout your stay and your own Wishful Thinking Works workbook to use during the retreat and after to deepen your Wishful Thinking experience. Sessions will be presented by life coach and motivational and organizational consultant Patrice Koerper.
  • 2 nights double occupancy in a Safety Harbor Resort & Spa Signature guest room with 2 queen beds.
  • One spa service per person during your stay which includes your choice of one 25 minute: facial, massage, herbal wrap or aromatherapy mineral bath. (Last time, I reserved a massage and it was heavenly.)
  • Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, Sunday breakfast and unlimited beverages throughout your stay.* (*Select dinner menus options. Beverages include unlimited daily cocktail special, coffee, tea, soft drinks and spa mineral water, and $2 well brands, draft beer and house wine.) PS The food is absolutely delicious!
  • PLUS, you will have free access to the Safety Harbor 50,000 sq. ft. spa and fitness center, including the Spa Sanctuary and Tranquility Garden, all regularly scheduled fitness classes, pools, saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools.
  • And, you will receive special Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat goodies, just for you!

Your cost is only $375.00 per person double occupancy!

The moment you arrive, you will sense that you are in a special, tranquil atmosphere and that peaceful, refreshing moments are ahead. Combining the comfort and relaxation of the Resort & Spa offerings with the positive energy and excitement of a Wishful Thinking Works workshop is a fantastic way to continue or begin your personal growth or reinvention journey. The Wishful Thinking Works workshops will contain lots of new  info and activities, so past attendees will learn something new, too.

Don’t miss this opportunity to begin creating the life you really want with a group of like-minded women, while enjoying the tranquility and relaxation that Safety Harbor Resort & Spa has to offer.

This relaxing retreat will be kept small; only 12 lucky women will be able to join the fun. Book today, so you don’t miss out!

The entire Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat is only $375 per person double occupancy!

Here’s how to reserve your space now:

1. Email us at wishfulthinkingworks@gmail.com - we have to know to save your space, or call 813-719-0769 today!

2. Once you have RSVP’d “YES” or sent an email, we will send you a confirmation email with all the booking and payment details and a full schedule of events, which are the perfect blend of time for laughing, learning, and lounging.

3. Then all you have to do is anticipate all the fun you will have!

Don’t miss out on this inexpensive enriching way to explore and enhance your life.

Free Bonus!

Check-in is 4 p.m. on Friday and check-out is 11 a.m. on Sunday. BUT Safety Harbor Resort & Spa considers you a Spa guest Friday thru Sunday so you are free to use the spa amenities or enjoy your 25 minute service earlier on Friday, Saturday free times or after check out on Sunday. You can also apply the $40 value of your included spa service to upgrade to a more extensive service, but more about that and scheduling your spa service once you reserve your space as described above.

Please note: You will be charged a 7% spa service charge on your spa service and an 18% gratuity on any food and beverages and spa service at the time services are rendered.

event_199172902With you in mind!

We’ve planned this amazing experience to make it as affordable as possible and spare none of the fun!

You deserve a break, especially one that may change your life!

P.S. Safety Harbor is a great little town with some super shops. So, arrive early or stay late to check them out.

Can’t wait to see you at the second Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat!

*Reviews of last year’s Retreat . . .

“Hey Ladies,
 I will not be able to attend the retreat weekend at the Safety Harbor Spa, but wanted to share my experience about last year. The place is great, the meals are filling and 5 star quality, and the knowledge that you get through Patrice and her lessons are wonderful. Lots of time to meet new people, learn from each other and spend time making new friends. The spa is wonderful. You have use of it for the entire time you are there which includes hot tubs, sauna and lots of relaxation. You have plenty of time to make good use of the facility and there is also a voucher towards a free spa treatment. I had a massage and a sugar rub, which I highly recommend. The spa also has a drink of the day included in your price so enjoy! I had never been to a retreat nor to a spa so it was new for me all around. One of the best things I have ever done for myself. Anyone who goes will not regret it.
ENJOY I will be wishing I was there,
 JILL”

“If you are considering this retreat, do yourself a favor and go! I went to the first retreat at Safety Harbor and it was amazing.  The group activities were enlightening. Having attended another workshop prior to that, as well as personal coaching with Patrice, I thought I might not get a lot out of it.  I was wrong! You can never stop learning about yourself, and in turn learn to be more understanding with others.  The beautiful setting and free time to enjoy the spa or just self reflect were an added bonus.   If you don’t know anyone going – don’t let it stop you. Patrice will make you feel welcome, and by the time you leave you’ll have new found friends.” Melissa

“I enjoyed the first Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat very much. Patrice is a great inspiration and I enjoyed the activities and soul-searching. Perfect for developing direction and enthusiasm in my life choices. The unexpected surprise of the weekend was sharing the experience with so many wonderful women. I cherish those connections. Everyone deserves to be indulged in such a great event.” Marci

“I attended the Wishful Reinvention Weekend Retreat last year and enjoyed it immensely.  What a GREAT getaway weekend.  The resort itself is luxurious, the meals were top-notch, the spa treatment was stupendous, and Patrice made the workshop fantastic.  What a wonderful treat to give yourself and the friendships that were made was a surprise bonus!” Joan

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Building a Great Support System

April 18, 2013 — Patrice

Girls with Heads Together HuggingBuild a Great Support System

Begin by looking back!

  1. List at least 3 folks, who have mentored you or made you feel good about yourself in the past. Go back to your childhood, if you need to.
  2. Write down what made them special to you or how they made you feel.
  3. Relive and savor those memories and feelings for 30 to 60 seconds each.

Reliving and savoring the moments makes them easier for you to access by moving them closer to the front burners of your brain – so to speak. They can be a great tool for helping you build your new support system by reminding you how you want to feel again.

Be brave! 

Next, write the names of at least 9 people who have been or are currently in your life.

  1. Circle one or two of those who already do or you think could create the same type of feelings you just savored.
  2. Send them a Facebook message, email, card, or brief hand-written note or call them and to tell them you are happy they are in your life. It doesn’t matter if you spoke to them yesterday or two years ago; they’ll enjoy hearing from you.
  3. Don’t worry if they sound surprised, a bit embarrassed, or if they don’t respond immediately or exactly the way you thought they would. Reaching out is all that matters.

Review your list again, and decide if and how you could reach out to the other folks on your list.

Be positive!

If you prefer, start a new list with people you want to bring into your life, and decide how you can reach out and make that happen.

It may feel awkward or strange at first, please don’t let that stop you. Everyone feels odd when they are trying something new. Learn to make the first move - say “Hello”; talk to someone new; introduce yourself. Be friendly and kind. Show interest in what others are talking about and doing.

Join a book club or church. Sign-up for a Wishful Thinking Works Meetup, or any of the hundreds of other Meetups in your area. Take a cooking, exercise, or technology class. Give a presentation. Volunteer. Offer to be part of a team project at work. Invite a prospective friend to coffee or lunch or a play date if she has kids of similar ages to yours.

If at first you don’t succeed, try again! Continue to reach out, and don’t give up. It may take a few tries to connect. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and yourself along the way, and, remember to thank everyone, who helps you along the way.

Visit Wishful Thinking Works and Wishful Thinking Works on Facebook for posts and updates.

Thank you!

Patrice Koerper

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Building a Solid Support System

April 18, 2013 — Patrice

Girls with Heads Together Hugging

 Building a Solid Support System

Begin by looking back!

  1. List at least 3 folks, who have mentored you or made you feel good about yourself in the past. Go back to your childhood, if you need to.
  2. Write down what made them special to you or how they made you feel.
  3. Relive and savor those memories and feelings for 30 to 60 seconds each.

Reliving and savoring the moments makes them easier for you to access by moving them closer to the front burners of your brain – so to speak. They can be a great tool for helping you build your new support system by reminding you how you want to feel again.

Be brave! 

Next, write the names of at least 9 people who have been or are currently in your life.

  1. Circle one or two of those who already do or you think could create the same type of feelings you just savored.
  2. Send them a Facebook message, email, card, or brief hand-written note or call them and to tell them you are happy they are in your life. It doesn’t matter if you spoke to them yesterday or two years ago; they’ll enjoy hearing from you.
  3. Don’t worry if they sound surprised, a bit embarrassed, or if they don’t respond immediately or exactly the way you thought they would. Reaching out is all that matters.

Review your list again, and decide if and how you could reach out to the other folks on your list.

Be positive!

If you prefer, start a new list with people you want to bring into your life, and decide how you can reach out and make that happen.

It may feel awkward or strange at first, please don’t let that stop you. Everyone feels odd when they are trying something new. Learn to make the first move - say “Hello”; talk to someone new; introduce yourself. Be friendly and kind. Show interest in what others are talking about and doing.

Join a book club or church. Sign-up for a Wishful Thinking Works Meetup, or any of the hundreds of other Meetups in your area. Take a cooking, exercise, or technology class. Give a presentation. Volunteer. Offer to be part of a team project at work. Invite a prospective friend to coffee or lunch or a play date if she has kids of similar ages to yours.

If at first you don’t succeed, try again! Continue to reach out, and don’t give up. It may take a few tries to connect. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and yourself along the way, and, remember to thank everyone, who helps you along the way.

Visit Wishful Thinking Works and Wishful Thinking Works on Facebook for posts and updates.

Thank you!

Patrice Koerper

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Your positivity ratio and how to raise it!

August 13, 2012 — Patrice

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson is a leader in the positive psychology field; her work has been on my mind a lot lately. Her research on positive emotions is groundbreaking, and is really good stuff that can change your life – if you let it! I’ve been sharing her work at my Wishful Thinking Women Meetups and workshops and with clients. One year ago I shared it with you, here’s what we talked about . . .

I’ve mentioned Dr. Barbara Fredrickson a couple of times in previous posts. She’s the researcher, who developed the “Broaden and Build Theory” of positive psychology, which states that positive emotions broaden our awareness and perception thereby increasing our curiosity, creativity and choices.

The “Broaden and Build Theory” is the other side of the coin, so to speak, of the “Fight or Flight Theory”, which notes that we are designed to focus and narrow our vision and responses in short-term, quick-decision, dangerous situations. Both emotional responses have value - there are times when we need to react quickly, with precision and almost instinctual intent and when we need to allow ourselves the freedom to fully enjoy and explore life and its options.

The good news is, our brains are hard-wired for both. The bad news is, many of us have allowed the occasional need for fight and flight responses to spill over into many or all of life’s everyday activities. We are constantly on the lookout for emotional and physical threats, or have come to believe that bad news (i.e., psychological danger) is lurking around every corner. Our preoccupation with all things negative, stresses our bodies and may be leaving us feeling frustrated, angry or depressed.

Not to worry, after identifying and qualifying the value of positive emotions, Fredrickson took her research one step further and in her 2009 book Positivity, she quantified their value. Fredrickson and her team of researchers formulated the 3:1 positivity ratio of positive to negative emotions. The ratio is a simple but valid mathematical equation for revealing happiness levels. I like to think of it as the psychological tipping point between getting by and soaring high. 

“80% of Americans fall short of the ideal 3-to-1 positivity ratio.”

Yikes! According to Fredrickson, 80% of us are not at our best. That’s not to say we are miserable, we’re not, but we are also not as happy or fulfilled as we could be.

Fredrickson’s research shows that we need to have 3 positive emotions for every 1 negative emotion to flourish. Her work indicates that our world’s do not need to be perfect for us to flourish – negativity can still be present (as represented by the “1″ in the 3:1 ratio), but as long as the ratio is 3 to 1 we are good to go.

Fredrickson notes that a 2:1 ratio means we are getting by. We might be happy, but not at our best and when faced with negativity or hard times, we can easily slide to a 1:1 ratio. Is the difference between 3:1 and 2:1 important? Here’s what Fredrickson has to say on the subject:

” . . . experiencing positive emotions in a 3-to-1 ratio to negative emotions leads people to achieve what they once could only imagine. Far from frivolous, tapping into one’s own unique sources of positivity is a wise and healthy investment in the future.”     

And, here is the truly important aspect of Fredrickson’s research, with simple changes and targeted tweaking we can move ourselves from a 2:1 to a 3:1 ratio, or higher, which improves the likelihood that we will create the lives we really want! You can improve your internal environment and enhance your external landscape by:

  • becoming more aware and savoring what is good in your life;
  • focusing on your strengths and what you and others do well;
  • predicting better for you and your loved ones;
  • adding a bit of mediation to your daily mix;
  • doing more of what you love – even the simplest little things,
  • and maintaining and enriching your relationships.

If you are interested in assessing your positivity ratio, Fredrickson has created a free online survey to help take our emotional “temperature”. (My word not her’s). To get a true ”temperature” reading, Fredrickson suggests taking the survey once a day for two weeks. The survey only take three minutes to complete. If you would like to give it a try, click away. (Taking the survey even once, provides valuable insight because it shares specific examples of positive and emotional states; I highly recommend it.)

If you would like to learn more about the “Broaden and Build Theory” or the positivity ratio, click here to listen to an online interview with Barbara Fredrickson discussing her theories and research.

PS A super special shout-out to all the new Wishful Thinking Women in Tampa. Really enjoyed meeting and talking with you on Saturday – hope you are still feeling the glow – I am!

If you are ready to improve your or your organization’s positivity ratio, you do not have to do it alone. Contact Patrice Koerper; Wishful Thinking Works life coaching, workshops and seminars for help!

Posted in Awareness, Change, Encouragement, Happiness, Happy, Positive Psychology, Retreat. Tags: , , , , , , . 3 Comments »

Tampa’s Wishful Thinking Women Meetup – March 2, 2013

June 27, 2012 — Patrice

It’s time to explore and follow your dreams.

♦

Saturday, March 2, 10:00 a.m.

It’s free!

♦

Meet Wishful Thinking Women just like you, who are creating the lives they want.

Have fun as you discuss and learn how to make your “best life” a reality.

Discover the real you and spend time doing what you really want to do.

Improve your attitude, your outlook and your relationships and make fun, flow, and fulfillment a part of your daily life.

Create a happier you!

Don’t miss this free opportunity to create the life you really want.

Join us!

We will be meeting at

Ikea in the restaurant

1103 N. 22nd Street, Tampa, FL

♦

Visit Tampa’s Wishful Thinking Women on Meetup.com

or contact wishfulthinkingworks@gmail.com to reserve your seat!

RSVP – Limited number of seats available.

♦

“What Meetup participants of Wishful Thinking Women are saying . . .

“GREAT! wonderful women who want to make a postive change in life. Patrice is open and knowledgeable.” J.J.

“This was my first time attending…it was a very welcoming group and Patrice is an awesome facilitator. It gave me lots of things to think about this week!” R.
“Once again, I had new insights into myself, and felt closer to the new friends that I am making.” M.L.
“The amount of knowledge available to share is unbelievable!” S.D.
“Today was my first time at the monthly meeting. I heard so much positive expressions of experiences shared and encouragement from this group of wonderful women. I felt safe and welcomed. Patrice is very effective in the way she teaches and coaches. I left on an endorphin HIGH. I would highly recommend this group.” S.S.

“Yet another enjoyable and positive thought-provoking meetup with Patrice! I have often read that to be and feel more positive, surround yourself with positive people! This relaxed meetup for coffee is just the place! Patrice has such a range of experience and is so “real.” If you are hesitant to try it, don’t be! It fun and all of the women are nice and encouraging.”  GKS

“I really enjoyed this group – first time I had attended. Patrice shared wonderful ideas on how to keep life fun and positive. Many in the group contributed experiences and thoughts that were very inspirational. Left meeting feeling upbeat and refreshed!” S
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A small group of thoughtful people . . .

February 4, 2011 — Patrice

A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.             Margaret Mead

Have you heard of Meetup? I believe they are doing just that – changing the world, I mean. 

Their mission statement is:

to revitalize local community and help people around the world self-organize. Meetup believes that people can change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference.

Their stats are huge:

  • 6 million monthly visitors
  • 7.2 million members
  • 2.2 million monthly RSVPs
  • 46,000 meetup topics
  • 45,000 cities

A friend of a friend told me about Meetup, when I mentioned that I wanted to meet some new folks having recently moved back to a city I hadn’t lived in for 15 years. 

I decided to checked out the Meetup web page even though I am not much of a joiner, and found myself signing up and joining a Meetup group. Then, I ignored Meetup for a few months, until I could no longer justify not creating the life I wanted!  

I finally RSVP’d to an event and now, three months later, I am enjoying a book club brimming with interesting women, sipping coffee in multiple cafés, dancing the night away and meeting and making new friends, a few of whom now gather for coffee once a week on our own.

I think the best part of  Meetup is everyone starts from the same point – we are all looking for folks to meet and interesting things to do.

For those of you thinking, I could or would never do that, I completely understand. My guess is many people, who join feel exactly the same way – until they join, which is what makes the concept and process so cool. Meetup is changing the way people think and meet, which means the are changing the world.

Meetup offers something for everyone. Topics range from coffee lovers (33 in Glasgow, UK) to Cool Nerds, (835 in LA); Philosophers (400 in Austin, TX) to farmers  (1269 in Redlands, CA) and everything in between. 

On Meetup you can find someone, who likes to dance, cook, read, fly, hop, or climb. And, if you do not find the Meetup of your dream, you can start your own group!

And, if Meetup really is not for you, no problem, but you may enjoy reading the media coverage of interesting Meetup groups or about the Meetup staff.    

Meetup is a community of individuals, brave enough to take the risk that someone would want to connect with them around a common or creative idea or activity. Their actions then give millions of other folks a chance to reach out and meet someone. Meetup creates circles and cycles of courage, creativity and connection, I like that.

And, most Meetup groups are free or practically free to join. I like that, too.

I hope this weekend you get to meetup with folks you find interesting and fun whether you find them online, next door or in the next room.

Enjoy.

 

P.S.  Next Friday is a special day for me. To celebrate, the first reader, who comments or emails me @ wishfulthinkingworks@gmail.com with the correct answer to why it is special will receive a copy of one of my favorite books ”The Joy of Appreciative Living: Your 28-Day Plan to Greater Happiness in 3 Incredibly Easy Steps” by Jacqueline Kelm.

Posted in Awareness, Change, Courage, Dreams, Wishes, Encouragement, Fun. Tags: , , . 1 Comment »
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