A vision board is a powerful device for showing our subconscious a desired end result. Ask yourself what you want. Is it money, laughter, companionship, an ocean view?

Having accomplished so much, both personally and professionally in the last five years, I decided it was time to think about enjoying myself – really savoring the life I’ve built.

Over the weekend, I took a huge stack of magazines* and looked for images of warmth and fun. It didn’t take long to find an all-encompassing image in a McDonald’s ad. It featured a young, hip mom. She wore jeans and a simple, white blouse with an eclectic headband and jewelry.  She was thin and casual, looking comfortable and happy. Most importantly, she was bent over, touching head-to-head with presumably her daughter, whose outfit mimicked Mom’s. Clearly they were sharing a moment that had more to do with being happy together that eating food. In fact, the featured food was secondary, smaller in the lower right.

The ad wasn’t about convenience. It wasn’t a working mother who was able to get a break on dinner and still make the kids happy.

It wasn’t about price: look what you can get for a dollar!

It was about values. Moms value time with their kids. They want to have common ground, places and activities they can enjoy together.

PS. I’m interested to see if this trend of parent-child companionship shifts into the vacation arena. Over the weekend I was also looking into Dude Ranches in Colorado. The first one had gourmet meals and 6-hour, daily daycare service. The video boasted, “So parents can feel like they’re having a vacation, too.”
I immediately ruled out this ranch. I found it depressing to think my kids would be having a separate vacation. What the hell?

*If you ask, doctor offices will gladly give you expired magazines if you rip off the printed address label and promise to recycle.