Renew and Refresh: The End of the 2018 Topo Pino Season

Hello, my fellow creatives!

I thought instead of writing a blog post this month that I would write you all a letter. As the 2018 Topo Pino season draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on all of the creative efforts we put into it this year. Some were huge successes, and some could stand to be a bit more refined, but all of them were worth trying.

I find myself excited to see what ideas will be sparked by the inevitable off-season that comes along with New England winters. And, though I’m very much looking forward to creating some positive changes for Topo Pino and it’s vendors, I’m also looking forward to the time away from the demands of running your own business in addition to working a full-time job that I love.

You have probably heard me say it before but taking breaks is a vital part of refreshing and renewing your creativity. We can’t expect our brains to operate at 100% capacity 100% of the time. In order for us to produce our best work, we need to take mental breaks.

During the work day, this can be as easy as a quick stretch at your desk or a brief coffee run in between projects. Allowing yourself to stop rehashing the task at hand for just a few minutes often resets your mood and boosts your focus. When you finally step back to your work, it’s as if you see it with fresh eyes and an improved mindset

The same holds true for my entrepreneurial endeavors. I find that the Topo Pino off-season provides me with the much-needed opportunity to step back and relax. I know that, after a small break, I will be ready to review the previous season's successes, re-assess the coming year's plans, and rely on my creativity to guide me in the right direction.

The truth is that everyone needs a mental reset when it comes to the things that occupy most of their time, and the irony of my own mental reboot isn’t lost on me! For several months out of the year, I escape to Topo Pino to reset my brain and body after a full week at work. But, occasionally, I reverse. That isn’t to say that I won’t visit Topo Pino this winter...I love a good winter hike! But, while I’m there, I’ll be fulfilling my own self-care needs so that I am better prepared to fulfill the self-care needs of our guests when we reopen in the spring.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as the holidays draw near or cold weather settles in, remember to schedule your own time to reset and renew. You’ll feel much better after taking some time to nurture yourself.

Oh, one last thing! We all know creative minds may rest but they never really shut down. I’ll still be publishing posts to this site regularly throughout the winter season, so check back often!
With many thanks for a fantastic season,
​
Caitlin Crowe
Co-Founder of Topo Pino