Why You Need to Escape on a Solo Retreat

Some days I just want to run from my life. Escape.

Get away from the responsibilities and just be alone for a while.

There are days I just need space…Take time for me.

Sometimes I feel disconnected from myself. I wonder where I went.

Yet, I need to chase down my daughter to make sure she’s doing homework and studying (versus being online with her friends all night). I still have to make a delicious, nutritious meal for our family every night. I still have to run the errands. I still need to find time with my husband and talk about things that aren’t business related (which some days is hard, considering we live/work together 24/7!)

The chores.  The errands.  Sometimes it’s exhausting just thinking about that ‘LIST.’

Someone once said to me:

You can’t take care of your family unless you take care of yourself first.

As a mother, as a woman really, I think this tends to go against our grain. I find putting myself first REALLY hard to do.   Even with an understanding husband and daughter, I still can’t put my needs before theirs. I don’t mean for this to sound like a pity-party. I just know that about myself.

I get eye twitches then headaches. I put on weight and my joints ache. Then, I get really bitchy.

This is my body is screaming at me, sending me message after message, telling me that I NEED me time. That’s when I finally listen.

While it seems like a selfish thing to do, escaping your life for a while is

one of the best things you can do for yourself.

So, I find a quiet place where I can go and be by myself for a while.

I sleep deeply. I drink lots of water. I write. I read. I do yoga. I watch stupid movies. I explore. I catch my breath and remind myself that I’m important too. Before I go home and tackle life again, I make a pact with myself. I will take better care of myself. I will put myself first.

Sometimes it takes a day. Sometimes it takes a week. But you have to take the time, no matter what life throws at you.

It’s no easy task, and I don’t always succeed. But when I do, I’m happier, more focused and a lot clearer on what’s important.

You have to learn to pay attention to your inner voice before you become disconnected from yourself – and your relationships.

 

I recommend everyone — whomever you are or whatever your story – EVERYONE needs to do this for themselves.

Did I feel guilty the first time I took a self-retreat? Hell yes!

Did I call home and make sure everything was still okay?  Yup, constantly.

Did I feel rejuvenated and refreshed from taking this time, considering all that? Without a doubt.

Was it worth it? Absolutely and  I’ve done it multiple times since then.

Do you need some ideas on how to escape for a while?
Check out our post: “What Type of Self-Retreat Is Right For You?“