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?“
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Oh Kendal, this made my heart sing. I’m so glad it spoke to you and thanks for leaving your comment. I don’t think you have to be a mother to benefit from a solo retreat. Now we’re empty nesters, I think I need this just as much – if not more! Hope your Mum enjoys it as much as you did.
This is beautiful! Although I’m a college student and not a mom, I feel like this really hit home. Perhaps it’s time to start focus a little time each day on me rather than all of life’s distractions. Passing this on to my mom as well because, well, moms rock! Every mom deserves some “me” time!