A Solo Trip – An Act of Self Care
I had 3 or more blog ideas ready to go for the month of April, and now that I’m finally sitting down to write, I guess the month has more or less gotten away from me! Earlier this month I spent a long weekend in Michigan visiting family and friends. It was my first solo trip since getting married and having babies.
You read that write, I left the boys in Texas and headed to Michigan for a trip alone! It was so nice to have that time away. I will say it felt very strange to be in the airport by myself. Not necessarily bad, just different. The main reason for my trip was for my sister’s baby shower! We celebrated with her and then I got to spend a few days helping her get their nursery organized. It was so special to me to have that time.
Also, it’s a good thing we had the shower when we did because just 2 weeks later we welcomed the sweetest little girl into our family – 5 weeks early! She’s doing amazing though and it’s been fun to see my sister in this new role. I can’t wait to have her join the Mom Series! Now, I’m back to a countdown to get back to Michigan to meet her! 24 days – but who’s counting?
Ok, but I’m getting off track. I mostly wanted to pop on here to talk about the benefits of solo travel! Speaking from the perspective of a mom who has 2 littles, a dog, a husband and a house to take care of, this solo trip felt like an act of self care. I spent 4 days feeling so carefree! It was so strange to not have to think about nap times or meal times or diapers for a few days. It truly felt like such a nice mental break.
I didn’t sleep in, I can’t do that anymore. But I woke up refreshed every morning, usually worked out with my sister and then had a few things planned every day. It was just nice to have uninterrupted time (kids can be such a distraction, while they are the best, it’s still a distraction) to visit with my sisters, my family and some of my girlfriends. My cup felt so full after just 4 days with my people.
The whole time I was visiting, I kept thinking this needs to be something I prioritize going forward. My goal is at least once a year to take a solo trip. This will probably be a trip to Michigan most years but I’m hoping to convince my sisters or my girlfriends to go on a trip with me once a year. Ladies, are you down?
As a Mom and a caregiver, I think it’s just so important to get that time to yourself! Man, maybe I need to plan these trips more than once a year! If you have been considering a night away or a few days away, I’m here to tell you to go for it! You will absolutely not regret it.
Reasons to Go On a Solo Trip
- Self-Care! Seriously, you are granting yourself permission to just do whatever you want for X amount of days
- Freedom! See above.
- It’s a little refresh – you feel ready to get back to your daily life after a few days away from it.
- It’s empowering! Seriously, going alone through the airport was such a new experience for me!
Home Sweet Home
I remember feeling so content too when I got to the airport to fly home. I had a great time visiting my loved ones but I felt excited to get back to my family. The old adage, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” comes to mind. I was ready to get back to my boys!
I thought maybe I would feel sad or upset about us being in Texas and everyone else being in Michigan. As if this trip would be a reminder of that distance, I think I almost expected that realization to make me feel sad. It truly did not make me feel that way. I honestly had this feeling of contentment and peace sitting in the airport in Detroit.
It was kind of amazing to be able to recognize that while most of our family and friends are in Michigan, the life we are building is in Texas and that is OK. Maintaining relationships looks a little different now but I’m good with that.
Thanks for reading, do you have any experience with a solo trip? I hope it was positive! Drop your thoughts below! And as always, leave me your email if you want to be put on my email list!