A vacation for Mom!

Summer is coming to an end. Back to school is in full swing. And mom’s everywhere are sharing a collective exhale.

Summer vacation has always felt like a bit of an oxymoron to me as an adult. Like really, who’s on vacation? Then, getting back into the routine of school is a whole other ball game.

Growing up I always thought I’d end up like Belle. Turns out, more often than not, I end up like this lady:

And it’s for this reason that I’m a huge fan of Girls Weekends! Because there must be more than this provincial life.

This mom has her own vacation planned! In one week I leave for a girls weekend in Colorado. It’s a quick turnaround. There will be food. There will be a little hiking. AND there will be Bruno! We are meeting up to go to the Bruno Mars Concert.

Why do I encourage women everywhere to take a little break?

Moms – you need a break from your kids.  I know – you love your family. Your kids are wonderful. You love your spouse. But when mom’s go on vacation, they aren’t really on vacation.  They are herding everyone to where they need to be. They are making plans. They are organizing everything. They are cleaning the room. They are making sure everyone is accounted for and little Johnny isn’t left on the train platform.  And by the end you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation.

Weekends with your girlfriends are the safe space every woman needs.  Need to bitch about how not every moment of marriage and motherhood is sprinkled with rainbows and unicorns? That’s what your girlfriends are for.  It’s space to be vulnerable. It’s safe. It’s judgement free. And it’s the opportunity to realize that yes, we feel you and we feel that way, too. And that’s because…..

No one gets you like your girlfriends do.  They knew you when you were sweating it out on the dance floor before you had spit up on your shirt. They were there when you told them that you found the one. They don’t care if you are in Belle mode, or the crazy egg lady.  They get you. And you get them.

The ability to travel solo is sometimes a gift unto itself. Why, yes, I WILL wear white on the plane today. (Not really. I don’t need to have kids to spill coffee all over myself, but you get my point.) You have time to actually stop and get that coffee.  You have time to, gasp,  Read. A. Book.

Recharging your batteries makes you a better wife/mom/person. Especially when surround yourself with quality people.  Remember that safe place I mentioned? A quality friend lets you vent about the fact that life isn’t all rainbows, while simultaneously reminding you that 1) you aren’t always a picnic to live with either (in a warm, fuzzy loving way of course!), and 2) your life is full of way more sunshine and good than not.  They lift you up, and elevate you to be the best you can be. They bring out the good in you. They encourage the best. And they make you feel good about it all at the same time. And when you take the time to laugh, sleep in, and let someone else cater to you for a change (even if it is a waiter that you tip generously for a little extra champagne in your mimosa for brunch), you let the coils relax just a little. You come home ready to take on challenges at work and at home just a little more clearly.

So, what are you waiting for? Have you called your girlfriends lately? I think it’s time to start planning a little getaway……..And if I can help bring all the pieces together you know I’d love to!