2 weeks ago since I ran away from my family.
Well, more accurately, my husband shooed me out the door.
We had been talking about me taking some time to go away somewhere solo. But as life sweeps us by, the plan was never executed.
Then, what was supposed to be an impromptu trip to Melbourne for the Kids Business Bloggers Brunch, somehow Mr Surfer turned it into a 3 night getaway – in a hotel suite with a Jacuzzi, no less.
Who was I to complain?
While I still managed to meet up with some friends – both new and old – I decided to make a conscious (and some might say, selfish) decision to make the weekend more about me. Time for me. With only me.
I soaked myself in a bath full of bubbles twice a day (Radox is the new black!)
I booked myself in for an hour and a half traditional Thai massage.
I walked around Melbourne’s Chinatown and decided that it was so much prettier than ours. (Sorry, Sydney…but yours is starting to get grungy).
And my biggest highlight? A last minute matinee ticket to see “Driving Miss Daisy” at the Comedy Theatre.
Throughout the whole performance, my love for the theatre and the arts re-ignited itself.
I sat in the darkness, tears streaming down my face, in complete awe that I was in the same room with two of Broadway’s greatest legends. When would I EVER be this close to James Earl Jones and feel the presence of his distinctive, deep, warm voice again?
And yes, I may have possibly upset some IRL friends for not letting them know I was in town.
But having always been an extremely accommodating person, making sure that I wouldn’t let anyone down, it was time to heed my own needs in restoring a sense of well-being and happiness.
In a nutshell, what I learned was:
- Time on my own is vital. And with a family to constantly look after, it’s even more crucial that I can steal some time away whenever I can. It sounds selfish but I’m no use to anyone if there’s no room for self-preservation.
- By exploring new things on my own, I rediscovered certain past loves and passions. I’m reminded of my identity that goes beyond mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. There are so many more elements to me.
- Sitting alone in your random thoughts isn’t a lonely thing. It’s actually productive.
And when the magical weekend was about over and it was time to head back to reality, I had no reason to be sad.
As the saying goes, “It is what it is” and my solo jaunt was just that.
I enjoyed it for what it was, just as I was thrilled to be returning home.
But it was about having the rare chance to sit still, in my own skin, simply enjoying the present moment as it fleeted by.
Life seems to be much more memorable that way.
Do you like spending time alone? Where would your runaway destination be?
Joining the effervescent Essentially Jess for IBOT
Sounds perfect! I think Melbourne would be my quick getaway too. Such a wonderful vibe and feel for a solo traveller. I can see myself wandering the alleys, stopping for a hot chocolate, some Asian food, a spot of shopping and relaxing back at the hotel in the tub with a good book. One day…
JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) recently posted..The butterfly effect starts now
Your husband is awesome! What a fantastic getaway to just be -you-. Was a shame we couldn’t have waved at each other at the airport! Aw well, next time!
iSophie recently posted..The Tanty Files – Part Four
I’m SO glad you had this opportunity to have time to yourself. It’s so important for your soul. (And a good friend will understand how important it is to have a little getaway!). I know how much I crave time to myself too. What a gem of a husband you have. This little getaway has surely recharged your batteries for a long while now. Wonderful! xx
Deb @ Bright and Precious recently posted..The Thing About Mother’s Day
Well done.
I’ve been watching how hard my wife has been doing it for the last two months and I’m sure this is just what she will need. Just need to get a little further down the track first.
ps – just the right prep for the weekend!
Kevin recently posted..Growing up your blog – finding the right help
Lovely, just lovely xxxx
Deb A – An Inspirational Journey recently posted..Five Minutes with Philip Arthur Moore
So happy you got this trip to rejunvenate yourself. Your hubby is so awesome! 🙂 I know what you mean by not telling all friends when you go travel somewhere. I’m going back to Kansai in June and there’s so many people I want to meet, and I know want to meet Lil Pumpkin too, that one week Hols is just not enough and I don’t want to spend the whole time just catching up with friends over coffee! Or matcha!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Energizer Night Trail Singapore 2013
Hi there Grace, I’m sitting alone in a cafe with my laptop and as happy as all get out to be alone. You know, I used to go travelling on my own a lot and I really, really loved that, and hope to do it all over again some time. And that’s a very sociable person talking. Time out is vital, time alone and being happy to be alone is great, refreshing, restorative. There’s too much goddam rushing around in this world, both online and IRL.
Seana – Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel recently posted..Self-Care For Mums – Ten Ways to Self Soothe After Stress
I remember being in Melbourne a year ago with hubby as he attended a work event. I had the days to myself so I cruised the art galleries etc. It was bliss. I rediscovered so much about myself in those few short days. I missed the kids of course … but I felt alive in a completely different way when I was out on my own exploring the things that meant something to ME.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1318 – Dogs with arthritis
What an amazing weekend! Oh what I would give to have a night away on my own (let alone 3 you very lucky woman). Let’s hope you get to do it more often and can enjoy your own company.
Kell Kelly recently posted..Pregnancy Is NOT All Glamour
Oh Grace – how lovely!! Your husband is a gem. He sure scored some brownie points on this one!! What a lovely place for some time out to replenish yourself. I adore Melbourne! It would have done wonders! Time alone is precious and time to reconnect with who you are and what you love to do is essential!! I hope the effects from that weekend stay with you for quite some time 🙂 Min xo
Min recently posted..Unplugged – Part 2
Grace, that sounds just perfect! Good on you for taking some time to be with yourself, and your husband for organizing it. No doubt you feel revitalized after your little runaway. xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..A to Z of ZEN. Q is for …..
Ahhh, I sighed in relief for you. How lovely and how envious I am of you!
I so could have done that too. I crave alone time. Toilet training twins sucks!
I’m so happy for you though, you just need the re energizing and it sounds like you got it. But, what’s Radox?
Penny recently posted..Keeping Garden Snails as Pets
Wow how perfect! I love me time and it really helps ground me. I took 5 long weekends of work this year just so that I could relax in the bath and feed my soul. Glad you enjoyed your time out!
Eleise recently posted..{Giveaway} A Healthy life and Higher Living Teas
What a fabulous thing to do. We don’t do enough for ourselves and it is about time we did.
It sounds like you had the most wonderful time and benefited from it immensely. Good on you for taking the ‘selfish’ path and putting yourself first for a change. Kudos to you 🙂
Becc @ Take Charge Now
Becc recently posted..Taking time for oneself
That time away for yourself is so important, I know because I don’t get enough of it! What a perfect runaway for you 🙂
Alicia recently posted..Muzzas Day
It sounds just perfect Grace, and to see James Earl Jones, how amazing. Most importantly to have silence, calm and serenity – just what you deserve. My runaway destination would be the beach x
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..I’m creating a chocolate pool serviced by half-naked men – a post written using search engine terms
I love spending time alone, and this sounds just divine to me!
Though to be honest, if I had the choice of a three day getaway, I would have to take Boatman and leave the kids behind 😉
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Diary of a SAHM
Nice work. Today I learned that the best predictor of children’s wellbeing is the wellbeing of the parents. This equals more getaways for all of us, I say!
x
Cybele @ BlahBlah recently posted..Slow Cooked Beef Ragout
Mmmm – that sacred mama space – absolutely essential – our pampering makes for a better world all round .. its for the children 🙂 x
Kim @ Bachelormum Style recently posted..10 things you don’t expect when you become a parent (part 1)
I love Melbourne – its my favourite city by far! So much to see and do.
Being a Mum takes a lot out of us so I agree – having time out is vital. Not something that I do much of….also spending time together as a couple is vital to a happy marriage.
Gosh you hubby is so good to book three nights away for you – mine has never thought to do that.
And good on you for listening to your inner voice and spending time on yourself. Those memories will last and you will have them to fall back on when you need it 🙂
You are so lucky to have had a little mini me break 🙂
I think that time to yourself is essential!
I would love to go to Byron and relax, read my books, walk on the beach – arh the serenity.
Sam Stone recently posted..Why we had to have two kids
I loved seeing the pics of your weekend away, it looked so good and I will admit to being a tiny bit jealous. I discovered after having Punky how important it is for me to have some time away from people, even if its just for a massage, facial or to sit in a cafe and drink a coffee and read my book. It’s enough to allow me to relax and release a little tension, an I am always a better wife and mother for it.
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions recently posted..The Final Frontier. I mean Trimester!
A beautiful post Grace, your photos are gorgeous and I love that you spent some time alone – we forget how powerful that can be xx
Josefa @always Josefa recently posted..The Evolution of Parenting: The Baby Bag
Sounds like you had a great time Grace, we all need a little get away every now and then to clear out the cob webs. Love your photos xx
Beck/craftypjmum recently posted..A Little Healthy Competition, Or Two
The brilliance of your own company cannot be overstated.
As someone who’s had one year only of “single life”aged20, it’s been the best gift for me to have solo time.
I love being a solo observer, traveller & stayer in places too. Like you I’ve been to the theatre, travelled to cities alone.
Love it
So glad you did this too
Realisation of what’s needed to refill our mum & partner tanks is the key.
My last runaway was a HAVE to, back in Sept 2010 when I was faced with the (what has proven not to be true) fact that hub had both PD & early dementia. Bloody hell! Thank goodness — WRONG Diagnosis righted in 2013
Dx
Sounds bliss, Grace! I think I need a weekend like that too xx
Fi @ My Mummy Daze recently posted..Feeling ridiculously CLUCKY
Bliss! Absolute bliss. Lucky mama 🙂
Some YOU time! Good for you Grace…sounds like you had a blissful time.
Melbourne is divine but I may be a bit biased…gotta go, off to book my weekend away for one! 🙂 x
This is my dream at the moment! I told Hubby about how I would love to go to a hotel room by myself for a night or two and he thought I was joking….I need sleeeeep!! Glad you got to spend the weekend in Melbourne-one of my favourite places to visit.
Lisa recently posted..The Crafty Expat Knitting Tutorial-Guest Post
Beautiful. And not at all selfish. Good for your soul friend, very good.
Bridget recently posted..Made From TV
Sounds like the perfect solo getaway. I’m glad you did that for yourself and I love the way you documented it with some lush photos x
kirri recently posted..25 tips for emotional self care
Totally agree with everyone allowing themselves alone time. I try to take time out every now and then. More often than not though, I get bored with my own company and head back to life – ha ha 🙂
Hello from #teamIBOT
Such an important thing really! I have put in my request for some time alone as a birthday present as soon as we get back to Australia!
Talia recently posted..Black & White Film
“It is what it is.” Then again, all is not what it seems. Don’t you love life’s mysteries? Hope you really, REALLY enjoyed yourself.
Nami recently posted..Here She Is