A few weeks ago, I went away with a bunch of girlfriends on a shopping trip. It was only 2 days and yet I felt refreshed like I was gone for weeks. I realized how important it is for us women to take time away with other women and how it replenishes us in so many ways to be better wives and mom’s.
I had been running on empty in every area of my life and I needed time to sleep in a comfy hotel bed and not think of anyone else. Let’s be real, no mom sleeps so but well. It’s like our minds are always “on” and we easily wake at the slightest noise.
I needed to eat food that didn’t need to be shared or warmed back up.
I needed to carry a light weighted purse that was not full of toys and wipes.
I needed to have engaging conversations with other women and invest in friendship without constantly being interrupted by a toddler asking for another snack.
I needed to connect with my sister alone, without our kids running around.
Whenever, I take time for myself I feel a sense of guilt. Even though every single day, I give 110%. It’s hard to admit that I need a break.
That I need to be refreshed. That I am burnt out. That I need to vent about life, my walk with God, parenting, and marriage. This is so good for our souls.
It was so lovely. We spent the day shopping at the outlets and eating until our hearts were content.
We enjoyed getting coffee from Starbucks, that I was able to drink while it was still hot! That alone is truly a miracle.
I slept better than I had in years, even waking up at 7am felt like I slept til noon.
The result was that I came home so energized and rejuvenated to be the best mom I could be to my kids. I was excited to put on the million hats that I wear every day and do it with JOY. I felt refreshed. I missed my kids and my husband and was thrilled to be back with them.
Most importantly, my husband was able to fill those roles completely. He was exhausted but, so grateful for my role in our family. These times bring such benefits to our marriage because, it’s so easy to take the other spouse for granted when you are in the midst of your daily routine. Sometimes, we all need that eye opener of what life would be like if we were doing it all alone. It makes us both appreciate each other in a new way.
So, ladies plan something with the close friends that you wish you had more time to spend with. Even if it’s one night away at a local hotel. Just plan it and go. Go get your nails done, shop or go see a “chick flick.” Take a whole day where you can focus on just yourself!
You will come back a better wife, mother and friend. We need this mamas. It’s built into our every being. This is how God made us. We need quality friendships and to build on them. We care so well for everyone else, but we need to care for ourselves too.
37 comments
Bonnie Marrow
Looks like you had a really fun day!
Leah | Five for the Road
What a great way to recharge and reconnect with friends. It is so important and really nice to enjoy a hot meal!
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes this is so true!
Cassie Rea
Love this. It is so important to take time away. And I can totally relate to the guilt. It feels like I SHOULD be able to handle this without a break. But gotta remember we are only human.
XOXO, Cassie Rea
http://www.cassierea.com
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes! Totally. We make ourselves these martyr’s lol rather than listening to our bodies!
Belle
That is so true! Time away from our family no matter how short it is, is always refreshing and so important. I’ve taken a few hours away from them and I still felt really good!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes! Exactly! It doesn’t always take much.
Justine Y @ Little Dove
A two day shopping trip with your girlfriends?! That sounds so fun!! I totally agree that sometimes as a mom you just have to get away. I’ve decided the ideal amount is twice a year, now I just have to convince my hubby. 😉
jehava.brown@gmail.com
That is awesome girl! I totally agree! Good luck!
Ayanna
This is so true and needed! You look like you had a blast. We all need some time to get away and just be ourselves. Not having to worry about or run behind anyone.
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Exactly! Just to focus on our needs for once.
Dawn Darnell
Your right it is so important! So glad you were able to revive a bit. Sounds like an amazing time.
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes, it really was.
Erika Ortega
Sooo jealous! Really love some away time from the kids. Because let’s be honest all mamas need it. Especially when you get to enjoy it along some girlfriends. How great is that, I’m glad you got to it!
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Thanks so much! Yes exactly!!
val
So fun! Glad you were able to get away – good for the soul 🙂
jehava.brown@gmail.com
It really is! Thanks so much!
Jessica Bradshaw (@loveyoumoretoo)
Mom getaways are so important for your health and sanity. I am not a mom, but as a school counselor, it’s always nice to spend a day away from the kids and have adult conversations. Then, I am refreshed and love going back to work.
jehava.brown@gmail.com
YES! That totally makes sense as well!
Amber Starr
Occasional getaways are so so needed! I can’t wait to go on mine. LOL.
jehava.brown@gmail.com
How exciting! They are the best!
Ashley
Yes!!! This is so so important!!! And drinking coffee hot?!! I didn’t know there was such a thing! Hehe!
jehava.brown@gmail.com
LOL! Right?! It’s a whole new world.
livi
Definitely helps with recharging!!
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes it really does!
Kristen
What a fun day! And those tacos looked amazing!
jehava.brown@gmail.com
They were! Crab is my favorite!
Erin Ruoff
Totally agree with this! It’s good to take a few days off!
Amaris Beecher
The struggle to have time away is hard, right?! But seriously, so so needed!!
XOXO, Amaris
jehava.brown@gmail.com
It does wonders for the soul!
Beth Newcomb
This sounds like an amazing mom time away! I need this! Mostly the uninterrupted sleep sounds like heaven.
jehava.brown@gmail.com
YES! The sleep may have been the best part lol
Brittany Kelly
Yes! We all need a little me time!
Tasha @ Cookie Crumbs
I have been wanting a mini getaway for myself for ages! I need to just buck up and take it. My problem is feeling guilty about taking it. As you said though, it’s so important to fill our cups back up. Thanks for sharing!
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes, I struggle with that guilt too but, it’s so necessary for all we do!
Rosanna
There is such truth to this. I haven’t actually gone away in years overnight, but I do find that taking coffee dates with friends is highly refreshing as well. I need to do a overnighter soon, though.
jehava.brown@gmail.com
Yes coffee dates help me so much too!