I went on a solo momcation - here's what I learned

I went on a solo momcation - here's what I learned.

This was the year I decided that I was going to go on a solo vacation. A momcation, if you will.

With a whole pandemic and two babies, I had not even fathomed the idea of travelling to another country, let alone without my family.

But if I was honest, I saw myself shutting down. I needed an urgent reboot to manage the burnout and overwhelm of motherhood.

I loved being present for almost every milestone, every giggle, every kiss, every smile. I was able to be fully invested in being a mother, while balancing a career.

But what I was beginning to realize was that after years of doing this daily mom juggle, I was forgetting what it felt like to just be happy in my own thoughts and space.

I couldn’t remember relaxing without the panic or fear that something needed to be done or that someone needed me.

I went on a solo momcation - here's what I learned

So, I found the sunny location, booked the flight months in advance, and waited for the panic to set in.

And it did. I felt intense worry and guilt over leaving my children, wondering what kind of mother books a vacation for seven days without her children.

I managed the raised eyebrows and remarks of “how can you leave them for so long, they need their mommy?” with a head tilt and a smile.

I prepared the kids as best as I could with them being toddlers, and set off to my island getaway, hoping that I didn’t scar my children forever.

Of course, my children were fine, but what was even better was that I was given the opportunity to meet myself again.

As much as motherhood has empowered me as a person, I forgot who I was beyond a working mother.

There is an intense guilt that surrounds seeking out your own interests that do not focus on or include your children, and I fall victim to that.

Rediscovering me

So, here is what I rediscovered.

1. I love being with and meeting new people
2. I am hilarious, and
3. The beach is magical!

I was able to actually sleep past 5am and hear my own thoughts. I didn’t have anything to do, no routines or schedules.

I ate a snack on my own without little hands reaching for their share, and I was able to go back to bed without someone urgently calling me for something.

I couldn't remember the last time I intentionally napped.

Now don’t get me wrong, I missed my children immensely, but I enjoyed reconnecting with myself and remembering who I am as a whole person.

I was also able to cater to my needs without feeling obligated to give my family my undivided attention.

I was able to reboot and I felt like my resentments were melting away with each moment that I gave back to myself.

I returned home, happy and excited to see my children again and felt a renewed sense of purpose.

I am of course planning the next trip, but I am still relishing in the beauty of this one.

Take that solo trip!

If you are thinking of taking a few days for yourself, do it!

Manage the guilt, and recognize that being a mom is a hard job and that if you have the ability to give yourself time and space, you deserve it.

If time, finances and support aren't accessible, carving out time each day to do something you enjoy, to reset before bed, or to sit with yourself, is important.

You deserve to remember who YOU are so that your children can see who you are.