Updated: September 15, 2015
Originally Published: April 30, 2013
As I sat in the airport, my foot nervously tapping against the cold floor, I felt as jittery as if I had just chugged a gallon of espresso. It was early March in Cleveland, with gray skies and slushy snow still hanging around, and here I was, waiting to board a flight to sunny Florida—alone.
You see, I’m a bit of an extroverted introvert. I thrive on social interactions but equally crave solitude to recharge my batteries. Motherhood had always been my dream, and from the moment my first child, a bouncy 8-month-old, entered my life, I was overjoyed. However, as my family grew to include two more adorable kiddos, I began to feel overwhelmed by constant demands, noise, and little hands clinging to me.
“I just want some time to myself,” I had told my husband when he asked about plans for my first Mother’s Day. “Really? Don’t you want to do something together?” he responded, clearly puzzled and a bit hurt. So, I let it go. But as the years rolled by, with three little ones underfoot, I recognized the need for that elusive alone time even more.
Finally, it was time to take action. I was feeling the weight of winter blues on top of the daily grind of parenting, and I knew it was time to prioritize my own well-being. “Can’t I join you?” my husband asked when I announced my solo trip. I gently declined, knowing that if he came along, I’d feel obligated to compromise. I needed this retreat for myself.
And oh, was it blissful! After the first hour of airport jitters, I finally relaxed, reminding myself that my kids were safe and that I could just be me. For 48 glorious hours, I soaked up the sunshine my winter-weary body had been craving. I indulged in reading, running, getting a pedicure, and even squeezing in some Pilates. I explored the town, savored meals alone, and at night, I opened my laptop to rediscover my long-lost writing voice.
My absolute favorite spot in that charming Florida town was an open-air restaurant with a simple patio and a laid-back vibe—a little slice of paradise where I could bask in the warmth of a half-finished margarita while enjoying the sounds of locals chatting and the tantalizing aroma of fried green tomatoes wafting through the air. It felt like the first time in years that I could truly unwind.
By day two, my son was running a fever, and I found myself diagnosing him over Skype, wishing I could cuddle him. I showed my daughters pictures of the lizards outside my window and blew kisses their way. Yes, I missed them fiercely. But I also returned home feeling revitalized, ready to embrace my family once again.
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In summary, taking a break as a mom isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a quiet evening, carving out time for yourself can rejuvenate you, making you a better parent when you return home.