Okay, so I’ve been dying for a “mom getaway” – you know, some time to just breathe and be me, not just “Mom.” It felt impossible, but I finally did it! Here’s how it all went down, from desperate daydream to actual, blissful escape.
The Breaking Point (and the Spark!)
It started with a particularly rough week. Kids were sick, deadlines were looming, and the laundry pile was basically a sentient being. I was running on fumes and starting to feel like a robot programmed to dispense snacks and wipe noses. One night, after everyone was (finally!) asleep, I was scrolling through Instagram, and BAM! A friend posted a picture of herself at a spa, looking all relaxed and rejuvenated. That was my “aha!” moment. I NEEDED this.
Planning the Great Escape (Operation: Sanity)
First, I had to get my husband on board. Let’s be real, without his support, this wasn’t happening. We sat down and looked at the calendar. Luckily, there was a weekend coming up where he had no major plans. I pitched it as a “recharge” so I could be a better (less grumpy) mom and wife. He got it. (He’s a smart man.)
Next, I had to figure out where to go. I considered a few options:
- Beach Trip: Sounded amazing, but felt like a lot of effort with packing, driving, etc.
- Big City Adventure: Tempting, but I knew I’d be tempted to pack my schedule with sightseeing and end up even more exhausted.
- Cozy Cabin in the Woods: This one felt just right. Quiet, nature, and minimal distractions.
I found this adorable little cabin on a rental site. It had a fireplace, a big bathtub, and – most importantly – NO WIFI. Perfect! I booked it immediately.
The Prep Work (aka, Damage Control)
The week leading up to the getaway was a whirlwind of preparation. I made a detailed list for my husband (bless his heart) with the kids’ schedules, meal ideas (mostly involving pizza, let’s be honest), and emergency contact info. I packed my bag with essentials: comfy clothes, a good book, bath bombs, and a journal. I also prepped some meals and snacks for the family, so my husband wouldn’t have to spend the entire weekend in the kitchen.
The Getaway (Sweet, Sweet Freedom!)
The drive to the cabin was pure bliss. I cranked up the music, rolled down the windows, and just breathed. When I arrived, it was even better than I imagined. I spent the weekend doing exactly what I wanted: sleeping in, reading by the fire, taking long baths, and just enjoying the silence. It was amazing how quickly I started to feel like myself again.
No tiny humans ask me questions all the time!
I even tried (and failed) to meditate. Turns out, my brain is still pretty noisy, even in the woods. But hey, I tried!
The Return (Refreshed and Ready… Mostly)
Coming home was bittersweet. I missed my family, of course, but I also felt a pang of sadness leaving my peaceful sanctuary. But the difference in my mood was HUGE. I felt calmer, more patient, and ready to tackle whatever chaos awaited me. Even the kids noticed! (Okay, maybe they just noticed I was more willing to say “yes” to extra screen time.)
So, that’s my “mom getaway” story. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed. If you’re a mom feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, I highly recommend carving out some time for yourself. Even a day or two can make a world of difference. You deserve it!
