I just got back from a weekend away with my girlfriends. No husbands, no kids, and no real responsibilities for a full 48 hours. And it freed my soul. I just had to take care of me and make sure my margarita was replenished and my outfits were on point. I didn’t have to dress, feed, or worry about anyone besides myself for two whole days, and it was amazing.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
If I told you I was excited to go on this girls trip, I would be lying. My best friend of 20 years is getting married later this year and we wanted to take her away for a weekend for some fun. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to go. I needed to go. But I was dreading the prep work of leaving my two young children and husband behind for a few days of sand and sun. Was it worth it to escape for a few days only to come home to a mountain of laundry and a messy house?
Then there was the cost. Was it responsible for me to spend all this money for a quick weekend away just for me? No, it probably wasn’t. But does my husband ask himself that question before we make our boat payment every month? The answer is no. Would I hesitate to spend money on the kids at Target? Once again, the answer is no.
Do You, Mama
So, I went. I saved money to pay for my time away. I packed and I prepped and I planned for the kids. I packed sensible wedges and high-waisted bikinis to cover my post-kids mom bod. I packed a book incase I got a minute to myself to read a book I’ve been wanting to read for months, and off to Florida I went. And it was awesome.
Before I left on my girls weekend, I was struggling. I have legit been in my house with my young kids 90% of the past year. Working from home during a pandemic was really starting to get to me. Before 2020, I worked outside the home, but that has all been changed in the wake of the pandemic. My husband also has a new job where he is working 80 hours a week and he is never home. It’s been hard on me and hard on my kids. I desperately needed a break.
Mom: Redefined
We ate decadent food and sipped delicious drinks. I got to talk to my friends for hours on end without interruptions. I did not have to deal with melt-downs, car seats, or bed time routines for two whole nights. Most importantly, I got to be me again, not just a mom. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and I love being a mom. But I also love who I am when I am not just being a mom.
Being a mom is my most important role in life, but it is not my only role. I am also a wife, friend, and person outside of being a parent. I think as women, we forget that the title of “mom” is not the only defining role we have. We were people before our children came into the world, and our life will continue once our children have moved out and begin lives of their own.
Mama, take that girls trip!
If you are contemplating taking some time out of mom life for a weekend away with your girls, I can’t recommend it enough. Mama, take that girls trip! The kids will survive, your partner will be fine. The house will still be standing when you get home. All you have to lose is your responsibilities for a few days. I promise, you won’t regret it.
