I was recently asked by a fellow mom how I managed to get through/cope with my kids’ younger years, not keep all my “goodness trapped inside of me”, and re-discover myself and my passions along the way…gah, motherhood can be quite traumatic at times! I only spent a few moments reflecting on this question before I quickly realized the answer: travel.
Travel = Self-care
February, the month of love, is the perfect time to discuss all the ways travel must be a part of your self-care. I cannot think of a greater, more profound way to show yourself some love. Rather than a written letter, you get to live it, and the letter just gets longer and longer!
Travel & Motherhood
It’s one of the hardest things to do as a mom – leave your kids behind. As they get older, it actually becomes even harder! The list of their activities grows longer, the logistics, the need for control. But, when you make travel a priority, you begin to notice its impact. I’ve said this time and time again, I am a better mom (spouse, friend, colleague, and so on) when I fill my cup first. When I travel I am so present, so disconnected from the everyday stressors, and so.damn.alive. My cup is full.
It isn’t an hour here, a half-hour there – it is a fucking experience, and its impact can last a lifetime.
Make It a Priority
It’s interesting that so many people don’t prioritize travel, when in fact, it is the one thing that might change their lives. As a mom, whether we have a supportive spouse or not, whether we work in or out of the house, whatever our circumstances might be – we are wired to take everything on. We want to. We do so much. And, while it’s the most rewarding thing in the world, it is equally the most draining.
To make the decision to travel (and first, budget for travel!) – be it solo, with your spouse (on a much-needed romantic getaway) or a retreat – is actually doing something so sweet, so intentional and so powerful for yourself (btw, that actually benefits your family too!). I refer to it as travel therapy.
Travel reminds me
…that I am forever young, wild, and free.
…that I am empowered, confident, and worldly.
…to slow down and show myself compassion and care.
…that I have so much yet to learn, see, and experience (which excites me).
…who I truly am or who I still want to become.
…that I love tasting new foods, seeing new sights, hiking challenging terrain, basking in the sun, how therapeutic it is to explore new lands, sit under a palm tree, sip on a spicy margarita, meet new people, dance under the stars, enjoy long uninterrupted conversations, shop from local artisans, watch and listen to the waves crash against the shore, stay at gorgeous boutique hotels, inspire every single sense, discover hidden gems, learn history and immerse myself in different cultures. Hearing my kids tell me that they love and miss me (hello!).
More than anything – travel reminds me how to love myself, in the most magical ways.
My Love Letter to Travel
Travel keeps me alive. It keeps me grounded. It keeps me evolving. Travel keeps me anticipating the next adventure. It brings a deeper insight into my hopes and dreams. It shows my kids how to love themselves (repeat that one!).
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Travel is a love letter to myself,
How about you?
