I’ve said it before, but I’m stuck with a lonely old bachelor. Back in the day (that is, when we didn’t have kids), he used to take a week’s vacation in a cabin, all by himself. He’d sleep there, lounge around, compose music, and take the time to reconnect with himself. I’ll admit I didn’t mind that at all. It gave me a week to myself, too—I’d go visit him on the weekends, and I’ll admit it, I like missing my man… I’m nostalgic at heart.
It’s been five years this year since he’s done that. No time, no money, or a mix of both… Add to that buying a house and refinancing the mortgage, two babies, a broken ankle (mine, which earned him the joys of being a single dad), sleepless nights, and the joys and stresses of everyday life… My partner has had enough and finally asked me for it—his week off. He’s tired, and I understand… Irregular hours, tours, and very late nights don’t always “work” with young children. I told him, “Go ahead, clear your head, stock up the fridge, and we’ll meet up at the end for three wonderful days as a family.”
However, it got me thinking… What if I wanted a vacation, too? Time—real time. Not a girls’ night out or an afternoon at the spa: time to unplug, rest, and reconnect with myself.
So I mustered up my courage and kicked guilt to the curb. I asked my husband for two nights, three days. Alone with myself. Because a whole week on my own—for the extrovert and lover of the world that I am—I just couldn’t handle it, and above all, I’d miss my little ones way too much! He replied, “Go ahead, clear your head, and get some rest!” Before I could change my mind, I booked a hotel for two nights and three days. In Quebec City—far from home to make sure I wouldn’t change my mind… and close to a friend who lives there so I wouldn’t get depressed all alone on the second night.
It was hard to leave. I cried a lot on the drive! But once I got there, it was amazing. I did whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. The weather wasn’t great, so I made the most of my hotel room. I slept, I took a hot bath—without any interruptions. I did a little shopping, I walked around the city—in short, I focused entirely on myself for 48 hours. (Except for the half-hour when I bought gifts for the kids…) I came home feeling re-energized and even more in love with my boyfriend and my role as a mom. I promised myself I’d do it again at least once a year. Even though it’s so hard to go away on my own, it’s really worth it and it feels so good!