Letting Go of Guilt Through Travel
Today’s the day I’ve been waiting for over the past several months. It’s the weekend where four of us get to spend time together, with three of us flying in from Florida, Wisconsin, and Idaho to visit a mutual friend in Texas.
We’ve been eagerly anticipating this weekend—a time when four busy moms can embrace a break, reconnect, and have some fun.
As much as I advocate for maintaining a healthy balance in life, there's still this uneasy feeling when you pack up and leave for a weekend away, leaving the kids to fend for themselves and keep things in order at home.
For those of you who may not know, my oldest two kids are 24 and nearly 21. So, the thought of leaving my nearly seventeen-year-old son at home with a sibling doesn’t worry me, as they are of age. Yet, the feeling of missing part of a baseball game and hopping on a plane to go across the country still leaves me with an uneasy feeling at the start.
Even with apprehension, there's an undeniable excitement bubbling within me as I sit on the plane typing up this blog. It’s the chance to reclaim the time I deserve for myself while reconnecting with friends and immersing myself in new experiences. We are headed to the iHeart Country Music Festival. I believe that navigating the emotions of leaving home and embracing new adventures is a natural part of the human experience, especially for busy parents just like me.
I’ve grappled with feelings of guilt…
Over the years, I've had numerous conversations with my children about the importance of finding balance and prioritizing self-care, for me, and for them, as they have been avid sports players and involved in several extracurricular activities. Yet, even as a single mother, I grapple with feelings of guilt when leaving my kids behind, even at this stage of life, despite knowing they would be well cared for in my absence.
Reflecting on my journey, particularly during my children's younger years, I realize now that my mindset played a significant role in my struggles. I strongly believed that I was solely responsible for my children's well-being and that I didn’t want to burden anyone else. To be honest, I neglected to seek the support I needed that would allow me to prioritize my self-care and refuel.
If given the chance to rewrite history, I would embrace the idea of seeking help from others to afford myself a few days away—a time to rest, recharge, and fully immerse myself in the present moment. Too often, we relegate ourselves to the back burner, prioritizing endless to-do lists over our own well-being.
Speaking to my younger self, the teen mom navigating the complexities of parenthood, I would affirm that she deserved the opportunity to find balance and pursue happiness unapologetically.
I would affirm that she deserved the opportunity to find balance and pursue happiness unapologetically.
While I may not know how many years I have left to live, these life experiences have underscored the importance of seizing every moment, embracing life to the fullest, and striving for a healthy balance. This is the mantra I want my kids to live by, leveraging personal time off at work when given and taking each opportunity to truly create a healthy balance in their lives.
A friend who’s meeting me at the Dallas airport texted me prior to departure and said, “You’re filling my cup back up. Us moms deserve a break, and we can’t pour from an empty cup.” While this is something I’ve shared with others in the past, sometimes we need a gentle reminder to nudge us back into focusing on the balance we deserve.
To those reading this, I extend a gentle reminder:
When was the last time you prioritized yourself? When did you last indulge in a weekend getaway or set boundaries to carve out time solely for your well-being?
Let this serve as a testament to your worthiness—shedding guilt takes time, but you inherently deserve the time and space you need to thrive. Let’s embrace the mantra of 'healthy hustle' and prioritize our happiness—it's a journey well worth it.
Healthy Hustle Keeps You Happy.
Welcome to my blog!
I’m Melanie, and I wear many hats – Mom, Author, Podcaster, and Speaker.
My mission is to help you unlock your full potential, navigate life's challenges, and achieve your goals. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a fresh perspective, you've come to the right place.
With Love,
Melanie