Give Yourself a Break!!! (A Summary of My Moms’ Weekend Out Retreat)

Ever *plan* on doing something simple and then take over a month to actually do it? Just me…all the time?! Lucky you. 😉

I can’t believe it’s already been over a month since I returned home from my “Moms’ Weekend Out” in St. George! At the end of April, I spent three glorious days with like-minded women at a retreat my life coach hosted. We left our responsibilities at home and work behind, and we focused on our own self care and improvement.

I met one new friend and one old friend early on a Friday morning to carpool with. I was planning on napping during our 4-½ hour drive because I hadn’t slept much the night before, but we had so much fun talking and getting to know each other better that I didn’t sleep a wink. Before checking into the house we were staying at, we enjoyed an AMAZING lunch at Tifiny’s Creperie. The next time you’re in St. George, RUN THERE! It’s an adorable, family-run restaurant, and we loved everything we ate.

We joined almost 20 other women at the house Robyn had rented out, picked our rooms/beds, and settled in. Over the course of the weekend, we hiked, swam, talked, learned, ate, journaled, shared, cried, and laughed together. There were “aha” moments galore. We also had our minds blown by Robyn’s husband when he taught/led us in an art activity.

Just like with Robyn’s first retreat that I went to, I loved so much about the weekend! Sometimes you have to step out of your usual environment to truly let yourself relax—especially if you’re a mom. That’s why I’m such a big proponent of girls’ trips! 

All of the retreat attendees were Christian moms, and everything was “high vibe”—uplifting, exciting, welcoming, mind-opening, filled with hope and encouragement… There’s something about the women Robyn brings into her circle. They’re women who not only want to grow themselves but also want to lift others along the way. I was expecting to meet lots of amazing people and to come away with lots of new ideas. Perhaps more than anything, though, I came away noticing and feeling grateful (once again) that I feel so much freer to be myself and happier than I was before I started working with Robyn. 

As I’ve written before, I lived most of my life worried about what other people thought about me. At the last retreat (in October), I remember being surprised at how comfortable I felt with everyone even though I’d never spent much time (in person) with any of them. I didn’t care if they saw me without makeup. I didn’t over-analyze every word I spoke. I felt free to share my struggles, and I felt seen and heard. 

Everyone needs friends who not only let you be yourself but also encourage you to be your best self. Research has shown time and time again that if you hang out with high-achieving friends, you’re much more likely to be high-achieving yourself. If you find yourself constantly surrounded by negativity and complaints/excuses that life can’t be different/better, I suggest you start looking for some more positive, uplifting friends. 

I know it can be difficult to meet and make new friends as an adult. However, this is one area where the internet and social media are on our side. You don’t have to meet new people in person. Join a virtual support group! I am a HUGE fan of Facebook groups for this reason. I can’t count how many friends I’ve made thanks to groups I’ve joined—groups for women battling infertility, moms of multiples, moms of kids with cancer, people who want to lose weight, people with writing goals, etc. Think of an area in your life you want support in, and go join a group!

“Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”

~Oprah Winfrey

Now back to the retreat weekend summary… 😊 I took being myself a step further with this retreat. I took Robyn at her word when she said she wanted the weekend to be whatever each of us wanted/needed it to be and that none of the activities were mandatory. There were many times throughout the weekend when I chose to either nap or quietly read even though I was the odd woman out. In the past, I would have worried about what others would think of me—worried they might think I was antisocial, hard to get to know, boring, weird, etc. Not anymore! It’s taken me nearly four decades, but I’m finally learning to fully embrace myself. If I want to read a book instead of going to the pool, I’m going to read the book, dammit! 😂

As the retreat weekend came to an end, I was shocked that I wasn’t sad it was almost over. That was new for me. I have a long history of dreading Mondays—from when I was a student to when I was a teacher to much of my SAHM life. Until fairly recently, I’ve often had the “Sunday night blues” and definitely not looked forward to the responsibilities the workweek brings. This retreat weekend was different. I’d had a great time, but I was ready to see Josh and my kids again. I sincerely wasn’t dreading going back home and immediately greeting my to-do list again. The retreat had recharged me.

It’s not uncommon for me to start a sentence with, “I REALLY love my kids, but…” I used to feel guilty about that. Mom guilt can be brutal. (Am I right, or am I right?!) Here’s the truth, though: PARENTING IS HARD!!! You can both love your kids AND need a break from them. Those two feelings aren’t exclusive; they can—and often do—exist in you at the same time.

I’m so grateful I have a husband who encourages me to take time for myself! It’s absolutely necessary to be your happiest self. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. These retreats make my cup runneth over.

I know everyone’s circumstances are different. Not everyone has a supportive husband or the means to pay for girls’ trips. However, I believe it is 100% necessary for you to make time for yourself however you can. It’s for your mental health, which directly impacts those around you. It’s not selfish.

Would you like to learn how to give yourself permission to take a break? Would you like to more fully embrace your true self? Would you like to have a circle of friends who cheer you on in your biggest dreams?

Ask me about Robyn’s programs!!! I’d love to connect you with her. Sorry if I sometimes sound like a broken record, but my life coach has changed my life. I want that for you! You deserve to invest in yourself—be it by enrolling in a program, going on a girls’ trip, or simply allowing yourself “down” time to read a book. Give yourself a break this summer. (And enjoy some delicious gelato and/or ice cream like I did at Harmon’s in St. George, UT and The Creamery in Beaver, UT 😉). I’ll be cheering you on. ❤️