As a mother of five energetic boys under the age of 10 and a passionate entrepreneur, finding time for self-care often feels like a Herculean task. Yet, recently, I went on a transformative journey that reaffirmed a truth I’d almost forgotten: Mom’s need friends too! Taking a girls’ trip in the whirlwind of motherhood is nothing to feel guilty about, for me, it’s necessary.
Join me as I share the invaluable lessons I learned from a getaway with my college girlfriends, celebrating our 40th birthdays and rediscovering the profound impact of sisterhood.
The Mother’s Balancing Act
Motherhood is a journey marked by unconditional love, boundless joy, and relentless demands. Balancing the needs of our children, work, and personal aspirations can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling stretched thin. However, it’s crucial to remember that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a necessity for our well-being and the health of our families.
When we become mothers, it’s easy to lose sight of the vibrant, independent women we were before the stroller and the diaper bag became our constant companions. Girls’ trips offer a precious opportunity to reconnect with our pre-motherhood selves, rekindling the flames of our passions and dreams and most importantly, teaching us how to apply them all over again in new ways that drive our devotion to family even further than we imagined.
The Power of Rejuvenation
Escaping the day-to-day routine allows us to recharge, rejuvenate, and return to our families with newfound energy and clarity. During my recent trip, I marveled at the transformation that occurred when I stepped away from the chaos and noise, immersing myself in the serenity of the beach and the laughter of dear friends.
The bonds forged in college are unlike any other, and nurturing those friendships into adulthood is a gift we give not only to ourselves but also to our children. Through these connections, we model the value of strong, supportive relationships, teaching our kids the importance of loyalty, camaraderie and love.
Unleashing Creativity and Inspiration
As a group of four successful women, we left 12 children under 12 years old at home, and soaked up every minute of our 5 day weekend. We talked about everything from skin care (yes, we are 40 now! And you can snag our shirts here!) and financial advisors, and found that stepping outside our comfort zones and experiencing new environments stimulates creativity and inspiration between each other and within ourselves.
During my getaway, I found myself brimming with fresh ideas for my entrepreneurial ventures, fueled by the invigorating change of scenery and the stimulating conversations with my friends… and a little push from a psychic we went to just for fun helped a bit too!
Embracing Imperfection
As mothers, we often place immense pressure on ourselves to be perfect. However, moments of vulnerability and imperfection can be powerful teachers. Sharing laughs, tears, and life’s ups and downs with my friends reminded me that it’s okay to let go, be imperfect, and lean on others for support. No matter where we are in life, or what we may be going through, good or bad, we love each other because of our ability to find our voices and speak to each other as our true selves.
I left our girls’ trip with a new found respect for myself, for them, and our strength as each one of us pushes forward to better ourselves as women, mothers and leaders in our lives.
The Everlasting Impact
My recent girls’ trip was a testament to the enduring power of female friendships and the profound impact they have on our lives as mothers, partners, and entrepreneurs. It reinforced that taking time for ourselves isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Through these experiences, we not only enrich our own lives but also cultivate a nurturing, supportive environment for our families to thrive.
In the midst of motherhood’s beautiful chaos, let’s not forget that we, too, deserve moments of joy, self-discovery, and connection. So, to all of you moms who are overworked, burnt out, and at the brink of tears with just the shear volume of work on our plates, let’s pack our bags, embark on adventures, and return to our families as even stronger, more empowered versions of ourselves.
PS: Get the insider information
If you want more personal details, pictures and a cost break down of my trip with my three college besties during our trip to St. Augustine over 5 days, sign up for The Chaos Planner Newsletter on our Home Page
