Five Things I Learned From Traveling Solo As A Mom
Last month I took my first solo trip without my kids and husband to Nashville, TN. As soon as they dropped me off at the airport I started to get a little teary eyed. My husband looked at me and said “Bye Ashley! You’ll be back tomorrow!” I was being really dramatic, but it felt weird for me to go somewhere alone. My husband and I took a trip to Miami last year sans kids, but this was my first time flying and traveling without the family. I know you may be reading this thinking what’s the big deal, but my family is always together. My husband and I work from home….together. We homeschool our kids…..together. We spend a lot of time together! I decided to actually take it all in and really relax because I needed the break!
Here’s What I Learned:
1. All Moms Need Time Alone – I believe that every mom should go somewhere alone, even if it’s for a staycation in her own city. We need that quiet time to do whatever we want. There will be no one asking for breakfast, no kids fighting, and complete silence. The silence was everything! Sitting in a hotel room and not hearing any noise was beautiful. I was the most relaxed I’ve felt in a really long time. My husband and kids didn’t even call to ask for anything.
2. To Not Feel Guilty – As mom’s we are always spending time serving everyone else. It’s usually all about our family everyday. It’s okay to do something for yourself that you enjoy without feeling guilt.
3. Your Family Will Survive Without You – We might believe that the house will go down in flames without us at home being in charge. Trust me when I say, they will survive alone. I did cook a meal for the family before I left, but they still went out for pizza. When I got back to Atlanta the house was intact and everyone was fine.
4. You Will Be Better To Your Family Afterwards – One of my favorite sayings is “In order for me to be the best to my family, I have to be the best to myself first.” I touched on this in my post about balance as a mom and you can read more about that HERE. It’s absolutely true. Even though I was only gone for two days, I returned home very happy to see everyone and felt rejuvenated.
5. Your Family Will Appreciate You More Upon Your Return – My husband especially realized it’s not as easy as he thought to take care of the house and children all alone. My kids knew that mommy is the only one that can do certain things for them. All of those things your family thought was easy before, when you return home from traveling alone, they will appreciate you ten fold.
If you have the ability to take a moment away from the family, I highly recommend it! Being alone was the break I needed and I felt pretty much brand new when I came back to Atlanta.
Have you ever taken a solo trip since you’ve been a mom? What was your experience like?
Ashley
8 comments
Teri
May 17, 2016 at 8:37 pmI can absolutely relate to your teary-eyed moment! My last solo trip (2 days long) had me wanting to boo hoo many times. It may have been due to prego hormones. 🙂 “Your Family Will Survive Without You” is something I need to remember for my next trip. This girl has control issues and trips alone help me to relinquish that need to be in control. Glad you had an enjoyable trip!
Bobbie
May 17, 2016 at 9:24 pmI’m glad you enjoyed your solo. We all need that time to ourselves. Great post!
Tasheena@ Our Delightful Home
May 20, 2016 at 7:57 pmSuch a great post! I’ ve never taken a trip alone. I’ve been mentally planning one for a while, lol. Looking forward to actually taking one.
Ashley
May 31, 2016 at 6:16 pmThank you for reading! Nothing to it but to do it, lol 🙂
Yahya
May 23, 2016 at 5:24 pmI haven’t! I feel guilty even thinking about it but my best friend had a bridesmaids getaway that I cancelled at the last minute because I couldn’t stomach being away from them. We’re together ALL the time, EVERYDAY too! It does get very exhausting and at times I get overwhelmed but I usually get over it quickly.
I’m going to take this post to heart and take some time out for myself AWAY from the house.
Thank you for sharing!
Ashley
May 31, 2016 at 6:14 pmThanks for reading! We definitely need that time, even though we may not think so.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow)
May 28, 2016 at 9:22 amYour trip looks amazing. I’m sure your family missed you, but they were just fine while you were away for your work trip.
I went to LA by myself in 2013 and it was relaxing and overdue.
I ate and slept when I wanted to. Only did what I wanted. Met some great friends.
I also did my best NOT to call home too often. It alleviated my mommy guilt and it helped my husband parent better without me calling to check on them.
Renita
May 31, 2017 at 3:16 pmSo true! Just returned from my first trip without the kids and husband. It was so worth it. I do feel refreshed and feel as if I have a clear mind. And your are right the house was intact when I returned lol.