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Get out of town!
When I originally began to toy with the idea of a week in California – alone! – I admit to some serious trepidation. How was I going to leave my children? Who would look after them? What if they got sick? Were they “too young” to leave for so long?
And, since you know that I am writing this article from California, clearly I decided to go! But it was not the easiest decision to make. In fact, it was a down-and-dirty painful decision all around. I know that many of you can relate, so here’s what made it easier for me to get out of town!
1. I posted on Facebook my intention to travel. I asked my friends, “What do you think? Should I go?” My favourite response was from a friend who has known me virtually my entire life. He said, “Go! Your children will not win a Nobel Prize, cure cancer, or learn to play the harp while you are away.” This made me laugh out loud and really put things into perspective. It’s one week. Yes, I will miss some things but I will be home for when the Really Big Things happen!
2. I called on all of my support systems. Yup. That means I called my mom! And my fabulous assistant that helps me with the children. And my administrative assistant that helps me with my “work life.” And my entire team here at the office, colleagues included. I told them of my intent to go to California. Their resounding response was: “GO!” And from that point forward, they did everything in their power to make this easier for me from helping me to rearrange my work schedule, booking my flights for me, caring for the children, working with me to develop a protocol to make sure my clients are cared for in my absence, and so much more. They have made this trip possible and I am so grateful for their support!
3. I worked through my anxieties about travelling with my health care team. This means extra counseling with Lisa Dennys and extra body work with Donna Costa. And it means packing my trusty homeopathic remedies to help me through any potential “trigger” moments in which panic could ensue. Once again, I am grateful for my supportive health care team and my remedies!
4. I spoke to my children and told them I was going away. Interestingly, and surprisingly, they were thrilled for me. My youngest (who is just 3), even counseled my eldest (age 7) in a moment of sadness about me being away. “But Amber,” said she, “Mommy has to go. It’s only for five sleeps. She’ll be home before we know it!” Wow!
5. I talked to myself. I told myself that this trip was for me. That I needed it – which I do – and that I deserve it – which I do – and that I would return a happier, healthier version of me – which I will. And after several “discussions” in my own mind, the vision of how good I would feel as a result of this trip trumped all of my concerns. And we booked the flights and never looked back.
Getting out of town is necessary. It allows for personal growth and development, and it is the break that we each need to give us a new perspective on life. The “pre-trip” alone was worth every second I spent in preparation as it served as an excellent reminder of just how supported I am and just how blessed I am to have the people around me that I do have. And I will be home…in just a few days. Happier, healthier, and ready for the next leaps that life so often requires of us!
