Mummy Sabbatical: I'm Gone Already

by Parent's Wisdom (follow)

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Part 5 - I'm gone already.

So now that we have the tricky stuff out of the way:
What do you need to have a successful annual mummy sabbatical?

1. A partner, who is in agreement, can see the benefits, and supports somewhere between you 70-100%.
2. A reliable quality sitter or here’s a though - the partner can do it if they are present.
3. A destination
4. A time-frame
5. A few of your favourite things
6. A sense of freedom. Oh, and leave the guilt at home.

Tips to ensure you have the best Mummy retreat:

• Plan ahead of time

• Have a backup plan in case things happen

• Leave guilt at home

• Try and be in the present, and enjoy the moments. Try not to pine for the children too much.

• Surround yourself with people or things that make you feel good about yourself.

Ideas of what to do on a Mummy Retreat:

• Visit a friend’s place or Ryan Gosling.
• Go to a resort if you can afford it
• Go camping - take the Kombi Van out
• Stay with a relative you like
• Get on a plane and leave town
• Challenge yourself at a retreat like a silent retreat.
• Volunteer in a community (doing something you like) - somewhere where nobody knows you.
• Go to a hotel, and read books or watch movies.

Once I settled with myself that I wasn't going to take on other people’s judgements of me, then what really mattered is that it worked for my family and made me a better person. Then I thought to hell with it. Next year I'm going to New York for a whole two weeks, and I did.

When I returned to my family, they are happy to see me. I am happy to see them. I can see things more clearly, and lo and behold the earth didn't end with my absence. Best of all I’m ready to love another day being the best parent I can be, and I am already looking forward to planning next year’s mummy sabbatical.

#Parenting
#Motherhood
#Family
#Time Out
#Me Time
#Escape
#Travel
#Holiday
#Self Avenue Mothers Appreciation Series

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