Recently I was watching Grey’s Anatomy (yes, it’s still on), and Meredith had a moment that totally clicked with me. Without spoiling too much, in the previous episode she left to go visit Derek who is working in DC, but for some reason while Meredith was supposedly with him, Derek was calling to see how she was doing. Finally, at the end of the episode, Meredith reveals where she was. She wasn’t having an affair. Nor did she go to see Derek. Instead, Meredith had checked into a hotel,
…and it was amazing. It was just me for three days. All by myself. I wasn’t anybody’s wife or doctor or mother. (Season 13, episode 11)
That made me stop and think…when was the last time I got to be just me? Sadly, I must admit it was well before my son was born; almost 4 years ago. I have vacationed without him, but my husband always comes, which is nice, but still…I miss just being alone.
I have several girlfriends who make it a point, regardless of spouses and children, to get away for at least one weekend a year to recharge and just be. To be honest, I have no excuse why I don’t. I have my mom and mother-in-law to help my husband, and my son is used to me being at work and occasionally taking a weekend away for work or weddings. So why don’t I? Why can’t I bring myself to take 48 hours to just be me?
I guess because I never had any women in my life who ever put themselves first. The fact that I try to get to the gym a few times a week, try to have coffee or have a meal with a friend once a month, occasionally get my nails done, and three (yes THREE) times a year get a haircut, seems like a lot to my mom. Last year I wrote about Saying Yes to Me, and I can say I was pretty successful in squeezing more me-time into my everyday life. I guess it’s time for me to up the ante. While I would love to be on a flight to Aruba today, especially after the brutal winter we have had, more realistically I seriously need to figure out how to get 24 hours to myself. Maybe I can find a Groupon for a local hotel or kick my husband and son out of the house for a day? Anyone with me?
When was the last time you got at least 24 hours to just be you?
This is genus! I need to do this!
Count me in! I work part-time and am a full time mom the rest of my days but my husband is away on business 40 weeks a year. So “me” time is scare. I would love 24 hours alone!!!
This is just amazing. Full of energy! Being a woman we always have to step back to take care of our husband, child & family. You don’t need to push yourself under the responsibilities. Get your own time and this will make you a better person.