Why I Spent $1,200 on a Local Hotel Room and Vacationed by Myself for 6 Days: Mindful Selfcare


 I have this habit and it has grown over time.  In the beginning, I would get a hotel room at the local conference center for a night.  I would order food, watch premium TV, swim and layout.  No cleaning, cooking or worrying about what I need to get done for 24 hours.  Heaven, right?  But my staycations evolved into something I honestly don't know if I could do without.  I have always traveled alone because I was single for many years.  I guess I go used to it over the years and now I rely on it. 

Rarely, do I leave my own town.  Life doesn't stop right.  I still have dogs, kids and a partner.  Responsibilities I can't afford to leave for any real length of time.  So I go to where I'm happiest. Whenever there is some stress in my life or I need a reset, I check in.  Usually, it's on an impulse.  I think I get to a breaking point, although subtle it is definitely burnt out and maybe the beginning of depression.  I'm not entirely sure but this I know.  The thought will cross my mind.  I will give myself permission to escape.  I throw only the necessities in a backpack and leave before I lose my nerve.  Sure, it a little reckless.  It is selfish.  It's awesome.  It's a magic trick and it works every time.  But I do have a methodology I stick too. This is not a week at the spa (although some hotels do have them).  This is a recalibration of my purpose.  I try to make the experience as thoughtful as it is refreshing.  Here are some tips to getting the most out of a mini retreat.  This last time was a little more excessive than my usually.  My daughter and I had a moment and I was hurt.  I needed to heal and it was worth every dollar.

To start with, I have to completely let go of any guilt or denial.  I have to have an epiphany that I am not at my best and things are getting overwhelming.  It's humbling really.  I have to accept without judgement that I am going to stop everything and do what is best for me.  Just me. Then the rest is easy or mindful is better maybe.. 

I rest.  I lay in the sun a lot.  I'm a sun worshiper.  It's healing.  I eat.  I buy the dish I want not the one that fits a tight budget.  I work in lobby so I can watch people and be around others.  They come and go and for a number of reasons.  Family reunions, weddings, sports, filming training.  It a smorgasbord of people and its engaging.  

I stay until I know the moment has past.  I exercise and recenter.  I relax with purpose.  Somewhere at some unknown moment, I am free to process all the pieces of my circumstances and adjust my thinking.  I meditate and sneak cigarettes on my patio.  I don't drink.  I groom everything. I let the feelings happen organically and then I make a plan.  There has to be a plan or what's the point.  I gear my stay toward taking an approach outside of routine.  Something to empower me.  I have to make changes and acknowledge what they are and why. 

When I get home, I'm never tired like when I travel.  I'm ready to keep going and I am more focused on my goals and my wellbeing.  So maybe it is indulgent but it's what I need.  When I treat me like my best does, I'm learning.  When I talk to myself like my best friend, when I'm gentle and compassionate with myself, I'm growing.  When I seemingly spoil myself, I'm really exploring my life.  There are a lot of way to find peace.  This one is delicate.  I don't have to tear myself apart or overanalyzes my existence.

It's way cheaper than a yoga retreat.  It gives off Korean Spa vibes to me.   $1,200.buys me perspective that I desperately need.  I have never regretted the weeks I have to tighten my belt to have a little luxury.  



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