I took a 2 1/2 hour vacation today. Alone. And it was lovely.
This may not seem very notable, but let me assure you, it is – for a couple reasons.
First, I can’t remember the last time I did such a thing. Yes, I go to the grocery store alone or an occasional errand, but for the most part – especially during the summer – someone is always with me. And not only is someone always with me, but whatever it is we’re doing is for that person. Taxiing back and forth to practices, rehearsals, the dentist, the orthodontist, the doctor … I could go on but I won’t. While none of these alone drives me crazy, the steady, seemingly never ending list sometimes has the potential to drive me over the edge.
So what’s a mom to do when she feels like she’s living everyone else’s life but her own? She gets away, right? Let me assure you, the thought has crossed my mind. I’ve researched all kinds of retreats and getaways. They all, however, seem to come back to the same limitations – time and money. Oh – and the fact that I’m not a huge fan of traveling. I love being in new places, but getting ready and getting there often leave me deciding that staying home is a better option. (Let me say here, my husband is more than supportive of me taking a little vacation. It’s usually my own “inner voice” that shuts it down before it happens.)
The fact remains, though, that I still feel the need to have a little alone time. Go somewhere of MY choosing, do what I want to do there, for as long as I want to do it, and leave when I’m ready. So as I was driving home from church, I had an idea. The art museum. Yes, I could go to the art museum. I’m not on call to take anyone anywhere for the afternoon. Robert would be home. And the best part? It’s free on Sundays. I brought it up to Robert and he immediately knew what his answer should be. He’s a smart guy. When I told my girls good-bye they asked where I was going. When I told them they said, “Alone? Without me?” And as hard as it was to say, my answer was, “Yes. Alone. By myself.” A smile and a kiss and I was out the door.
Let me tell you there was still that little voice that tried to talk me out of it. Somehow even an afternoon seemed selfish. But once I was in the car I was positively giddy. I couldn’t wait to get there and walk around experiencing the artwork and taking pictures. (Yes, contrary to what the older gentleman next to me in the first gallery asked his wife, you can take pictures in a museum. At least this one. As long as you don’t use a flash.)
Here are some of my favorites …
As I was driving home, I realized how glad I was I took the time for an afternoon to myself. And how less traumatic it was on everyone than I thought it would be. Maybe I don’t need to go away and spend a weekend or a week alone (mind you, I’m not taking that off the table – it just doesn’t seem quite so urgent.) Maybe a few hours every couple of weeks would do wonders for me. Maybe it would do wonders for my family. Because as hard as it is to admit sometimes, my mother’s example of giving every minute of every day to every one else may not be the best example for me to live by.
Sometimes … once in a while … a person needs to be herself. For herself. And no one else.
And when she does, she may even start to feel a little like Julius Caesar …
I went where I wanted to go. I saw what I wanted to see. I read everything I wanted to read. For as long as I wanted to stand there.
Then I had ice cream.
It was quite a lovely day.
~mwe
What a nice visual tour- and alone time is absolutely essential to recharge the batteries and center oneself.
Absolutely grand idea!
I think it was a wonderful example for your daughters, too. Not just that you took time for yourself, which is a great lesson; but also that you could do something ALONE and relish in it – which is a lesson even few adults seem to learn. What a wonderful Mom you were being on your mini-vacation!
The photos are great fun, by the way. Thanks for sharing yourself and them.
Good for you. It looks like a great gallery. And you really should do little things for yourself just so you know you have that power. I think it makes the other stuff so much easier to do and appreciate. I love Dale Chihuly.
I think it’s wonderful! There’s nothing wrong with taking some you time – to be on your own schedule for even a few hours. In the long run, it will make you a better you for all the other people in your life! A little more relaxed, if nothing else. But we all need to feed our own souls sometimes.
Always end a vacation with ice cream. 🙂
I remember those years of bumper-to-bumper scheduled and absolutely was astounded when my mother told me “These are the best times.” It was hard to believe back then. I was glad we had both set of grandparents back then when my husband would leave with the girls and without me.
Beautiful pictures. Aminah’s mural/quilt/tapestry looks fascinating.
I love that you shared your vacation with us all! Sounds so refreshing…the purpose of a vacation. :0)
\o/ for mini vacays
Amen to that! I met someone recently who says she is glad she has sons, not daughters because of the times when “the guys” are all outside doing guy things and she can lie on the sofa and read…by herself.
Good for you Mindy. I am glad you had a good day to yourself. You deserve it.
Good for you. As an empty-nester I don’t have the issues of always having someone around. But I must say, I’m quite fine with my husband playing golf for several hours on weekends. I enjoy the time, usually at home, alone. Looks like a nice museum too.