A Girls Weekend Away...
It's exactly what you would think, a weekend away with your closest girlfriends. A relaxing time with drinks, snacks, and your book that you haven't found a moment to catch up on.
In my case, it was a fishing pole that still had it's price tag attached to it for 14 months.
I was burnt out, from the daily 10 hour work schedule and the school demands, and the constant household expectations of a 20th century mom.
In my case, I have a blended family, and though blended families are becoming more and more popular that doesn't mean it's any easier to navigate. I needed air.
I decided to call on those souls I knew would need air too. The wildflowers that needed to stretch a bit from the weight of their own crowded flowerbeds.
After not much coaxing Jensen, Kayla, Kelly and Nicole decided yes. We would pack light, but made sure to bring wine.
Not one of us packed fancy clothes. I think I brought 4 pairs of sweat pants and 2 hoodies and yoga pants. Only Friday night, all Saturday, then Sunday morning by 11am would be our relaxing time, so that equated to almost two full days of reprieve! yay! I'll take it. And I did.
I sat in a very real, tree-to-tree hammock every chance I could. Not one of those cheap ones on a stand you roll right out of when you sit down. I read 3 chapters of my book about Jim Carrey and snuggled up tight in the heavy quilt that was supplied from our AirBNB. Right as I was about to take a snooze, Jens and Nicole joined me in the hammock and I am so glad they did.
This cabin was located on Harper Lake in Irons MI. The lake was crystal clear and gorgeous. What a nice time. But not a fish to be found....on the end of my line anyway.
Jens and Nicole rode their motorcycles and though bikes can change the dynamics of a road trip, those two girls powered through rain and made it to the cabin. Wet, but happy. We stayed up only enough to see them through the door and the rest of us all crashed into our pillows, tired and tempted by a peaceful, no elbow in your side, night sleep.
Saturday was a day to explore a bit, we spent the large part of the morning lounging around. Then up and at'em and to Iron Fish distillery and the coast we went around 3pm.
I don't want to talk about the one mile run I tried to attempt. It was abysmal.
Moving on...
We spent the time enjoying each others company and talking uninterrupted, which was a welcomed change. We actually finished stories and shared thoughts and concerns without watching what we said. We cussed out loud, without the threat of little ears hearing bad words.
I realized a whole hell of a lot on this trip. I realized that we are all going through stuff. Yes, sure I already knew that, but I realized that I have to put just as much effort in myself and the things I am going through because I am all I have. I realized I people-please too freaking much. I worry about others and stop to put others needs ahead of my own. Even interests. I forgo what I want to do for the greater good of the group for what others want to do. And I don't even realize I do it!
Did I have to have a girls weekend to realize that? Well, yeah! I had to realize that even with a group of very capable, very intelligent, strong women, that I DO NOT need to care for them. I can care about them, but I do not need to wait for others, or grab groceries for others. I don't need to worry about where this person will sleep, or if they would like coffee in the morning, they will handle it!
These all may be small things to a person who is very self aware of their own needs but to someone like me it's not as natural.
I grew up with a sister and a brother. But my older sister was (what I have diagnosed) as bi-polar and borderline personality disorder. So catering to her every need from a young age to keep the peace is ingrained in my bones like the wrinkles ingrained on my face. I just think of me last, ALWAYS. It's like breathing. I wake up thinking of what my son needs, and what my significant other needs or wants. I don't realize the drain it has on me until my tank is completely empty. It's a hard thing to unlearn. But luckily with amazing and brilliant friends at your side, nothing is impossible.
After some time talking and eating, laughing and then more eating we would all retire to our own corners or spots and chill out. It was a short amount of time away but for me it was crucial. I found just a little part of me that was buried in the sand. I realized that boundaries are also good for yourself and to yourself. There is nothing wrong with worrying about yourself. It's critical.
It's a good reminder that 10 hours in front of a computer at work will kill the soul. It will also kill creativity. Peace and quiet will help replenish that tank though. Specifically in a hammock. While fishing I listened to my friends talk and it was such nice conversation that we all needed. We all were able to catch up together with no need to rush, and no need to impress or unload. It was such a nice time full of laughter.
I hope that this trip helped those 4 girls as much as it helped me.
Get out. Love your life, and as always... Stay wanderlust my friends!
#staywanderlustmyfriends
