Refreshing yourself

This morning I write this on day 4 of being in Kauai, with 2 of my closest girlfriends.. No husband, no Layla. And I got to say it feels good. So good. I thought it would've been a lot harder to be away. I was expecting more stress, worry, anxiety..but it hasn't hit me. Perhaps a large part is that I know she's in wonderful care with the Canuck Place (including nursing around the clock)? I think I was so overdue for some days without responsibility that my mind and body is soaking up every second. Am I counting down till I see my beautiful girl's face tomorrow morning? Yes. Will I become overly emotional when I hold her? Probably. 

This week has just shown me the importance of me time. You know when they do the safety demonstration on an airplane and they tell you to put on your own mask before helping others? I'm starting to understand the reason why. I have been running on fumes the last little while. With 24/7 care there has been limited times for me to just be me. I had forgotten what it's like to laugh so much, have that extra drink, not be paranoid about being in the sun with a pale baby, not wonder where the fridge is, where I'm going to get sterile water, where a comfy flat surface is to give my arms a rest. All the little things that are so important in my everyday life have not been on this trip. No planning involved. Just going with the flow. And does it ever feel good! Hiking, swimming, kayaking, exploring, working out, tanning, eating, drinking, SLEEPING... These are a few of my favourite things about being away childless. Before we had Layla I took those types of things for granted. I had absolutely no idea how much harder it would become. 

Whether you have a stressful work life, stressful mom life or whatever we ALL need breaks, times of refreshment to function at our full capacity. 

Okay, I think I'm ready to go back now. 

My happy place.