A Beach Getaway with My Husband
Last day in South Padre Island, TX
Life as a mom has endless to-do lists, from school events and managing kid activities to dealing with the daily demands of work and home. Amidst juggling all the things (because yes, moms can multitask) it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger motivations and goals in life. Escaping the everyday hustle and bustle helps us recharge all around – mind body and soul. So, my husband and I decided to take a weekend getaway to the beach for some sun, warmth, and drinks on the beach. The best laid plans…right?!
Getting There
About halfway through our drive down to South Padre Island, the GPS rerouted us, and it added 3 hours of driving time. This seemed crazy since the total drive time is around 6 hours. We thought it might be an odd error since we were stopped at a gas station with not much around. As we continued to drive the ETA finally corrected itself, and we would learn why once we got to the causeway that connected South Padre Island to the mainland.
As we were driving on the Queen Isabella Causeway the birds were flying but appeared to be stationary in midair. The waves had large whitecaps, and the sky was overcast. Once we checked into the hotel, we learned the causeway was closed earlier that day. Guess the GPS was right?! We soon realized that our trip might not consist of sitting on the calm beach with the sun shining, drinks in hand as we had planned. Wah wah wah….
Red flag warning on South Padre Island beach
The Red Flag on the Beach
Even though the weather wasn’t ideal, we still wanted to walk down to the beach. As we strolled hand in hand, I noticed a red flag flying intensely. It signaled that there was choppy waters and swimming was not advisable.
That red flag got me thinking…because you know I love to reflect! In life, just like on the beach, we experience red flags— visible warnings that something isn't right. But unlike the visible and obvious, waving flags on the shore, these life red flags are often subtle and easy to miss. Whether it's ignoring the signs of burnout, pushing through fatigue, or sweeping problems under the rug, we tend to rationalize and dismiss these warnings until it's too late.
Reflecting on this, I realized how often I had ignored my own red flags. I’m good at just “go, go, go”. The constant exhaustion, the feeling of being overwhelmed, the strain in my emotional health—all were signs that I needed to slow down and address these issues. This beach getaway was our opportunity to heed those warnings and make the necessary adjustments.
Latitude pillow which made me reflect on the trip
An Adjustment in Latitude, A Change in Attitude
The phrase "an adjustment in latitude can change your attitude" couldn't have rung truer during our trip. Although we didn’t sit on the sunny beach and chill while there, we still got the chance to recharge. The change of scenery from our usual routine to the beach environment had a profound effect on our mood and perspective.
Instead of spending our days lounging by the water, we explored other parts of the island. From new restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping, we had an opportunity to see other things we wouldn’t normally if we were to just sit on the beach. This change in latitude helped us see things more clearly. Although we couldn’t enjoy the island the way we had originally planned, we still enjoyed spending time together doing new activities.
Enjoying coffee in bed at the resort
Listening to What Your Body Needs
One of the most valuable reminders I encountered during our getaway was the importance of listening to what my body needs. As moms, we often prioritize the needs of our family over our own. We push through fatigue, ignore our own health, and keep going even when we desperately need a break.
The night before we were going to leave, I allowed myself to slow down and listen to my body. I indulged in a simple pleasure: drinking coffee in bed while watching Friends. It was such a small thing, but it felt like a luxury I hadn't allowed myself in a while. That moment of relaxation, with no agenda or responsibilities, was pure happiness.
This experience was a great reminder that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. By taking care of myself, I was better able to enjoy my time with my husband and return home feeling recharged and more present for my family.
Bringing the Lessons Home
Our beach getaway was a wonderful escape, but the true value lay in the lessons we brought back with us. Even though we didn’t experience the weather we were anticipating, we had to pivot, just like in everyday life. We were also reminded to pay attention to the red flags in our lives and adjust before things reached a breaking point.
Listening to our bodies, recognizing the red flags, and adjusting our attitude and environment are not just things we do on vacation; they are practices we can incorporate into our daily lives. These changes have influence in our overall well-being.
For all the moms out there, remember that taking time for yourself and your relationship is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. Whether it's a beach getaway or a simple morning of coffee in bed while watching Friends, find those moments to recharge and reconnect. Your well-being and your relationships are worth it. So, go ahead and plan that getaway with your husband. You deserve it. So, ask yourself today: What simple step can I take right now to balance out my time and energy better?
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