Korey and I had a long weekend getaway to the Tyler area recently. Grandparents were gracious enough to watch the hoodlums known as our children, so we had a few days to actually do whatever we wanted to do. I packed a book and read THE WHOLE THING on the trip. That never happens when we take a vacation with the kids. I should’ve packed another one because I still had free time even after I finished the one I brought! We also saw Avatar in the theater which was great because it’s so long it’s not practical to watch on a date night.
Anyway, any time we leave the children I get just a small amount of anxiety. Like, tiny. Hardly worth mentioning.
Okay, I get a lot of anxiety. I just do. Are other parents like this?? Once we have been gone for a little while I realize how nice it is to have a break, but that’s not how I feel when we leave. If Korey didn’t schedule little getaways I am confident I would never make it happen. I like the false sense of security I feel from staying at home.
Whenever we left this time, a storm was blowing in, but I tried to put aside my unease and we headed out. Then as we were on the road I start getting texts from friends checking on everyone’s safety and detailing ominous skies and tornadic activity. Just FYI, tornadoes are not very helpful for anxiety. 🤦
Unsurprisingly to everyone else, everything turned out fine. The storms were not that terrible, and Korey and I had a great time. I definitely think that even though it’s often hard to get away, the chance to rest and reset is so critical to being a good parent (or spouse, caregiver, employee, whatever – any position you have that demands something from you). I come back feeling refreshed and like my patience has been renewed, and my kids definitely benefit from my decreased edginess!
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, Stephen Covey talks about the importance of “sharpening the saw” – the idea that you will be far more effective and successful in cutting down a tree if you actually stop and sharpen the blade when you need to instead of trying to just keep powering on, becoming more and more ineffective as the blade becomes duller and duller. It’s helpful for me to remember this when I feel anxious about leaving because I know the break for me will actually be beneficial for my kids as well. And it doesn’t have to be fancy – just taking a break to get refreshed is what’s important.
So my encouragement is – don’t be like me! 😆 Find the time, or put worry aside, or be creative in finding something that will fit the unique stage of life you are in – whatever you need to do – and get the rest you need. You and those around you will be happier for it.
Do you have any favorite places to get away to? Any places you keep going back to or destinations that were once-in-a-lifetime-type awesome??
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so glad you had a great time! It’s so important to get away & revitalize.
One of my favorite get away spots would be Oklahoma, Beavers Bend. There are things to do, but not too much.
I hope you keep this a priority in the future. You are blessed!
We all went to Beavers Bend for the first time last year and had such a good time! We would love to go back. Y’all keep us inspired with all that you do!
This is such a good post, cute pictures, and a great point. Thank you for sharing! We have been to cabins in Hochatown 3x now. The last time was with extended family and all of our kids, so not exactly romantic or restful, but still very fun. The first two times were just us—honeymoon in 2016 and again in 2020. Every time, it’s been memorable. I love being in a wooded area and getting to unwind. What is the name of the cabin you rented? That looks so cute!
That sounds fun!! I agree with unwinding in a wooded area – there’s just something peaceful about it. The cabin we rented was called Little Reata. There are a few cabins in the same general area owned by the same people (there are enough trees and distance that you can’t immediately see them from each cabin) with a hot tub in the middle, so it would really be a neat place to go with some friends. Everyone could have their own cabin but then you could spend time together as a group too!