Are you are dealing with objections on whether or not you can really take this trip with your girlfriends? Are these objections coming from you or possibly from a family member? Let’s take a look at both.
First, let’s examine the many reasons you have come up about why you just cannot do this. I’m going to just start with this bit of advice… STOP IT! I know there are a million reasons why you think this time for yourself just won’t work. I invite you to get really honest with yourself and dig into the real, raw reasons you’re feeling this way. Guilt maybe? Is it guilt over spending money? Are family demands an issue? These, along with whatever other argument you’re having with yourself about this, are all absolutely legitimate. But I invite you to take a different view. Taking this time for yourself really is cathartic! It could very well fill a gap in your life that you didn’t even know existed.
These objections that come from your own mind are really the easiest ones to address. Right now, try writing down your list of why you can’t. For every NO reason on that list, make a new YES list of why this trip is exactly what you need. I think you will find that every reason on your “YES” list will address something that has been brewing inside from your “NO.” When you begin to see these observations differently, you can start getting excited about making this happen.
The second type of objection can be an entirely different issue — those are the objections that come from others (generally family members). Here’s an example: When I first started going on these trips, my youngest was a sophomore in high school and the other children had graduated. So, as far as child rearing, I felt okay about leaving. However, my husband had a really, really hard time with the idea. He reminded me A LOT about why this was a really bad idea for a lot of reasons from timing to finances. Bottom line, he just didn’t want me gone for a week. Part of this is that in many ways he’s pretty spoiled. Don’t get me wrong, my husband is one of the hardest working people I know. Because of this, I was able to work part-time and handled “household management” with the kids and house stuff. Truth is, I really believe the thought of me leaving just scared the heck out of him!! In this case, I made sure he knew I wasn’t doing this out of disrespect, but I needed this break from taking care of everyone and everything else. It took a while, but now he gets that this trip is pretty much non-negotiable, that it brings balance to my life and that it is a big part of my survival kit.
To clarify, however, I would never suggest being so adamant in your discussions with your loved ones that it drives a wedge between you. But I believe (in most cases) you can find a resolution that is balanced and respectful. There are obviously things that may really limit your opportunity to get away for a week. I offer this example to demonstrate that there are solutions to almost every objection that may come your way – either internal or external. So maybe start small – maybe a weekend. But I cannot emphasize this enough – START. It really is life changing!
