Recently I went on a retreat weekend with a beautiful group of ladies. We split a vacation home to take a self-care weekend. I’ve been waiting for this retreat since January. Like many parents I don’t often get this length of time off. I’m so grateful for my partner who is happy to solo parent my four tiny humans for the weekend.

I would encourage you to find your village. If you don’t have one, start small. Think about something that you either currently enjoy or perhaps an activity that you would like to get back into. Then try to find a group that fits with you. It took me a couple of tries before I found a group where I felt comfortable.

It can be discouraging when you try a group or two and they just don’t feel right. However, when you find your people, it can really make a change in your mental health. To find people outside the home that you can connect with as adults, who have similar interests or who can relate to what you may be going through could be just the outlet you need. 

If you have kids with mental/behavioral needs, you may start with a support group. It was hard for me to open up with most parents about my kids. It was hard for me to relate with a lot of parents. Difficult for us to connect concerning our kids because our journeys were so different. 

When I found a support group that brought together caregivers whose kids had similar needs to mine, I felt seen, heard and understood. 

It is a whole other level when you can find people that relate to you as your own person. And I really think that is a great goal because it’s so easy to lose ourselves as parents. But you ARE a person not JUST a parent. 

In my personal interest group we learn, support and grow together as women. It’s so healing for me to be in a group full of supportive women. We have been building this community slowly. This was our first women’s retreat for this group. It was AMAZING! We all pitched in for food, activities, cooking and sharing rooms. 

Being with a group of women who are consistently intentional about building each other up is inspiring. We have women that have extensive experience, some who are just starting on their journey and everything in between. Each person was inspiring in their own way. 

A couple of the women spoke in a workshop format about something we all were interested in learning. For example, we were led in meditation, Qigong, and a rage walk. 

We also took a lot of time to connect with each other. We often don’t get to see each other as often as we would like. As so often happens with good friends.

Getting to this magical place took me over 10 years! It’s not easy…but start small. Remember to just take it one day at a time.