Spa Day, Fun Day: Don't Forget to Love Yourself

Only my mother could make going to the spa stressful; but once I got her there, a sudden calm fell over her and she was almost childlike. It was amazing—as soon as we set foot in the place I noticed the difference. By the time we were done, I almost couldn’t get her to leave, and she was inquiring about membership opportunities.
On the way there, she was complaining about how she does not have time for this, she’s got too many things to do, and in my head I just kept thinking, this is exactly why you need to go to the spa.  She of all people needed these few hours of relaxation.  Honestly, pulling teeth would have been easier than getting her to go.

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I booked a facial for her, because she’s not keen on other people touching her body, and a deep tissue/Swedish massage combo for myself.    I thought it would be a nice mother-daughter day, which we very rarely every do; and for a mother-daughter pair like us, this was the perfect outing—some time to ourselves to do our own things, some time to sit and sip tea together, and chat in a tranquil environment.  Honestly though, I wasn’t sure if we’d get to the sitting and sipping part, based on how resistant she was before we got the spa.
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When I came out of my treatment, she was already sitting and waiting in the lounge area.  She got up with a glow emanating from her face and smiled as she said, “You can stay here all day,” realizing that for the first time.  She asked if I wanted to stay longer, and I told her yes, I’d like to at least hit the sauna for a few minutes to continue to get the toxins out of my body, then hit the shower.  She again looked at me almost like a shy child, and said, “Oh, I think I should take a shower, too.” 

I guess she had never been in this kind of spa.  I think the thought of everyone walking around naked freaks her out a bit, but it seems she’s not the only one, because I think everyone, but one other person there (other than myself), was in a bathing suit.  Once I was done with the sauna and a shower, I walked out ready to go, because I knew she wanted to get to her errands of the day. Surprisingly, she said, “Let’s have one more cup of tea and sit down.  It’s so good.” We had a few more cups of tea. It was so great to see her relaxed and enjoying herself.  She even thought about trying out a massage the next time. 

My mother is the perfect example of why no matter how busy you may be, it is SO important to take a few hours to yourself every now and then to replenish your soul and energy. The world we live in is chaotic, and our everyday lives can become chaotic, so unwinding and taking time to be able to hear your own voice, breathe, and allowing your mind and body to rejuvenate and reenergize is essential to your well-being…your sanity, even. It just makes you a better, happier person.

As much fun as the holidays can be, they can also be quite stressful. So, don’t forget to take a little time to yourself as you brace yourself for crowded malls with scary moms, angry drivers, sugar high children, and large family gatherings.
 
BIG LOVE & HUGS

Love,
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Justine