Last week in Moms Talk, asked, Here’s what some of our readers had to say:
"Being a Mom is one of the most difficult but rewarding jobs there is! I'll never forget beaming with pride as my son gave the Valedictorian speech at his high school graduation last year and had the entire audience rolling with laughter throughout!"
"Motherhood is overwhelming--wonderful and terrible, incredibly hard and the most natural thing in the world. I love being a mother and being a daughter to my own cherished mother."
"I really loved that article! It is so important to stop and take a moment to reflect on the moments that have created laughter and joy in our lives! Happy 'Mother's Day Month' to all of you out there! J"
Now onto this week’s topic: Time Out for Moms?
With discussions brewing about sending my kids to summer camp, I started thinking, “What about a moms' camp; does anything like that even exist?” Amazingly, I found it—the perfect place for me—at YMCA Camp Campbell in Boulder Creek, only a 30-minute drive from Los Gatos.
With affordable rates which include lodging and a cafeteria, this was exactly my kind of place. The property has undergone renovations with a grant of $20 million. If it’s not quite the playground in the woods others might remember, it may be just the right mix for a mom! No cooking or cleaning, on my own schedule, yet with opportunities to join other women and share experiences! Yes, indeed! I'd found my moms' camp.
Happily, I was asked to participate as an instructor to lead my time-management workshops. I was delighted and thought, “When was the last time I’d taken a break—a true time out—where I could actually enjoy being alone with the extra attraction of an overnight holiday to seek clarity, balance and peace. This perfect mini-retreat was at the Women’s Wellness Weekend in April sponsored by the YMCA.
In the heart of the redwoods lies this beautiful sanctuary with friendly staff and a chocolate bar waiting our arrival. My first night we even had s’mores; how I loved that special feeling of being a kid again.
The second evening I was more adventurous and joined a night hike. I welcomed the thrill of sensing the natural world all around me, and I quickly learned how one’s body adapts to night vision. Although I couldn’t see anything, I could feel the wind and hear the stream flowing nearby. My inner and outer world meshed into a total sense of peace.
For a perfect ending, on the morning of the last day, I participated in a Tai Chi class as well as an art class and took home the souvenir of a vision board.
Overall, within this wonderful experience. I found clarity through my vision board, peacefulness with my night hike and balance in attending the Thai Chi class! I recommend moms take a much-deserved time-out for themselves. Perhaps a short camp break might be just as beneficial a change for them as for their children.
To learn more about the camps and dates for 2012, please visit:
http://www.ymcasv.org/ymcacampcampbell/
Happy Mother’s Day Week!
To stay connected with Coach Carrie, please visit www.TheMommysCoach.com
