Just recently I went on a fun trip with my girlfriend Susan. Sharing a common interest in horses, we went to an international horse show where we met some of our other close friends. There is no need to tell you that we had a lot of fun. When women get together there are only two possible outcomes. They either hate or love each other. When they hate each other, women can be relentless, judgmental and totally outside themselves. When these same women love each other, they have the best time, having fun and making sure that everyone on board is happy.
It takes courage to make these girls trips happen. We all have our lives, and getting away is not always easy. Some of my friends work for large corporations, others have their own businesses, and some have the responsibility of taking care of children and the house. What holds us back is not necessarily our commitments but the feeling that we are irreplaceable and that the world might come to an end without us. This feeling of, “They cannot do without me” is nothing else but a trap we build for ourselves.
I want to make a brave statement: Everyone is replaceable! Do you believe me? Well, if you are a mom, you will certainly disagree. Who can replace mommy? But believe it or not, our children need a break from mom and they enjoy time without us. When your boss or your team gives you the impression that they cannot do without you, consider this emotional blackmail, because they can. If you drop dead this very moment, the world will continue turning. That is fact. Business will also go on, maybe less efficiently, maybe simply different, but there will not be complete stagnation.
Now consider again going on a girls’ trip. You know that everyone will miss you when you are gone, but at the same time, you know that life at home moves on. Is there any other excuse you can think of that prevents you from spending some girls’ time? Truly, there is not. Therefore I recommend that you consult with your best friend or best friends right now, when and how you can spend valuable time together.
It will be a fun and carefree time that pampers your heart, your mind and your soul and the best part is…. When you come home you will be the queen again, at least for some time. Here is what my son Sherman (12 years old) has to say about my trip with the girls and how he handles our time apart.
Be a woman and act like one.
“When my mom is away for a week or so, things can be good or bad. Some reasons that it is good are that the rules normally aren´t as tough. My dad doesn´t know a lot of the rules, like chores, electronics, or just small side rules. Sometimes my dad will even forget to take away my electronicsJ. But it can also get pretty lonely too. So when my mom is away I spend quite a bit of time alone in my room or outside. Things also get pretty messy in my room and bathroom. But in general I think it´s fine when my mom is away. Even If I’m worried like if she is traveling on a plane. I am 12 and can take care of myself in some ways…”
