In my first article – Retreating-How to Begin, I wrote about the importance of vacations and retreats. In this article, I share a couple of my ‘leap of faith’ vacation retreat stories:

The first “real vacation retreat” I took after becoming a single mom was when my daughter Katie graduated from high school in 2006. Although I knew we desperately needed to get away, going on vacation felt somewhat selfish because keeping my yoga studio afloat was always my top priority, and the income never covered costs. Leaving town seemed impossible, but I wanted to create at least one memorable trip with my kids. So I took a huge leap of faith, charged a seven-day cruise to a credit card, and off we went. It was something we couldn’t “afford” financially, but it was a trip we desperately needed.

The trip was amazing! Work couldn't reach me, so I had to let go and trust that my business would thrive without me. I chose to relax, read novels, and sit on my balcony, watching the sea while my kids played with others their age. I was fully present with them whenever they wanted to spend time with me. We bonded, laughed, and played together, creating beautiful memories. The vacation was ultimately paid for, and yes, the business ran smoothly without me.

In 2012, thanks to my studio's exceptional teachers and volunteers, I finally took my first two weeks off work—ever! Once again, it wasn’t something I could easily afford, but something I knew I had to do to save my soul.

Exhaustion had reached its peak, and there was nothing left in my cup to give. I realized that if I didn’t take time off to rest and enjoy myself, I would get sick and be forced to take time off to recover, so I opted for a vacation.

My daughter and her husband, an Air Force helicopter pilot, lived in Alabama at the time. I spent a few days with Katie in Panama City Beach, Florida, walking along the clean, white sandy beach and sharing precious moments with my beautiful daughter. I got to be a tourist and play with my first grand puppy, Tahoe, a wonderful 9-month-old Husky. Katie then drove us to her temporary home in Enterprise, Alabama. Once we arrived at her apartment, I settled into the guest bedroom, caught up on sleep, walked daily, and read three delightful novels—something I never had time for at home. I even got my first helicopter ride without having to pay for it.

The most important part of the trip was experiencing the differences in my body, liberated from the daily burden of juggling my many responsibilities in my hometown. Much to my surprise, my business continued without me.

The loving principles of yoga, emphasizing “taking care of myself from the inside out," that I had practiced for the last 20 years, were genuinely felt during this vacation. 

I had no desire to indulge in food or activities that did not serve my highest self. I ate well, slept well, and exercised because I wanted to, as my body wasn’t too exhausted to move. I realized that the pattern of late-night, unhealthy eating, my biggest nemesis that I could never seem to control at home, did not exist while I was away. I had time to remember who I truly was—away from the daily pressures of life, away from everyone’s expectations of me, and my own expectations of myself. I enjoyed ten beautiful days with my daughter, her husband, and their puppy, and I gave myself two days back at home in San Diego to readjust before reentering my busy world again.

When I returned to the daily grind, my workload hadn’t changed, but something shifted within me because of the vacation. I brought a piece of that self-care home with me, even while working 60 to 70 hours a week. I could leave work on time to walk before dark, guilt-free. I joined a support group outside my yoga community to address my personal needs, a place where people don’t expect perfection from me. I slept soundly despite not having a full stomach. I lost 9 pounds in 30 days despite the daily stressors!

After those oh-so-important days away, I found that I bounced back a little more easily from people telling me I wasn't doing enough or wasn't doing things right for their needs. During those two weeks off, I reviewed how much I had accomplished in my life, and it is from that place of gratitude and appreciation that I am trying to live every day! I realized that if I were to leave this planet tomorrow, I could feel very proud of myself and of everything I have accomplished. My life situation hasn’t changed, but I have, just a bit, in a very important way.

Retreats and vacations aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities. 

They are essential for rebalancing our lives, clearing our minds, and providing us with the energy and motivation to keep moving forward. This is why, for the past twenty years, I have been leading retreats for others and reminding us all (myself included) how important it is to retreat, even for just a couple of days at a time, if a week or two is not feasible. I am carving out more time each year to step away from my work and live my dreams.

Choose to love and care for yourself.
Choose to take vacations.
Choose to retreat.
Choose to pursue happiness.

Express your desires and then ask the universe for guidance.

Declare: This or something better, please.

Countless incredible universal forces remain unseen, eagerly waiting to help you experience wonderful moments and adventures. 

You must be willing to ask. 

Then, get quiet and listen. Let the soft voice of the spirit show you the way.

 Who knows? I might see you on a vacation or a retreat someday!

Lanita Varshell