-
Winter activities and chemotherapy left me feeling exhausted. I needed to do something for myself.
-
I had to cancel a few big trips that I planned, but a 1-night staycation helped me feel refreshed.
-
My solo trip to Santa Cruz offered a much-needed break from life's challenges.
The winter months were a blur of holiday activities and family gatherings. It felt like I was running on a treadmill from Thanksgiving into the new year, without the opportunity to get off.
As the unofficial "bringer of cheer" in my family, I feel a heavy burden to make sure we have enough fun over the holidays and work hard to create all the memories . Cookies must be baked, and decorations must be put up. And then they need to come down and get put away as I ready the family for the new year and the months ahead.
On top of that, I'm doing weekly chemo for breast cancer , which didn't let up throughout the holiday madness. Life doesn't stop for cancer. Eventually, I learned I needed to stop and do something for myself, though.
My diagnosis meant a change of plans
When I got my cancer diagnosis , I had to cancel planned trips to St. Maarten, Boston, and Dollywood . Not having those to look forward to was hard for me. As a travel writer, I love getting out of my regular routine for a few days to snorkel with sea turtles and dine on new cuisines.
With only my weekly chemo sessions on the calendar, I was feeling down. I knew that limiting my exposure to germs was important, but I missed my time spent enjoying Guinness in Ireland and kayaking near glaciers in Alaska. I knew I had to go somewhere, even if it was nearby.
I booked a one-night staycation near home
My solution: I booked myself a night away at West Cliff Inn, a boutique hotel by the beach in Santa Cruz that's just a 30-minute drive from my home. I knew this wouldn't be the same as a week in the Caribbean, but it was the perfect combination of time by myself and relaxation.
When I checked in, I found that my room was extra spacious and could have accommodated a friend or two. Did I think maybe I should have brought someone with me? Yes. But that thought vanished as soon as I set out to explore the area on my own
Simple moments helped me reset
I took a long walk on the beach and hiked along the cliffs, watching surfers just offshore. I enjoyed an umbrella drink and coconut shrimp at a tiki restaurant on the water, where I sat in the rotating bar area. A friend texted me at the perfect time with some gossip, and it felt like we were enjoying the vibrant sunset together.
Before it got too dark, I headed back to the hotel and enjoyed a salt soak in my massive tub before cozing up in my king-size bed at an early hour to enjoy the latest episode of "Below Deck."
The next day, I visited a nearby spa and enjoyed a massage and a dip in a private hot tub before heading back home. Few things are perfect, but these 36 hours came pretty close.
I learned I don't need a big trip to feel refreshed
This trip wasn't about avoiding my family. It was about giving myself something to look forward to and acknowledging the difficult time I am going through.
I got home and felt ready to tackle what comes next, and I'm going to keep that in mind as I continue to move forward.
Read the original article on Business Insider
