To go on a 1 week yoga retreat in Bali while I leave my 2 YO with my ex partner?

[Goldylookingchain]

Long story short: finally separated from my partner who was controlling and generally made me quite miserable. I am just getting used to being a single mum but feeling a huge sense of relief and getting back to my old self. It's my 40th very soon and I don't particularly want to be in the country; I have lost many of my friends due to the relationship I was in so don't feel like I have a lot of people around me to celebrate (!?) with.

I have always wanted to go on a yoga retreat and visit Bali....but I know how much I will miss my little girl and I can't help feeling like it would be selfish of me to go away like this.

What do you think?

I wouldn't go, but only because you will spend most of your time there getting over the flight.

The volcano is also a bit of a worry. I was there in December and had my flights changed three times.

I wouldn't, holidays for me are precious annual leave and I want that time with my children. I want them to travel and see places too.

Is the ex happy to take a weeks annual leave for you to go away on holiday?

We just returned from Bali with two small DC. Flight and jet lag (and weird mentions of being ill with air con????)!were not a problem either way. Avoid Kuta but everywhere else is beautiful. And the Balinese are wonderful.

YANBU to have some time to yourself and to leave your child with another capable person. However, Bali is a ridiculous destination for a week even more so with the volcano situation. Travel insurance companies are obviously not covering people for this and you could be screwed financially if flights get cancelled, not to mention being stuck there without your small child.

No I wouldn't do that.

I'm all for some "me time" but I think week long yoga retreats in Bali are one of the things you forfeit when you become a parent.

Go go go!! Seriously who cares about the long flight iv spent the same length of time sitting on my bum at home may as well sit on a plane & end up somewhere deadly!!!

The distance is massively relevant. It's all about how quickly you can get back in an emergency situation.

Yes to the volcano situation. The airport in Bali is likely to be closed at a moment's notice.

Also some people suffer jet lag badly, it can take 2 or three days to get over such a long flight/lack of sleep. By the time you have recovered you only have a couple of days to enjoy yourself then it's time to come home.

I wouldn’t go to Bali for a weeek, long way.

However your daughter will be fine being looked after by her dad for a week so do do something.

It is a very long flight for a week. Go for a week or maybe 5 days on a lovely retreat somewhere nearer.
No judgement OP but you trust him with your child even though he was abusive to you?

Sorry hadn't rtft.
Go on a retreat but I'd look for one with less flying time simply so you maximise you relaxation and enjoyment

And please take this advice from someone who didn't -

An investment and time spent on ensuring your good mental health is not an extravagance. It is a good use of time and money.

Thank you for all your responses; I felt really encouraged from your messages; its definitely been a pretty grim time but thank goodness for MN to help you through the dark, shitty times! And the advice about Bali was particularly helpful. I think I'm going to find a yoga retreat a bit closer to home for the week and save Bali for when my DD is older and we can experience it together.

Great idea. I hope you feel marvellous after your break.
Have fun!

Saladday- who was talking to you?

Weirdo

Tstar - Huh?? This is a public forum. People reply to other people's posts - even if they were intended for the OP.

Weirdo yourself. And rude.

Go to Bali!
Don't be put off by the distance, being on a retreat with only the time of your next class to worry about means you get over the effects of jet lag and travel very fast.
I did a week long retreat in Bali last year and had the most amazing time. I'm glad I didn't go closer to home as I actually needed the distance and immersion into another culture to provide more space and perspective. I came back renewed and refreshed and zen, and can't wait to go back. I have a really busy family and home life, but didn't feel at all guilty about the time away as we all benefitted on my return.
If it really feels too far, then India or Sri Lanka would be alternatives. If Bali is still something on your radar, I can't recommend Escape Haven retreats more highly.