Where would you go if you wanted a break from your life?

[BoredOfItAll]

I desperately need head space from my life - not just a weekend away. I need some thinking time but crippled with guilt about the fact that I have dependent children. I have a husband - we are currently in the process of separating (driven by me). I don’t have any family. What would you do?

Ok, good point. No money.

Bit simpler life and closer to nature would be amazing. What about my children? Don’t feel that I can be there for them with my current state of mind.

Can your stbxh take them away for a holiday and leave you in the house?

I'd worry on the negative impact on my children if I left them

I always find good walks help sort my head out.
If you need a week you can do the coast to coast walk or west highland way in Scotland.
If you have a day free go anywhere away from your troubles!
Hope you find your escape.

I wonder if you could just book a nice hotel and a massage and just relax for one or two nights? Maybe binge Netflix and lots of comfort food?
I hope you get the rest and space you need xx

cornwall?

Findhorn retreat in Scotland. There are various payment options depending on your circumstances.

The Scottish highlands, Loch Ness is my go to escape place. It's amazing winter or summer.

Centre Parcs

DD ran away on a train to Aberdeen with a pile of books (no use if you LIVE in Aberdeen)
DS ran away to Borth
I ran away to a lovely hotel in central London

We all have the need to escape and I completely understand it. As women we neglect self care and solitude in favour of looking after everyone else. When we stop that pattern it is SO rewarding.

Sending you strength and support

Some churches do retreats. Not sure if you're religious or not. Equally, at this time of year you can get very cheap air BNBs. I literally ran away to Estonia and Finland last week. I had to or my head would have fallen off. Got return flights for under £100 with seats/ bags etc. Loved being away where no one spoke to me. I read, wrote, ate and slept. I reconnected with myself. Utterly vital.

Stop 'crippling' yourself with guilt.
Ever heard man say he is crippled with guilt? I doubt it.
Just be pragmatic and get it organised. I used to dream of a night away in a Travelodge - just one night. Now I look back and think I should just have done it. They would all have survived

It would be a yoga retreat for me.
If you can't get away could you fit a bit of chill out time into your everyday routine?

I went to the South Pacific for a month. It was expensive but worth it, and I still think of it fondly every day.

I'd book an air bnb room in the countryside near where you live for a full week. You can then see children if absolutely necessary for a couple of hours part way through the week.

It is a courageous thing to love yourself enough to listen to that voice saying 'i just need to stop for a bit'.

A week is not a long time. Take this as a reminder to reassess your life and priorities so your children have a mother who doesn't feel the need to escape her own life. They deserve that and so do you.

I’m the opposite to you OP. I’d go city, not rural. I’d enjoy wandering around shops and museums, people watching and drinking coffee. New York maybe.

The suggestion of Scottish Highlands is great. Or the Aberystwyth area, west Wales.

It’s important to look after yourself.

@Itsemily......Last place I’d go for head space!! Plus you get probs get a week somewhere relaxing for less than 4 days at CP

When my marriage was breaking down I went to a religious community in France for a week btw. No phone, internet - just countryside, silence and simple food.

I'd go to Bath. Nice symmetrical buildings. Also the spa in the town centre has the naturally heated water in a rooftop pool. It's very tempting as my life is a never ending shit storm. I hope you feel better soon. 💐

If you have no money, you can get a travelodge room for £30 a night in York... I’d probably go there then spend the days wandering around the cathedral, the shops, the museums...

Devon or Cornwall. Small air b n b for a couple of night so I can put my feet in the sea ( even at the time of year) walk the beach and have sea breeze blow in my face and clear my head.

Don't feel guilty for leaving your kids - unless stbxh is abusive they will be fine with their dad for the weekend. If you aren't taking care of you you can't take care of them.

Buddhist monastery. Retreat with no phone and contact with the Outside world.

Maybe compromise and let your hubby have the Children and you go on a weekend spa trip or pamper
Afternoon?

Yes - some kind of retreat is what I’m thinking. But I’m not religious and don’t want to be sucked into a cult because I’m ‘vulnerable’...