If there is one thing I have enjoyed about this past week while recovering from my surgery, it has been slowing down! I have not had this many days in a row without my husband and kids, ever! Not in over 20 years! Don’t misunderstand, I love being with my family and I miss them terribly, but the time spent on my own has been really therapeutic for me. You don’t really get to experience a lot of peace, quiet or a slow pace when you have a full household!

Just prior to my surgery I was actually dreaming about taking a “personal retreat” –  little did I know I would actually get one! It didn’t come without pain, unfortunately (HA!), but I enjoyed it for what it was — a chance to be alone with my thoughts, rest at will, and be free of the daily expectations us moms face every moment of every day!

I wouldn’t trade my family for anything of course and I am thrilled to be going home soon, but having this personal time has reinforced in my mind the value of slowing down and time alone. It is amazing how clear your thoughts are when you can complete a full sentence in your mind without several interruptions. I can only imagine how lovely it would be to take a few days off sometime when I can actually go for a walk in the middle of the day or head out for coffee mid-morning, rather than just lie in bed! Maybe someday!

There are seasons of life where much time alone is not really possible or feasible, but even an hour or two at a coffee shop with a book can do wonders! I dream of a personal retreat at some beautiful bed and breakfast or quaint hotel, but that is fairly unlikely. I can dream though.

Do you all take personal time for yourselves?
Have you ever taken a personal retreat? What is your experience?

How was your week, dear blog friends? Did you find time to slow down, look at the beauty in your life and live on purpose? I hope so. I’m glad you take the opportunity to reflect on what really matters each week and link up your posts to encourage others! Please link only to A Beautiful Life related post and as a courtesy please link back to The Inspired Room!

Images of The Hart, New Zealand — A dream escape!!
discovered via Absolutely Beautiful Things

This post shared with Hooked on Fridays!

Announcing the winner of the bag from Elisa Lou!  Congrats to Amy from A Little Piece of Heaven!
And the winner of The Inspired Room subscriber contest, the $25 towards a purchase at Elisa Lou, was Kim at Starshine Chic!
Thanks and congrats to you both!