I do everything fast.
I think fast.
I drive fast.
I type fast.
I talk fast.
You get the idea.
I also recently realized that I eat fast too. I learned this because I did something I have never done before.
I went to a spa by myself.
Ste. Anne’s Spa is one of my favourite places in the world. Even as I drove to the spa, stressed about leaving the kids and the unfinished laundry, as soon as I saw that famous stone building I instantly exhaled. I was reminded this sanctuary is like pulling the emergency break in our hectic, overscheduled lives.
I have been to Ste. Anne‘s many times, but I am ALWAYS with someone. I’m either with my husband, my girlfriends, my mom, my sister, someone.
This time I was solo.
I was staying for a conference I was hosting and I went for tea as soon as I arrived. It was the most bizarre feeling to eat alone at a spa.
I often eat alone during my workdays. I will pop in somewhere on my lunch and grab something, or eat my brown bag lunch in my vehicle. That doesn’t feel weird. But being at a spa eating alone definitely felt strange.
I run alone.
I do many things alone.
But they are not usually relaxing and they are not usually for longer than 30 minutes.
A spa is a place of self indulgence.
I guess I didn’t think I was worthy of self indulgence.
I paid attention to everything I did. There was no distraction of listening to someone else. I realized how fast I ate. I realized I was rushing because that’s what I’m used to.
I went to a meditation class and ironically I was the only one in the class, which never happens. I think the universe was sending me a sign 🙂
Apparently it was my time to be alone and learn a lesson about why it matters to be alone.
I did a Facebook video and asked all of you if you’ve ever done things alone? Do you like doing things solo? Your answers intrigued me. Watch the video above!
Many of you talked about how you had to learn to be alone because of a divorce or separation. One of you mentioned how hard it must be for a widow who has spent their entire life with someone, which is so sad. Some of you are really great at being alone and you love it! Many of you commented how it was hard at first to do things alone, but you learned to love it. I agree. I think it’s a skill more of us need to have. By hour two at the spa, I was LOVING it. I was thinking EVERYONE should do this. My husband needs this too!
I think for so many years, as a Mom, I was constantly with someone, or someone was hanging off of me. You get adjusted to the chaos, the noise, or the circus as my husband likes to call it. I think we need to appreciate that it’s an adjustment to be alone too. To remember how to let our brains think of just us.
I know if you’re reading this and you have small or infant children you might think this is a funny joke, but you will get there. One day your children will become more independent and it will be less scary to leave them. You will not constantly be bombarded with thoughts of just keeping them alive.
I promise that day will come.
It’s OK to self indulge and self care. It doesn’t make us Kim Kardashian.
It makes us acknowledge we need a break too. There’s a reason you put your oxygen mask on first on an airplane. You are not valuable when you do not love or care for yourself.
I’ve heard those words before, but they are finally starting to have meaning to me.
Bring on more solo trips to Ste. Anne’s 😉
AND GUESS WHAT?!
The awesome people at Ste. Anne‘s have graciously offered to give away a day spa to one of YOU!! Why do you want to go?? Tell me! Comment below and we’ll select a winner April 24th. Good luck!
I would love a day at the spa. I have been running since 2013. My mom went into hospital and my father passed. I took over the estate and moved so I could care for my mom when she came home from her 2 year hospital stay. Just when things were settled and I thought it was time to breath my mom suffered a stroke. It’s been a constant state of taking care of others. I have just recently realized how I have not taken real time out in years.
I want to go because, like you, I am a busy working Mom who does not ever do things alone. My priorities always fall with my family, my friends or my career, I fall somewhere around 4th place. I would like to give the self care, alone time a try. Who knows, I might like it. Goodness knows I deserve it!
I am also so bad at being by myself. I often eat and go places alone for work but I always have my phone for back up. I definitely need a smart phone detox. Annnnnd the spa is a no phone zone! I would love to spend the day there reading and hanging out in the steam rooms and just being zen all by myself
You mean without kids?! Craziness, and yet intriguing. I think I might really like the solitude of the spa ?
Hi Michelle. I too have experienced Ste. Anne’s Spa on numerous occasions but never alone. I used to do many things alone before I got married almost 4 years ago. I parented my daughter alone and on many occasions I went out for coffee and movies alone. Eleven years ago I moved from Toronto to Peterborough completely alone and not knowing a single soul in my new city. Although I love my husband and friends dearly I think that I would absolutely love the chance to spend a whole day reflecting and pampering myself alone. Even if I don’t win a day at the spa from you I am definitely inspired to do this in the near future. I always enjoy your insight and views on life experiences. Thank you.
I have never had the opportunity to go there yet. In the past 2 years I have lost over a dozen people in my life and I have been grateful for the lessons this has taught me. It’s important to live each day to the fullest and to take time to truly stop to notice the miracles we see daily. I’m learning it’s essential to give yourself self care as you cannot pour from an empty cup, it’s important to take time for meditation and reflection. More so it’s important to be grateful for every second. Thank you for the chance to win
I am a big fan of doing things solo, but a spa day would be a new one for me. Doesn’t happen that often these days because of kids’ and family schedules + new work role. Thanks for reminder to make time for me and for the chance to experience Ste. Anne’s on my own with this fabulous prize!
I need a break away from the stresses of working in emergency services. The shift work never really gives my body a chance to reset. The calls we take everyday are people’s worst days and we live them everyday all day. My hubby just finished going back to college, a hard thing to do at his age when suddenly his career was gone. Going to a single income with the costs of college was crazy stressful on both of us. We could really use a day to get away from it all.
I have always wanted to go to St. Anne’s. I won’t lie, I do go to spa’s for treatments but have always wanted to spend an entire day, and maybe a night at St. Anne’s. However, being a “true” single mom, I haven’t had the financial means to do that. Now that my daughter is away at University, I had hoped this would be the year. To date it has not happened. I have a very stressful job which I love, but I do need to figure out a more balanced lifestyle. I also recently lost my father unexpectedly and this rocked me to my core. I care for my 90 year old mother who has dementia and while she is generally pretty happy, it is so sad watching her as she has slipped away from us. To top it all off, I will enjoy my 53rd birthday on April 22nd (earth day) and I realize how very fortunate I am – there are so many people who don’t have this opportunity. I want to celebrate my birthday! Thank you!
I have wanted to go for years and have never gone. Prior to mommyhood I was affectionately called the “spa whore” by my friends. Any disposable income I had it was my treat to myself. Those days are LONG gone. The last three years have been amazing but challenging to say the least. My father passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, I changed careers… I ended my Marriage and had to sell the home we built together. I have gone from a single mom to 7 year old to also being a stepmom to three kids ages 4,6 and 9. I adore them but it it TOUGH!!! I would love to recharge. Thank you for the opportunity.
This has been the most difficult year of my life.
My mother who was my very best friend, passed away unexpectedly last May. Two weeks after I opened a new store front business. My fathers health has been a downward spiral ever since with 4 surgeries and long hospital stays within the last 6 months.
Trying to care for my father while also having a very young family of my own has been very difficult. All while trying to deal with my own health issues that always comes last.
In the past 4 years I don’t even know what alone even means any more, and honestly the only thing I’ve wanted is just to escape on my own for 24 hourS and St. Anne’s is the only place I’ve wanted to go. I’ve never been and it looks like a slice of heaven.
I have always wanted to go to Ste. Anne’s Spa but haven’t done so yet. Actually, my dh always tells me to do more for myself – i am a generous giver and like to do things for everyone else – but have difficulty doing something just for me….always have a little bit of guilt about that. I seem to need a good reason….this might be a good start!
I would LOVE to go. I very rarely get to do a whole “ME” day. yesterday I got a massage…. because I had been sick for a week and my body felt broken. But If I get to do something for me it is crammed in between grocery shopping and other duties. Thanks
I’ve done a few things alone, but like you, never the spa. I went to Ste Anne’s with a friend recently and had a great time…. but it’s funny I was conscious of watching the time to coordinate our plans. It would be a dream to go on my own! I’ve got that cold/flu bug…. over a week now…. and I think it all just hit. The hockey stress, weather stress, work has been insane… and I got run down. A day at the spa alone to unwind and recharge would be a new and welcome experience 🙂
A Day at the Spa?! That sounds fabulous! I have always seen the ads for Ste Annes Spa but I have never been. As I get older, I realize how valuable self care is. I try to complete a selfcare ritual daily whether its a short walk, diffusing some essential oils or locked in my bathroom with a bath and a candle for a few minutes before getting the kids lunches ready, completing laundry or dealing with work (lets face it, most of us bring work home these days, ughh)
I would love a day at the spa. I am a 3rd year nursing student and the stress of exams is really getting to me. I am also trying to plan a wedding for next fall and renovate a house all while being in school. A day to myself would give me the drive to be able to get back on track with my life.
I think EVERY MOM needs. Day away to reflect, unwind and then get back to reality. No sob sorry Michelle. Just would love a day away and be pampered!
S
I would love a day at the spa with my partner as I’m due in August and would love to relax and enjoy our last “two of us only” moments before its three 🙂
I would love a day spa because I love to be alone – I am a stay at home mom and have a busy enough social life, but I am also an introvert and really do enjoy solo time! Good for you for enjoying some yourself!
I have to say this whole idea of solo spa day has me wanting to go so bad! But, if I were to win this day at the spa I would give it to my mother. I know it sounds cheesy but over the past few years I’ve come to realize just how much my mother has done for me, driven me to sports, events, friends houses, been there for advice and encouragement, the list goes on! My mother has always put everyone around her first, her two kids, her husband, her mother and her friends. Any spare money she’s ever had has gone towards her family, she buys us things regularly because that’s what makes her happy she says. My mother always wants to see the people around her thriving and successful no matter the sacrifice. I’d love the chance to show her that she deserves to take some time for herself, She’s spent more than enough of it on all of us. She goes above and beyond every single day and expects nothing more than the smile on our faces!
She deserves a day, a month, a year!
As a super, busy working mom this would mean the world to me. My husband and I are raising two amazing kids all by our wonderful selves. And we love our life. My world is filled with giggles and smiles, love and creativity. I love taking care of my family. I’ve just begun to realize that I don’t take very good care of myself and this needs to change. A day at the spa would be the start of my journey to take better care of myself.
Michelle I would love to win a spa day at Ste. Anne’s for my sister. My sister Tania has a very busy life juggling 3 children, a hubby (who is very very helpful) and work. Her oldest daughter is 13 and does dance 3 times a week and now comp season is upon them. Her middle son is 7 and has just finished rep hockey but has now begun rep lacrosse tryouts. Between shuffling those 2 kids around she is also busy running around after an energetic 2 year old daughter who wants to do everything. I would love for her to enjoy a relaxing day to herself. I will even volunteer to look after the munchkins. ?Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for all the hard working Moms out there.
I would love a day spa so I could take my mom for her 70th Birthday! I’ve been many times with my mother-in-law to Ste. Anne’s but can you believe my mom has never been to a spa in her almost 70 years!? Insane. She needs to go!
Yes, please! ??
5 months pregnant with second baby, I never do anything for myself. I am also a fast talker, reader, typer, driver, and eater. Sometimes I rush cooking dinner for the family, once I sit down to eat I get half way though dinner and realize I am still rushing. Life is always crazy busy but admittedly I make it more rushed than it needs to be. I would love to win a spa day so I could take a break and slow down even if just for a moment. Thank you for the chance to win!
I would love a day at the spa. As a mother of a teen with special needs I rarely take them for myself and need to get better at this. A day at the SPA would kick start this but I can’t afford it at the moment. I also work with people with disabilities so I am alway taking care of everyone else. Thanks so much Michelle and St. Aneed Spa for the opprtunity!
I want to go because I’m a solo parent to a very active daughter. I’m at that stage where I’m always with her and need a break but worry when I’m not with her. Thanks for the chance and good luck everyone.
My story isn’t sad, my need is not great….I am sure they are other women who totally deserve this more then me…#truestory
I. am. just. Tired.
(Ask Niamh, she will attest)
I need to fill my cup and I hoping this is the way.
Cheers to all these ladies. xo
I would love a day at the spa as a reprieve from my daily life, but even more than that I’d like to nominate my best friend Joanne for a day at the spa. She is a single mom of 4 (including two year old twins) and she works incredibly hard, giving her all to her job and her children, meaning, like most of us, she gets lost in the process.
I think a day at the spa would offer her a bit of a break from constantly caring for others as a mom and a nurse and provide her a chance to care for herself in this wonderfully relaxing environment.
Oh my gosh! It looks wonderful there! ? I definitely do not take enough time to self-indulge, so I appreciate the chance to! Your skin always looks so awesome by the way lol, you’re lucky!
Hi Michelle!
I am writing this because I believe I NEED this. Here is why…
I have never taken time for myself. I am a mother of 5 and you know…this is hard work all on its own. Nick(16), Thomas(13), Peyton(8), Maddison & Mason (6).
I am currently running 2 business one in landscaping and the other in janitorial restoration.
I am a retired nurse.
Within all this chaos, I am used to feeling alone because I do alot of it on my own. Sometimes when I prep for each day for the kids as well as the business’ I run and my also getting my husband ready for his work day, I dont seem to see the bed until at least 12-1 am. I cant even remember the last time I even had a haircut….I just want to feel like a person again.
But anywho, I hear the screaches from my children that are arguing about god knows what.
Thanks for the oppertunity to possibly think about myself. Even if its for a little bit. 🙂
Oh how I would love a day at the spa! I very rarely get to do anything on my own (well I do go to the gym at lunch but I’m not really alone….) from school runs, volunteering, working, after school activities, grocery shopping etc there is generally someone with me or counting on me. This would be pure pleasure to have a day for just me!
I have never been to a SPA but would love to go .Just like most ..deaths,kids ,husband,dogs work , inlaws or outlaws .THEY ARE ALL TAKING A TOLL. thanks
i would love to go to Ste. Anne’s to enjoy a day of pure relaxation that would allow me to just step away from life for a day, thanks for the amazing getaway
I want to win as I haven’t experienced a spa day and would love to try it. I carry my stress in my shoulders and neck so could use some help releasing it. Plus it would give me time to read and go to another world