Running Away

Hey there,

Years ago I ran away from home. It was in February. I had enough and was overloaded. My brain was glitching. I couldn't think, couldn't function, just wanted out. I was a school bus driver at the time, I came home from morning run, called in sick for the next day and a half, and told my husband I had to go. Didn't know where, didn't know how long, just had to turn off everyone else's voices in my head for a few days. Luckily, I have a good man by my side who gets that my brain glitches occasionally. Luckily, I trust that he can do what it takes to have children alive and well when I returned, and he knows it. I packed some art supplies, a bag, made sure there was music to be had (cd's), and headed out.

I sang so loud for four hours that when I reached the destination I didn't know I was going to, I was hoarse. I stopped at antique stores, thrift stores and a local grocery store and ended at Bryce Canyon. I ate chips and salsa for two days, slept a lot, enjoyed the quiet, put my phone away after telling him where I ended up, and made some art.

It wasn't a vacation, it was a rehoming. I needed everyone else's voices to go away so I could find my own again. I have repeated this a couple of times over the years.

If I could recommend one thing to women who are struggling with all of the things we have going on, it would be this. If it's feasible for you. I know it's a privilege I was lucky to have. You know what is feasible for all of us hopefully? An afternoon away. Turn your phone off, take a drive, sing loudly, listen to music you love, make art, go somewhere beautiful. Take yourself somewhere and just be in your own thoughts. I've literally just driven to a little town an hour away and given myself an afternoon. It's not selfish, it isn't irresponsible, it's rehoming so you can be present in your life.

Sis, being a woman is hard. Beautiful, but hard at times. We have the world on our shoulders and in our hearts. If you are the one thinking, not me, my life is a charm. Yay! But someday you may need this advice, tuck it away, keep it safe, and pull it out if you need it.

I love watching women when I suggest this, most would never think of it. That's just who we are.

XX,

Marci