Sometimes, you just need a solo self-care weekend in your favourite city. For me, that will always be Wellington, New Zealand – the city of vibrant culture, friendly people, and delicious food. I timed my weekend away with the opening of the Wonderland exhibition at Te Papa Museum, and tried to fit in as much of my favourite pastime as possible: reading and brunch!
A little insight as to why I took this trip: when I booked it, I wasn’t in a great mental space. I was stressed and overwhelmed, and whenever this happens, I think it’s important to take some time out for yourself and work out what isn’t working; what isn’t aligned in your life. A lot of the time, remembering who you are; coming home to yourself is key.
When people ask you, ‘Who are you?’ or ‘Describe yourself’, you’d typically list things related to your job title, where you live, and your roles in life, whatever those may be. For example, I am a fiancée, an employee, a friend, a colleague, a daughter, a sister. For others, it may also be: mother, father, teacher. When you spend your time and energy in a way that eventually drains them all on fulfilling your roles in relation to others, but not on fulfilling your own goals, dreams and aspirations, you lose sight of what you want. You’re not living your life; you’re living a life chosen for you by others. You’re living from obligation and expectation rather than authenticity and alignment.
This weekend away was meant to be my way of ‘troubleshooting’ what felt wrong. At home in Auckland, I rarely have any real alone time. It’s rare at work as it is at home, living with two others (my fiancé and his best friend) – more often than not, I can hear noises from video games, my cat whining (though it is cute!), or simply traffic from the busy road we live off.
Just as quiet and solitary time is essential for meditation, it’s essential for going within. It’s simply good for the soul.
Fortunately, it was early November when this was booked; by the time I went to take this trip away, I was in a much better, lighter mental space so got to dedicate this trip more to enjoying being back in my favourite city than self-reflection (which I still did – see end of this blog). I hope that no matter where you are in life, you always feel like you’re in control of your destiny; that you’re living a life you’ve consciously chosen for yourself.
Here’s what I got up to when I flew back to my second home for a short & sweet getaway… ❤