Girls Weekend – Just do it 

I’m seeing it more and more on Facebook, women are getting away for the weekend with their girlfriends. I can’t stress how important this is for your sanity. I recently returned from my annual girls weekend trip. I try to go every year with my sorority sisters for a quick weekend getaway.

This year we went to Peoria, IL the home of Bradley University where we attended college. I have not been back since literally the day we graduated (10 years ago). One of my friends arranged a campus tour with a current collegiate Gamma Phi Beta (our sorority) who also happens to be a campus tour guide. Somethings remained the same but many things changed. The facilities the students have access to are about 10,000 times better than we had – spinning rooms, hundreds of pieces of workout equipment, yoga classes, etc. Most of the academic buildings remained unchanged but most of the “amenities” have vastly improved.

We visited our old sorority house and took pictures outside and then we did a quick driving tour of all our old houses on campus. It was pretty memorable. We also visited all of our old stomping grounds. The majority of them had changed names but the inside remained the same and once we entered all the memories came flooding back. It was a really awesome experience.

I don’t get to see or talk to many of these girls throughout the year so this is a fun time to catch up and unwind. We all know how crazy parenting can be and I can’t stress enough how important it is to take time for yourself. I know, I know – those of you who know me are probably saying, “practice what you preach Marissa!” I rarely take time for myself. But maybe if we all make a pledge together, we can start!

So whether it’s dinner and drinks with your girlfriends, a paint night or a weekend away – just do it! You won’t regret it.

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for the handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun. – Charles R. Swindoll