After a weekend in Cape Cod & Nantucket, I only wish I were telling you we bought a home there. We imagined it to be a dreamy place as we began preparing for our travels. In the words of Brian, “It’s like a fairytale.” We couldn’t have asked for a better place to be celebrating our 18th anniversary, where we attended a wellness retreat for the first time as a couple. While the style of our home is a cape cod, and wellbeing is our daily focus — time spent away is one of the ways we love to recharge our batteries. The kids can feel it too, as we come back with more to pour into them.
As an introvert and only child, quiet time means a lot to me. The noise of children fills my heart with incredible amounts of joy, while at the same time, there are moments of overwhelm and overstimulation. Taking space to get quiet, to hear my own thoughts, and feel grounded, is so needed. I didn’t know the luxury of being an only child, as I always wanted siblings. And, how quickly the world is to label us as “spoiled.” I may very well have had more attention, and time with my parents one on one. Yet, this is what made our connection so strong, which in turn allowed me to walk in the world with a sort of bravery and boldness. A knowing, that no matter what, I am loved. I certainly was never made to feel that love was something to be earned. It simply was.
Love is the most powerful force on earth, and it heals. Time in nature is what brings me back to love, day after day. Being around greenery, taking a moment to get fresh air, and simply pulling weeds in the garden, is a healing to my soul. In the day to day mundane, it gives a moment to reset, and quite literally, renew the mind-body connection. Words cannot quite explain the healing found in nature. It is something to be experienced and embraced organically.
Spending time connecting with others, enjoying meaningful conversations, nourishing foods, daily movement, and time in nature, gave us the chance to see one another engage in a new way as a couple. We gained a new appreciation for one another. Being “mom and dad” is a beautiful, life-giving role. Still, it is essential to spend time outside of those roles. To be reminded of who we are as a couple, and individually, helps us to get reflective and improve upon our inner person. And, setting goals as a couple, and individually is one of my favorite ways to look forward with an optimistic mindset. The retreat offered the perfect opportunity for us to do just that.
Cape Cod & Nantucket both have fairytale vibes, with the charm of its seaside towns, lighthouses, cottages, and historic architecture. Seeing people walking daily is no surprise. Self-care feels like a part of the town, rather than an imposition. We sure did lots of walking and exploring! And there’s no shortage on hydrangeas! The cure for anything, right?!
I”ve often thought of my role models growing up, and the impact they’ve had on my daily habits, my mothering, being a wife, and so much more. I am grateful for those who’ve helped me along the way. And, I am still learning as I go. In marriage, I think the best we can do for one another, is to take time to understand each other better, while giving lots of grace. Time away gives more space to see one another with a fresh perspective, taking away expectations of what “should be.” Instead, a new vantage point, allowing for what “could be” whilst appreciating and accepting “what is.”
Learning to navigate the seasons of marriage is like a skilled sailor in many ways. There will be waves, and challenges. This brings forth growth, resilience, and adaptability. Spending quality time together is one of the ways that has helped us grow as a couple. And, in these days of technology, being face to face means a whole lot. Spending time exploring a new town is definitely “the cure” for too much screen time. Here’s to 18 years and many years of well-being!
Best,
Laura xx
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