How My Stay At Blue Mountain Changed My Life (No Joke!)

My first reaction was excitement….. then reality set in. I knew that I would just be getting back from another trip with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. This was a “kid free” trip and so I thought it would be unfair to my kids and the husband to then turn around only a few days later and head away on another trip … even if it was only over night. I told my husband I was thinking about backing out. He told me “Are you crazy? You have to go to this!”

Let me give you some background. I had been writing for a few months, but to be honest – my heart and soul was not in it. I didn’t know how to connect with my readers (and the UM community/bloggers) in a way that was meaningful. I wanted to impart knowledge that I was learning from operating my own small business but I could tell something was missing. I know now after spending my time at Blue Mountain that I was not writing from my heart and that was the missing link. I love writing but it had become a chore because I was too busy. 

When I went to Blue Mountain and met these other blogging women I realized I was not alone- we all experienced stress in trying to find clarity and purpose. We knew deep down the only answer in finding that inner peace  was to make time for ourselves.

I traveled to Blue Mountain with Sara (Do It Yourself (DIY)). As a single mom Sara had to actually hire a babysitter in order to attend our trip. Sara could have easily excused herself from the trip and no one would have thought anything of it. However, Sara knows that in order to be a good mom she has to make time for herself.  Sara, like myself, needs the time to pursue the things important to her. Sara is wise. Sara realizes that in order to be a good mom she has to be good to herself. That requires tremendous insight and confidence in knowing that she is doing the right thing. I am proud of Sara for having this wisdom – I think it sets such a good example for other single moms (all moms for that matter!).

I also met Christine (Sometimes Holland Feels Like Hell) who was my “date” at Blue Mountain. Christine shared with me what it was like having three children (something I want to know more about……). Christine also told me about some of her struggles she has faced as a mother. Christine struck me as extremely strong and calm. If she could handle all the things she was experiencing with such courage surely I could figure out how to handle the things that were challenging to me. Christine and I had a laugh going up the gondola at Blue Mountain in the fog. I helped her figure out how to order a Starbucks Coffee properly and she showed me some “twitter tricks”. We relaxed at Le Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain (which is a real steal starting only at $45 and is rated “excellent” by Trip Advisor), where we got to know each other. We went along with Sara DIY and Nancy of Flying Solo). We learned that having some “quiet time” at the spa  was especially therapeutic. 

I also met (amongst other amazing women) Sarah (Mom Without a Map) who I roomed with. Sarah and I were giddy over our most amazing and beautiful suite. The room was fully equipped with fridge, stove, dining and living area, 2 washrooms, private balcony and a beautiful view of the blue mountain pond. Sara and I bonded talking about what we wanted to see happen in our lives. We stayed up in our gorgeous suite until 2 am talking about life and laughing over wine and treats found in our gift bags. Sarah was extremely supportive of me and my business aspirations. She helped me to find some clarity. 

I also got to share a hot tub with Jen Maier (Moms the Word) whom I poured my soul out to. I told her all my fears and stresses about my new budding business life. I told her how challenged I was finding time for myself and my business. I told her about the difficulties I was experiencing making business decisions. Jen listened carefully (even though, she herself was busy preparing for a presentation to us!) and shared with me some helpful wisdom that in the end made my decisions easier when I returned home. Jen (along with Carol) gave me the inspiration to become a better writer and blogger. 

So by now you might have guessed how Blue Mountain changed my life…. Perhaps you were thinking it was the women I met that changed my life. You are right. All these wonderful women inspired me to take time for myself and to not give up, no matter what the obstacles are that I face. They taught me to connect with what really matters to me. The weekend helped me to connect with my writing (and to realize that blogging is extremely therapeutic and worth my time and effort). 

I came back from my trip at Blue Mountain feeling better about myself. The trip gave me purpose.

So I thank all the staff at Westin Trillium Blue Mountain Resort and Le Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain for helping me to find clarity, purpose and passion. You really did change my life! No joke!

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