The winter months were a blur of holiday activities and family gatherings. It felt like I was running on a treadmill from Thanksgiving into the new year, without the opportunity to get off.
As the unofficial “bringer of cheer” in my family, I feel a heavy burden to make sure we have enough fun over the holidays and work hard to create all the memories. Cookies must be baked, and decorations must be put up. And then they need to come down and get put away as I ready the family for the new year and the months ahead.
On top of that, I’m doing weekly chemo for breast cancer, which didn’t let up throughout the holiday madness. Life doesn’t stop for cancer. Eventually, I learned I needed to stop and do something for myself, though.
My diagnosis meant a change of plans
When I got my cancer diagnosis, I had to cancel planned trips to St. Maarten, Boston, and Dollywood. Not having those to look forward to was hard for me. As a travel writer, I love getting out of my regular routine for a few days to snorkel with sea turtles and dine on new cuisines.
With only my weekly chemo sessions on the calendar, I was feeling down. I knew that limiting my exposure to germs was important, but I missed my time spent enjoying Guinness in Ireland and kayaking near glaciers in Alaska. I knew I had to go somewhere, even if it was nearby.
I booked a one-night staycation near home
My solution: I booked myself a night away at West Cliff Inn, a boutique hotel by the beach in Santa Cruz that’s just a 30-minute drive from my home. I knew this wouldn’t be the same as a week in the Caribbean, but it was the perfect combination of time by myself and relaxation.
When I checked in, I found that my room was extra spacious and could have accommodated a friend or two. Did I think maybe I should have brought someone with me? Yes. But that thought vanished as soon as I set out to explore the area on my own
Simple moments helped me reset
I took a long walk on the beach and hiked along the cliffs, watching surfers just offshore. I enjoyed an umbrella drink and coconut shrimp at a tiki restaurant on the water, where I sat in the rotating bar area. A friend texted me at the perfect time with some gossip, and it felt like we were enjoying the vibrant sunset together.
Before it got too dark, I headed back to the hotel and enjoyed a salt soak in my massive tub before cozing up in my king-size bed at an early hour to enjoy the latest episode of “Below Deck.”
The next day, I visited a nearby spa and enjoyed a massage and a dip in a private hot tub before heading back home. Few things are perfect, but these 36 hours came pretty close.
I learned I don’t need a big trip to feel refreshed
This trip wasn’t about avoiding my family. It was about giving myself something to look forward to and acknowledging the difficult time I am going through.
I got home and felt ready to tackle what comes next, and I’m going to keep that in mind as I continue to move forward.
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