I hadn’t traveled alone for pleasure in over two years after becoming a mother. Before, this was something I did often; Something that made me feel grounded, free. Between the routines, responsibilities, and throwing myself into everyone, I realized I haven’t invested in myself in a while. I refused to fall victim to \u201cmom guilt,\u201d so I decided to take a solo retreat and be in nature. i chose Mountain Shadow Resort<\/a> My destination is Scottsdale. No expectations, no pressure… just space and touching grass (well, actually it was desert sand).<\/p>\n I didn’t set out to “find myself.” I just wanted to feel like me again. Turns out, it’s the little things that brought me back. Here’s what helped this busy parent slow down.<\/p>\n To be honest, I sold the dream of being in it. When I found out that every hotel room had “phone lock boxes,” I thought I’d be completely off-grid. I didn’t get there exactly, but I got somewhere close. I stopped reaching for my phone in every quiet moment and allowed myself to just be there. At first, it felt uncomfortable \u2013 like I was forgetting something. Eventually, though, the noise in my head subsided. I checked in with my family a few times to make sure everything was running smoothly on the East Coast. I had some meetings and work calls, but immediately afterward, I would put my phone on airplane mode or lock it. Which, as a NYC fashion mom who is self-employed, is unusual<\/em>.<\/p>\n Article continues below