Today was my birthday. I posted a blog on a little of what I did today as well as reflecting over how much things have changed in the past few years .... if you'd like to read it you can click here .
Also: thank you to everyone who took the time out to wish me a Happy Birthday!
I am so blessed by all of the kind words and wonderful people in my life.
THAT is the best birthday gift of all.
(if you aren't familiar with my background with marrying a Veteran with PTSD please read "The Monster in My Marriage" and "Why I Walked Away" where I shared a little bit of my story)
What I didn't realize, at the time, was that taking time out for myself shouldn't have caused me anxiety or guilt. In fact, it's actually paramount that you take care of yourself if you plan on being a contributing factor to a healthy, functioning relationship whether that's as a parent or significant other.
Now I'm not saying that you should justify spending excess money at the spa every month or just frivolously spending money on yourself; but maybe right now.... today.... just start up a little fund called the "ME FUND" that will completely be dedicated to you. Put extra money aside in there so you can spend it how you'd like: taking yourself to a hotel overnight so you can actually SLEEP IN (because let's face it: if you're a mom if those kids are anywhere near you, your spidey-mommy senses are on and you never fully hit the deep sleep that you seemed to hit pre-kids and you certainly won't be doing any sleeping in). Or maybe you're like me and you unwind by getting an amazing massage. Whatever you decide: you're worth it.
Today I walked into The Wellness Spa and after I had a warm (leopard print) neck cozy placed around my neck, was ushered back through a relaxing atmosphere complete with soft lighting and serene music playing softly in the background. The decor here is astounding: you really have to see it. You would never know this gem of a place is nestled in an area that you would least expect it in Central Wisconsin. All of the staff was smiling, friendly, and accomodating. I walked into the pristine changing room that smelled fresh and aromatic. Along the entry wall were small satchels organized by size where you could select your spa sandals and grab a soft robe from one of the wooden shelves.
After selecting locker number 11, I donned the soft "Wellness Spa" robe and walked back out into the waiting area and then through two large wooden doors above which said simply in black, wrought-iron letters, "The Spa". Pushing the doors open, I entered into a waiting area that had no less than six chaise-lounge chairs in a royal, cranberry print. A refreshments table sat at the back of the room where there was cucumber & lemon infused water available to drink out of wine glasses. The water was delicious. I don't know if they add anything else to their water....but MY infused water has never turned out like that! Maybe it's a secret "Wellness Spa" recipe ;)
My first treatment today was called "Sole Serenity" that focused on the lower legs and feet. A warm eye mask was placed over my eyes as my legs were exfoliated. I do have to admit, though, that the foot massage I received prior to this one really did me in and set the bar as comparison to all future foot massages. While this one was certainly relaxing and - don't get me wrong - felt amazing I missed the "toe pulling" stress-relief that I had never experienced prior to my last foot massage (and that has probably ruined me for all future massages!) If you've had a really good experience with a massage therapist that used this technique: you know what I'm talking about. Starting at the calf muscle and seemlessly massaging downwards through the sole of the foot and then seeming to pull the tension right out the top of each toe in one fluid movement. Oh..... just amazing.
Next up was my prenatal massage: astounding. I remembered something I had to learn before while at a massage elsewhere: to consciously relax. Even today I caught myself still laying there on the massage table all tensed up.
Isn't it amazing that tension comes naturally but sometimes you actually have to make the decision to relax? Slow the breathing.
Relax the shoulders.
Let your jaw loose.
Release your eyebrows.
I chose rejuvenating grapefruit as the aromatherapy massage oil of choice. (I could've picked lavendar.... but I wasn't feeling it today). The specially curved prenatal massage pillow allowed me to lay face-down on the table; it accomodated my growing belly nicely and the massage therapist was able to work out an area of my lower back that has really been sore during this pregnancy. Just laying there today feeling the tension and stress leaving my body was SO worth it. I relax that way. I love massages. Not only that, but I also think massage is a great addition to the health regimen because of all of it's amazing benefits and one that I'm going to be keeping up with regularly.... even if that means passing on some other activities so I can have extra money for my "Me Fund".
I look forward to going back. I would LOVE to book a whole day at the spa before this baby gets here. (Which: by the way .... I CANNOT WAIT to find out if it's a boy or a girl! GETTING SO CLOSE! What do you think? I already have 2 boys and they want a sister. Will they get their wish? Click here to vote!) It would be fun to get a whole group of girls together and go to the spa. I would love that. So any ladies in the area: WHO'S INTERESTED?! : ) We'll have to work this out.
Here's the link to the website: and PS ... they have NEW SERVICES that aren't listed on the site and are only $20 as an add-on service now through the end of summer. CLICK HERE to see photos from today along with the summer specials / price list. They'll be listed under the gallery "Spa Day: The Wellness Spa"
THANKS FOR READING!
-Sara-
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