In December 2012 I escaped.  I’m not a big fan of Xmas and I don’t much like winter so I took my savings, skipped town, and went to Mexico for a 7 day New Year’s Yoga Retreat.  What a treat: 6am mornings, vegetarian meals, and 3.5 hours of yoga a day.  Ok, I know it sounds like a nightmare for many people but for me it sounded INCREDIBLY delicious.  And listen, I’m no saint: I like my late nights, my live music, and my Irish whiskey.  But this retreat sounded like just what I needed.  Plus it was being led by Kathryn Budig and I knew that practicing with her would leave me dripping with inspiration.

And it was great.  Truly.  What a brilliant way to end one year and start a new one.  Instead of starting the year feeling bloated and hung-over from holiday indulgences I felt motivated, refreshed, and renewed (and really, really clean.  Fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish for a week?   Wicked).  It was a really amazing way to give back to myself: a great boost for my body and mind.

I realized, then, how important it is to give yourself that treat, you know, to refuel, to recharge, to show yourself some LOVE.  And it doesn’t have to be a crack-of-dawn-veggie-yoga-fest.  What floats your love boat?  Find out what that is and indulge in it; give back to yourself and you will have so much more to offer those around you.

Fancy an adventure with me?  Check out www.melaniecaines.com/retreats to escape.

Happy exploring!
-melanie-
xo