Kid-free vacation full of relaxation and reflection.

Every year my husband and I get on a plane to enjoy a beach vacation without our kids. Traveling has always been something we enjoyed together. We made the commitment before getting married that we would continue this even when we had kids. Something for just us. We've made good on our commitment and are lucky to have grandma and grandpa who are willing to watch our boys each year for a few nights.

This summer we had the pleasure to go to Grand Cayman Island and stayed at The Westin Grand Cayman. It was amazing and memorable. The island is gorgeous and clean. The ocean is crystal clear. Sand is soft and smooth. The locals are friendly. The island is safe. Food was to die for.

There are many things to do on the island. On this vacation, we opted for paddle boarding, a sunset cruise and swimming with the stingrays. If you ever consider visiting this island, feel free to hit me up for more details of where to stay, what to do, where to eat, etc.

In the meantime, I want to share what these vacations really mean now that we have kids. In the past, vacation was more about time away to do something fun. Now it has an entirely new meaning after kids. It's almost become a necessity to get away and have time for ourselves. Time for us to be just us. Not parents but the individuals we really are. We get to reflect and talk about our lives, goals, what's working, what's not working, etc. Being on an island and experiencing that state of relaxation forces us to realize how intense life can be, and how we need to reinforce slowing down.

The theme of our talks during this vacation to Grand Cayman surrounded around the idea of living the best life we can create. We need to take time to do the things we love and make them a priority. We don't want to look back with regrets. It can be difficult, and we have to be realistic right? He works and travels a lot. I stay home with the kids, work part-time and teach classes. Time always seems limited but there is one thing we discussed we need to do more of.

Start saying No. Yup, there is always time to prioritize and do the things you love if you just say no to other things. It's ok. You don't have to drive your kids to every birthday party, school function or playdate. You don't have to go to every gathering, work or social event, etc.

So go ahead. I challenge you. You don't need an entire vacation to do this. Even just one afternoon at the park or local beach. Find the time to relax, reflect and focus. Identify the things you love to do and prioritize them. There is something you can give up in order to give yourself the gift of time for the things you love. You will feel so much better.