🌿 A Week of Choosing Me: A Journey Back to Self, Spirit & Stillness
- mareesmysticnwellb
- May 19
- 5 min read
I didn’t go on a holiday.
I didn’t fly anywhere, book a resort, or chase a destination.
What I did do was something far more nourishing.
I chose me.
For the first time in a long time, I woke up each morning and thought,
“Today… I’m doing me.”
 And that simple sentence became the thread that wove an entire week of magic, clarity, and reconnection.
Day One — A Birthday I Finally Got to Be Present For
My week off began on my eldest daughter’s birthday.
In the past, work always pulled me away, leaving me unable to show up the way my heart longed to.
But this year was different.
Mum and I grabbed KFC (her request!) and a birthday cake, and we spent a couple of hours celebrating her — my daughter, my grandchildren, three generations together. No rushing. No guilt. Just presence. Just love.
It felt like reclaiming something precious.
✨ Day Two — Labyrinths, Hot Chocolate & The Art of Noticing
The next day, a friend and I headed out to explore labyrinths in the beautiful country town of Fosterton.
On the way, we stopped at a quirky café filled with treasures — a sewing machine turned into a light, a ladder hanging from the ceiling covered in flowers, Victorian lounge chairs, even the cups had personality. Everything invited me to slow down and notice.
Walking the labyrinth was surreal.
A soft unraveling.
A quiet awakening.
As I followed the winding path, I found clarity about where my life is heading. I let go of what no longer serves me. I felt peace settle into my bones.
A retreat here is definitely on the horizon.
✨ Day Three — Brunch, Connection & Saying Yes Again
Normally, I say no to spontaneous invitations because I’m always too busy.
But not this week.
A friend invited me to brunch, and I said yes — joyfully.
We headed to Morpeth, another charming country town full of quirky shops and hidden gems.
We ate at Cupz N Crepes, and the Strawnoffi Pancake Stack was absolutely divine.
We wandered the streets, explored the shops, and soaked in the simple pleasure of unhurried time.
That night, my NRL team lost to the Sharks (my husband’s team), but hey — you win some, you lose some.
✨ Day Four — Lunch, Laughter & Mother’s Day Moments
Monday was a beautiful family day.
My daughter picked up Mum and me, and we headed to Kotara for lunch at Momo and a little Mother’s Day shopping.
Nothing fancy — just connection, laughter, and time together.
✨ Day Five & Six — Clearing Space, Receiving & Feeling Spoiled
Tuesday was a home day — cleaning, resetting, creating space.
Wednesday was pure self‑care.
I finally used the gift vouchers I received for my 50th birthday and bought a gold chain for my Tree of Life pendant. To everyone who gifted me those vouchers — thank you.
I had my nails done, enjoyed a pedicure, and allowed myself to feel relaxed, nurtured, and spoiled.
✨ Day Seven — A Psychic Road Trip to Caloola Cottage
On Thursday, I stayed at a friend’s house, and on Friday the four of us packed into a car and headed off to a little country BnB — Caloola Cottage Farm Stay — for a weekend of psychic readings in Inverell.
Travelling with psychics is always entertaining, especially when playing “I Spy” with people who can literally see more than what’s in front of them.
The driveway appeared out of nowhere, and we passed through six gates before finally reaching the cottage — a stunning four‑bedroom home that looked like it had been lifted straight from a Harvey Norman catalogue. The owners had even lit the fireplace for us. Pure bliss.
Then reality hit:
No internet. No reception.
Nothing.
So off we went to Bundarra, sitting in the pub carpark using their Wi‑Fi to contact loved ones and confirm bookings. The pub itself was full of quirky charm, and we ended up having dinner there before navigating our way back to the cottage in the dark — using psychic ability, of course.
We forgot to leave any lights on, so the cottage was pitch black and freezing. But once the fire was roaring, we curled up, watched Bridesmaids, and drifted off exhausted.
✨ Inverell Readings — A Weekend of Connection
Saturday morning, kangaroos escorted us down the driveway — powerful, graceful, and so clever. One lifted the barbed wire fence with its paw and slipped through in one swift motion. Nature is incredible.
We arrived at the RSM Club early, only to be told by some local men that we couldn’t go in. They didn’t believe we were psychics until the right person arrived and let us through.
The room they gave us was beautiful — energetically perfect.
We were nearly booked out before we even started, and the people just kept coming. We didn’t finish until 6pm.
Sunday — Mother’s Day — was the same. Fully booked. Overflowing. Heart‑filling.
The Drive Home — The Realisation That Changed Everything
On Monday morning, as we drove home, I reflected on my week away from childcare.
A long time ago, I was passionate about working in childcare. I loved it deeply. But now… I know my true path.
Supporting mothers to rediscover themselves.
That’s where my heart is.
That’s where my soul lights up.
That’s where I feel aligned.
This week reminded me how important it is to slow down, reconnect, spend time with loved ones, and honour our dreams.
I didn’t go away.
But I came home to myself.
And that is the most beautiful journey of all.
🌸 Closing Affirmation
“I honour my needs, my dreams, and the woman I am becoming.
I choose presence, joy, and the path that feels true in my soul.”
Let this be your reminder that choosing yourself is not selfish — it is sacred.
🕊️ Reflective Journaling Prompts for Mothers
Take a quiet moment, a cup of tea, and your journal. Let these prompts guide you back to yourself:
Where in my life am I giving too much, and where am I longing to receive?
What does “choosing me” look like in this season of my life?
What small moments bring me joy, and how can I invite more of them in?
What am I ready to let go of that no longer serves me?
What dream or desire has been whispering to me lately?
How do I want to feel at the end of each day?
What support do I need — and am I willing to ask for it?
Let your answers be gentle, honest, and free from judgment.
This is your space to return to yourself.
What an amazing week you had <3