The Importance Of “Me” Time

A couple weeks ago, I took Friday off work to take a solo, one-day getaway to Chicago. If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you saw the stories and posts. But in case you missed it, I’ve added them to my highlights. Anyway, I headed east via American Airlines for one reason – to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. My amazing aunt who passed away four years ago was a member there. She took me to the Institute on my first visit and she’s the reason I have any knowledge, interest or appreciation for art. I’ve been trying to plan a time to visit since she passed, and finally, before I could make up any more excuses, I booked the flight.

I had never really traveled alone. Apart from small road trips for work or to visit my parents or friends. This was going to be something completely new. Since Chicago is a quick one hour flight away from Des Moines, I knew going there and back in one day would be feasible. People do it all the time for business & I wouldn’t have any luggage to worry about. I’m also fairly familiar with the Michigan Ave area and feel comfortable getting around on my own. I landed in Chicago before 7:30am and was on my couch at home by 8:30pm that night. It was fantastic.

I’m digressing a little bit though. What I really want to share with you is how the whole day truly reinforced the importance of “me” time.

A solo ride

Let’s start with this. A funny thing happens when you travel alone. Or do anything alone, really. Maybe it’s just me, and that day, but I really noticed how amazing people are. Both of my Uber drivers were so helpful – one recommending a bakery for breakfast and the other sharing some wise words while we were stuck in Friday afternoon rush hour. Strangers I came across in the museum and airports were always friendly – a few striking up conversation and two particularly amazing ladies took my photo when I (very awkwardly) asked. There is just so much more good in the world than we’re taught to believe.

And even though I had all this human connection in my quick 12 hour day, I still reveled in spending time with myself. Since the Art Institute holds a special place in my heart, I knew I needed to do this trip alone. Or at least this first one. I didn’t want to be rushed, I wanted to sit still, I wanted to stare at Renoir’s masterpieces as long as I desired, I wanted that freedom. I’m a true introvert, so spending time within my own mind is cathartic. There are few places better for me to do that than in an art museum. But at the same time, I found myself stepping out of my introvert shell since I was traveling alone. Asking more questions, carrying on dialogue with fellow museum goers. It never felt odd to be there alone, either. I don’t know… food for thought.

“Me” time

My alone time began even before the museum. Since I arrived in the city three hours before the museum opened, I had a good amount of time to spare. This was intentional for a few reasons: to avoid major logistical issues (i.e. traffic), to find breakfast someplace fun, and for the opportunity to visit “the bean” once again. And to simply enjoy the city while I was there. I missed most of the bad traffic and I did get to eat fantastic avocado toast for breakfast at the cutest little bakery – Goddess and The Baker (highly recommend). Oh, and I got to spend time in Millennium Park and enjoy Cloudgate (the bean) without a crowd.

Once inside the Art Institute I knew my first destination was the Impressionist room. It was my aunt’s favorite and the beautiful room about took my breath away. A good amount of time had passed since I’d seen these masterpieces up close. I almost immediately realized how perfect the day would be. Taking my time looking, sitting, walking, I even found myself alone with some of these paintings at times. Which, if you’ve ever been to a museum, you know exactly how rare that can be.

It’s important

At the end of the day, when I got thru security at O’Hare and sat down to charge my phone and wait to board, I took some time to reflect. I was tired, my feet hurt, but I felt refreshed. I felt revived and inspired. And I truly believe the “me” time was the reason.

As humans, sometimes I think we forget to do things for ourselves. Or we forget we can do things without anyone else’s permission. I get tired of not doing something just because no one else wants to do them with me. Let me be clear – the frustration lies with me, not them.

This little getaway to Chicago started out as one thing and ended up teaching me a little bit about myself, too. Spending time with myself is important. It’s actually crucial for my mental sanity. To remind myself of who I am or who I can be. Sometimes that means taking 10 minutes to meditate and other times that means taking a day. A “me” time day. Time to indulge in something I want to do without worrying about others. Something just for me.

Doesn’t that sound nice? It was amazing.

xoxo. B