I don't know about you but all the money in our household seems to be going in just the one direction at the moment and that is out and not in!!
I seem to be constantly spending money on everyone else - on the kids, on my friends and relatives, on bills and parking fines (!), on my hubby... it just seems to be never ending.
The concept of spending money on myself is one filled with questioning and guilt - "Do I really deserve this?" is the thought that comes up time and again.
But there are certain things in life that I am just not prepared to compromise on and most of these involve self care and making myself feel good. I am not one for shopping for clothes often, but I will get my nails or hair done once in a while because it makes me happy. If I need a massage or an osteo treatment I will get one. If I want to have breakfast out with a friend then I will do it. These small acts of self love and kindness are really important for my well being.
And what of spending a significant amount on taking myself off without my hubby or kids on a restoration retreat? Well, it's hard but I know it is worth it a hundred times over. Every time I go on a retreat I come back so much happier, relaxed, restored and re-energised - and I just don't think that you can put a price on that.
I do understand that mums in particular can find that spending a significant amount of money on their health and well being confronting. This is why it is so important to plan ahead when treating yourself to a big ticket item, like a retreat.
Below are some ideas for how you make the decision about investing in yourself a little easier.
1) Find out if there is a payment plan available
Paying for something in instalments makes managing your day-to-day finances easier and makes it psychologically easier to deal with the overall cost of a big ticket item.
2) Check to see if there are early bird specials or discounts available
Most retreats offer early bird specials or discounts. If none are advertised it is always worth getting in touch to find out if anything is on offer.
3) Put a little aside, regularly
Try and squirrel away a little bit of money each week to help pay for your retreat. Perhaps put aside your coffee money a couple of times a week. Even $5 or $10 a week can add up over time, particularly if the retreat you are planning for is some months in the future.
4) Try and see the value for money
Most retreats offer inclusive prices, with accommodation, food and all activities included for the one set price. If you were going away for the weekend and you had to pay for these things separately, you would most likely spend much more in total. Paying for everything upfront means that you can leave your wallet at home and just turn up and enjoy your weekend.
5) Value yourself and your wellbeing
Self talk is extremely important. If you decide that you are important and that you deserve to invest in yourself and your happiness - all the criticism, negativity and guilt about spending money on yourself will just fall away.
METreat offers payment plans for mums and regular discounts on bookings. There are a number of ways to reduce cost by sharing accommodation or coming on a mid week 1 day/1 night retreat instead of a weekend retreat.
If you would like to come on one of our retreats, but feel worried about the cost, please do get in touch with us to discuss what we can do to help this become a reality for you.
Vikki 0410745737 contact@metreat.com