Solo Retreat: Katy, Texas

The “sleeping when you’re dead” mentality is one of the easiest ways to experience burnout. Giving your all to find yourself not being satisfied is another top contender for exhaustion. Imagine perceiving rest as a reward not an integral part of human functioning. When we rest we self-regulate, live happier and make better decisions. Physiologically, rest maximizes the production of our energy and repairs cells, tissues and muscles. It increases our problem-solving, decision making, creativity, focus, concentration, and memory. It regulates our emotions and nervous system by supporting healthy brain function and emotional stability. It reduces elevated cortisol levels, high blood pressure, inflammation which all lead or correlate to weight gain. Rest is a requirement for healthy living and honestly, being happy. 

After a couple of months of perpetual dysfunction, emotional highs lows and complacency I was physically, emotionally and spiritually “over it”. It was time for a hard reset. Rest and reset looked like 2 weeks of semi-isolation in a beautiful Airbnb in Katy,Texas. For about $1900 I allowed myself to process every emotion (good, bad and ugly), grievance, shortcoming, perceived loss, strategy and victory. Sometimes rest also looks like surrendering to what is and being grateful and excited in that release.

Rest also looks like allowing yourself to be human. In effort to do the right thing, sometimes we neglect or avoid tough emotions and hard conversations because it forces us to be vulnerable; and be honest about what is on our hearts and minds. Truth be told, we know some people just can’t receive nor offer the truth so we don’t even bother expressing what needs to be said, yet might have to do it anyway. In that space, I’ve cursed the appropriate people out, I had hearts to hearts, I cried, they cried, we all cried, I forgave and asked for forgiveness, I laughed, posted everyday, tried something new, cooked for my friends, went out to dinner, worked out, journaled, met someone new, prayed, wrote, and replenished my body. 

This Modern Farmhouse in Katy was hosted by a group of lovely women that made sure I was accommodated and comfortable while I embarked on this solo retreat.The cab from the airport to the airbnb was about 50 minutes since Katy was in the suburbs (think Long Island, but southern). The apartment is spacious, clean and decorated very intentionally with country style and antique furnishing. I really did exhale as soon as I turned the key, “finally, some peace”. They provided detergent, soap, and seasoning! All I bought was a couple groceries to keep me for the next two weeks. For the most part, everything I needed was already there. Did I mention there’s a patio you can access, a gym and pool a part of the complex?  

The lighting and space in the bathroom is phenomenal for getting ready and selfies.

Check out my current hair faves btw. 

Katy is about 15 minutes from Cinco Ranch, where you can find a new and chic shopping center. It’s a cute spot to grab some dinner, go on a date, shop or catch a movie. It’s very cute at night too. 

Even though it was a solo treat with a lot of healing, so much transformative energy, lots of transmutation and reflecting – I was never alone, lol! I was surrounded by so much love and support from loved ones. Nothing beats visiting your friends and family in different cities. 

I made some dinner + watched Daddy’s Girls with my bestfriend. 

Dashayna and I at a random hookah spot.

I caught up with Keith over dinner at Tobiuo, how cute are we?! 

If you need a break, go to Katy. 

PS: My review of my first Thai Massage. This was actually  paramount  in my healing as body stores trauma. I really let a lot of that baggage go with every stretch and deep breath.