Prepping to Travel

I recently left home for a one-week stay in Nashville for Beachbody Summit (more on that later!), and let me tell you: It’s no easy task coordinating schedules when I’m away. And it’s even more of a challenge when Jeff travels with me.

With four kids, it’s easy for Jeff and I to get disconnected. We get so involved in day-to-day life that it’s not easy to find time together. But we know it’s important for us to take time for ourselves.

We’re very blessed that Beachbody has allowed us to travel, both with the Beachbody team and on our own. And then it’s just a matter of making sure the kids are taken care of. I’m not always comfortable asking for help, but we’re lucky to have family and friends who are willing to pitch in.

Thankful for Family

We are fortunate to have both sets of grandparents nearby. In fact, we’ve made a conscious decision to stay in town so we can be near our parents. It’s important that they are a part of our kids’ lives. Every once in a while, we get into a bind and having them close is even more of a blessing.

When we’re traveling, it’s hard to find someone to trust your children with overnight. Our parents and siblings have really stepped up to help. When Molly was 18 months old, Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to Europe with Beachbody. My parents were out of town, so my sister came to live at my house at night while a nanny took the day shift. And Jeff’s parents took the older three kids to Michigan for a week. Without family to help out, we would not have been able to take that trip. We trust them, our children love them, so it just makes sense.

Seasons of Giving and Taking

There seem to be different seasons of giving and taking in life. Right now, I feel like I’m doing a lot of “taking” from family and friends. But as Molly and our other children get older, getting away has become easier. I know that one day I’ll be able to give back, and I look forward to being able to do that.

It’s okay to have the confidence to ask for help—either because you’re involved in work or want to take time for yourself. Even better is getting to give back to those who helped you. It might take a year or many years, but that’s okay. It will make the giving that much sweeter.

How do you manage travel? Have you been away from your kids overnight recently? I’d love to hear from you, jot me a note in the comments.