"You Deserve This": A Love Letter to the Working Woman Who Needs a Break

Bonnie Phillips
4 days ago
2 min read

For the past sixteen years, I’ve taken a mystery trip with my nine closest college girlfriends. We take turns planning, three of us plan the entire getaway—flights, hotels, all the details—while the other six receive nothing but a packing list. No itinerary, no expectations. Just trust, laughter, and sunscreen.

This year, we went to Mexico. We ate tacos under palm trees, chatted for hours by the pool, worked out each morning, swam in the ocean, and felt genuinely beautiful—inside and out. These women have known me through so mahny versions of myself: student, dreamer, wife, mother, business owner. And for five glorious days, we reconnected with each other and with ourselves.

I’ve realized something powerful over these years: while the trip is a gift, so is the coming home.

I come back to my family with fresh eyes and a softer heart. I see the beauty I’ve built and remember why I pour so much love into this life. I return to my work with curiosity and creativity, and I show up with renewed energy. These trips fuel my soul not just for summer—but for the whole year ahead.

And here’s the thing: I feel zero guilt about taking them.

Because I deserve this.

That’s not always an easy thing to say—especially as a working mom, entrepreneur, community builder. I see you. You give everything to your clients, your family, your team. You pour into others so effortlessly that sometimes you forget you’re worthy of pouring into yourself.

But what if showing up for yourself isn’t selfish—what if it’s sacred?

What if rest, joy, connection, and beauty are the very things that allow you to lead more powerfully, love more freely, and build a life that lights you up?

I want to remind you: you are worthy. Worthy of the trip. The photoshoot. The long lunch with friends. The branding session that shows your confidence and clarity. The quiet time to dream and plan. The investment in yourself that reminds you: “I’m still here.”

So take the trip. Book the session. Chase the dream. Do the thing that makes you feel more like you.

Because when you come home, everything shines a little brighter.

You deserve that. Every bit of it.