The Power of Pressing Pause: How 2 Days Away Can Change Everything

August was quite a month, and here we are halfway through September! Was it crazy for anyone else? Between a new client, fresh deadlines, working 60+ hours per week, AND my annual two-days-by-myself getaway to unplug, something had to give. The blogs went by the wayside for a bit – and you know what? That's called priorities. While consistency is key, sometimes life demands we focus on what matters most in the moment.

I'm blessed to have plenty of work, including a new client with a major last-minute event. But by some cosmic joke (or just calendars and math), ALL four of my major credentials are due between now and October – my CMP, CITP, CPT, and insurance license. Two renew every five years, one every four, and one every two. Lucky me – they all decided to align this year.
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But here's the thing: even in the midst of this chaos, I kept my annual two-day solo retreat. And I want to tell you why that matters – not just for me, but for all of us in hospitality and events.

When Solo Travel Becomes Soul Searching
My annual two-day getaway started ten years ago as training wheels for a bigger adventure. I was planning my first major solo vacation (Puerto Rico – yes, I know you don't need a passport, but I had just gotten mine and was proud of it!) while still working through layers of anxiety disorder. I needed a comfortable destination to practice being alone with myself, so I chose Las Vegas. It had already become like a second home to me, somewhere I felt safe wandering solo.

But something unexpected happened during that first trip – I got out of my head and started having genuine life revelations.
To put this in perspective: The year was 2015. I had only been "healthy" for about two years and was working at a fitness center after obtaining certifications in fitness and nutrition, hoping to help others avoid what I'd experienced. I'd only been able to work full-time for about a year and a half, had just found the courage to return to school, and was still very much working on managing anxiety and rebuilding my health.

During the four years when I was too unwell to work at all – when I genuinely wondered if I'd ever make it out – I made myself two promises: if I ever recovered, I would go back to school and I would travel. I'd never had much opportunity to travel growing up, and nothing – not even paralyzing fear – was going to stop me.

Those insights and revelations from my first solo trips inspired me to make this an annual tradition for my mental wellbeing. Some years brought more profound moments than others, but every single year this past decade, I've gained something meaningful from this intentional pause.

The Art of Unplanning
Vegas remains my chosen destination because it truly feels like a second home. No one else joins me, and here's the key – I don't make plans! Well, except to be by the pool, read a book, take myself out to dinner, and wander with no particular destination. Deconstructing my usual organized, event-planner mode allows my mind to become more abstract and think freely. Think of it as a meditation retreat, but with more lights and energetic sounds. Some people go to the mountains; I go to Vegas.

This year brought me to the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street, and let me tell you why this place is special. Not only do they house my absolute favorite restaurant – Vic & Anthony's (contact me for the insider hookup!), which has ruined filet mignon for me nearly everywhere else and is honestly the reason I may never fully give up red meat – but they have something truly unique: a swimming pool with a waterslide that goes through a shark tank.
Yes, you read that right. Sharks.

Their pool is called The Tank, featuring an aquarium setup in the center. The waterslide tube becomes clear in the second half, so as you're hurling down through the water, you can keep your eyes open to catch the swimming marine life just outside your tube. When you're dedicating two days to doing absolutely nothing, good food, sun, and unique fun should be easily accessible.

Finding Clarity in Unexpected Places
I don't usually allow myself to schedule much or do work during these retreats, but with a pressing deadline for what would be my biggest event to date, some work was unavoidable. Prior to the trip, I set strict boundaries and parameters – otherwise, I knew I'd get completely swept away.

At the pool, my chosen read was "Work Your Assets Off" by Alison Tabor (also a wonderful speaker). It's about working smarter, not harder – points I desperately needed as someone who perpetually adds things to her plate until stressed and exhausted. I'm learning, slowly. This book offered great reminders and actionable steps that could benefit us all.

While reading and letting my mind wander, I realized this was my first two-day getaway in years where I'd been able to truly open up and relax. The previous two years had carried a heavy burden of deep emotional pain and loss of loved ones. Sitting there with no distractions, on my slow healing path, I realized I hadn't even allowed myself to process the pain of losing Carlos Lopez and Chris Madore (see Remembrance page) over those two years.
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Here, in the sun with nowhere else to be, the weight crept in. Several times over those two days, I had to pause as my throat clenched up, tears formed and slid down my cheek, and I gave myself permission to feel the pain. So many other times I'd been numb, frozen, or simply pushed it aside. But we need to feel, no matter how difficult, because that's how we heal and grow. I know with absolute certainty that these two incredible humans are pushing me forward and cheering me on from their music studio in the sky.

The Magic of Mindful Wandering
Walking around downtown and through the Premium Outlets with no particular destination (aren't those song lyrics?), my mind wandered freely – life, work, food, dreams. It takes time to step out of stress mode, away from looming deadlines, budget constraints, and feasibility issues. It becomes a meditation walk of sorts. Sculptures, traffic, noise, and smells enter your awareness, but you simply notice without attachment as you continue forward.

Before turning in each night, watching the Fremont Street Experience lights at the top of the hour always creates a moment of soul-deep reflection.

Your Turn to Press Pause
I had deep emotional realizations on this trip, some tears, and genuine clarity. Here's what I want every hospitality professional, event planner, and honestly, every human to know: you need to find time in your schedule – no matter how busy – to unplug and be alone with yourself.

We're in an industry that demands we constantly give to others, create experiences, solve problems, and manage crises. But when do we pause to process, reflect, and simply be? When do we allow ourselves the space to feel whatever needs to be felt, think whatever needs to be thought, and emerge refreshed and refocused?

It doesn't have to be Vegas (though I highly recommend it). It doesn't have to be two days (though give yourself more time than you think you need). But it does need to happen. Our mental health, our creativity, our ability to serve others well – it all depends on these intentional pauses.

Ready to plan your own Vegas reset? 
Whether you're drawn to the unique luxury of the Golden Nugget, the incredible views from Ghostbar at the Palms, or want to discover your own perfect combination of relaxation and revelation, I'd love to help you coordinate your visit. Reach out to me – let's make your pause as meaningful as it is memorable.

When you do take that time away, let me know what growth or insights you experience. I'd love to hear about your journey!

Special thanks to Karina Favela at the Golden Nugget for showing me behind the scenes and introducing me to even more wonderful experiences happening on the property (& sending me some photos that look better than mine!). I look forward to working with you more!