To start off, I define "self-cation" as a treat yo’ self vacation. The phrase treat yo’ self stems from "Parks and Recreation" where Donna and Tom splurge on themselves once a year. I had the opportunity to splurge on myself last year with a vacation to Venice Island in Florida. I had never flown on a plane alone and had never been to the area before but I took a risk and it paid off. I bought my plane ticket and flew to Florida.

The week that I spent in Florida was a well-deserved break from school and life in Wisconsin. I spent the entire week laying on the beach, eating at all of the downtown restaurants, and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with living on the beach. I felt like a local for the week and came back feeling enlightened. My eyes were opened to something that I had never experienced and will urge anyone and everyone to take a "self-cation" because of two specific reasons.

It's good to spend some time by yourself.

This was my biggest fear coming into this vacation. I was very nervous to be going to a place where I wasn’t completely familiar with alone. Safety is a serious issue for me (as it should be for everyone), but I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone. It was refreshing to ride my bike downtown, to lay on the beach for as long as I wanted, and to try every restaurant downtown. I was able to experience a new place on my own and I learned so much about myself during this short trip. I learned that I am OK with being alone. Before I took this trip, I struggled with being alone. I thought that I needed to be around someone at all times, but it took this trip to teach me that it's important to make time for yourself and only yourself. It may be difficult at first, but it is worth it in the long run.

Everyone should treat themselves every so often.

A lot of our lives are spent worrying. We worry about others and we worry about our future, but we rarely have time to spend completely on ourselves. This "self-cation" allows for some relaxation, but also for an opportunity to spoil yourself. I typically treat myself to office supplies and fast food, so it was very different to treat myself to a spa day and to buy expensive meals. This trip made me realize that I should feel important while also making also making otherd feel important. It gave me an unsual confidence that I continue to feel when I do something for myself. I believe that everyone should feel as if they deserve this worry-free "self-cation" at least once in their life and continue this lifestyle in smaller ways. Not only is it fun, but it's something that makes you feel good about yourself.

"Self-cation"-- it may sound stupid or expensive, but it is just really fun and eye opening. Whether you travel across the country or to a town 30 minutes away, it is important to treat yo' self and spend some time by yourself.