In less than seven days, I leave for Europe for a week. By myself. All alone. Yup, you read that right. Seven full days of glorious Me Time. You'd think I'd be basking in glorious anticipation but, instead, I'm a hot mess of raging emotions, all boiling over in my head at once.

When you become a parent, your priorities naturally shift. But that doesn't mean you should disappear.

Something about wandering through the aisles without anyone grabbing me or calling mom was so decadent. The aisles of the grocery store were my Cheers, where I went and everyone knew my name.

We still adore our men, but our alone time has little resemblance to the hot dates we once had. Wow, did we take those nights for granted! Want proof? Behold: Date Night Before Kids vs. Date Night After Kids.

The journey of parenting is far from a straight line. In fact, it can be a daily dose of zig-zags as we learn what really matters and how to truly enjoy the journey. I have made time at least once a week for the last fourteen years to be alone with myself because I deserve and want it.

The word that keeps me grounded as I raise my three children.

Let's just get right down to it. Moms are busy, often stressed and aren't typically the best at prioritizing "me" time. I'm right there with you.

Parents of young children know what I'm talking about. Sometimes, I have an almost primal need to escape.

"Hi, my name is Katie and I never ask for help."