Dolores Catania: It Was All Starting to Weigh Heavily on Me

There’s nothing quite like a girls’ weekend spa getaway! A little pampering, yoga, some “wine pong” (who knew?!) and delicious food with friends is all a bunch of busy “Housewives” need to feel refreshed and renewed!
It really felt good for me to step away from the things that have been consuming my life lately: the crazy construction zone that my house has become, all of the work and time I’ve been putting into starting my own business, and the sadness I feel in my home since Boo has been diagnosed with kidney failure. It was all starting to weigh heavily on me.
I left Crystal Springs after two fun-filled nights feeling great about my friendships, the relationships of those around me and about myself. What a relief to FINALLY see Teresa and Jacqueline getting along! I’ve been watching this friendship deteriorate for several years now, and it’s been so sad for me to see it happen. Siggy and I really made it our mission during this getaway to do whatever we could to bring the girls back together, and it paid off. I loved watching them laugh together and understand where each other have been coming from. We women need to stick together!
For so long now, just like most mothers, I’ve made my life all about my family. When you put everyone else’s needs before yours, you tend to neglect yourself. It was so nice to be able to step back from everything and focus on ME for the weekend. I truly believe that when you take good care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of those around you. If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!
Unfortunately, making time for yourself can also mean less time spent with your family. You may have heard me mention in this week’s episode that my Gabby is complaining that I’m not around for Frankie and her as much lately, and I feel terrible about that. I wish I could be in several places at once, but I can’t, and I hope my kids understand that everything I’m doing -– my new business, the self-improvement -– it’s all helping me be better for them. I want them to know that it’s important that they always take care of themselves, too.
How funny was Siggy trying to set me up as soon as she arrived at the door?! If anyone is going to find the perfect man for me, I know she will. Stay tuned…
xx
Dolores