By the time December rolled around, I was exhausted—not just physically, but spiritually. The past year had been a whirlwind of creative projects, back-to-back travel assignments, and relentless professional pursuits. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the vibrant Mexican markets to attending conferences, I had been in constant motion. Each destination was a treasure, each experience a gift, but collectively, they had worn me down to a thin, almost transparent version of myself.
My work as a creative professional demands energy—writing, speaking, creating, connecting. But this year had been different.
The pandemic's lingering effects, combined with an industry in flux, meant that every opportunity felt like it needed to be seized, every moment maximized. I had become a master of productivity, but at a significant cost to my inner peace. So as the year winds down, I decided to do a fun weekend getaway to Houston to pour into myself. The signs of burnout weren't subtle.
My creativity was becoming mechanical, my inspiration flickering like a candle about to extinguish. Conversations that once sparked joy now felt like transactions. My body was sending urgent messages—tension headaches, disrupted sleep, a constant low-grade anxiety that hummed beneath my skin. I needed more than a vacation. I needed a reset.
The Thompson Houston: A Sanctuary for Creativity and Peace
A Physical Space for Mental Restoration
For this reset, I chose to spend my days reveling at the Thompson Houston. The Thompson Houston wasn't just a hotel; it was my chosen sanctuary. Its design spoke to my need for simplicity and elegance—clean lines, thoughtful spaces that invited introspection. The suite felt like a blank canvas, free from the clutter of my usual environments, providing the mental space I desperately needed to breathe.
Credit: Thompson Hotel
Holistic Wellness Beyond the Typical Retreat
The spa became more than a luxury—it was a therapeutic experience. Each treatment seemed designed to peel back layers of accumulated stress. The massage therapists didn't just work on muscles; they seemed to understand the emotional weight carried by physical tension. Here, healing was intentional and comprehensive.
A Quiet Witness to Personal Transformation
Most importantly, the Thompson Houston offered something intangible: permission to be still. In a world that constantly demands movement, the hotel provided a gentle pause. My suite, with its expansive windows overlooking Houston's dynamic landscape, became a cocoon of reflection. I journaled, meditated, and allowed myself to simply exist without the pressure of constant productivity.
Credit: Thompson Hotel
The Transformation
As someone who thrives on meticulous planning, the ultimate retreat became embracing spontaneity—letting my days unfold naturally from journaling to leisurely walks to reading, all within a beautifully unhurried rhythm. By my retreat's end, something fundamental had shifted. I wasn't just rested; I was realigned. The constant motion had been replaced by a profound sense of clarity. My creativity, which had felt like a depleted resource, began to pulse with renewed energy.
This wasn't about escaping reality, but about creating the space to genuinely reconnect with myself. The Thompson Houston was more than a destination—it was a catalyst for personal renewal.
For fellow creatives, travelers, and professionals who find themselves constantly in motion, remember this: Rest is not a luxury. It is a critical investment in your most important resource—yourself.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Getty Images
RELATED
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
