I took a last-minute vacation day last week to spend the day alone. The decision came after looking at the calendar and realizing almost every day between now and the end of school is occupied with kid activities. Once school is over, I’ll have three feral boys in my space all day, every day. I love working from home, but the summer makes things a little more chaotic.

So, my first Me Day was born.

I started my day with an iced coffee in my widow squad cup and an early pedicure appointment. As a lifelong dawdler, I would have squirreled away half my day without it. Once I had pretty toes, the city was my oyster. My next stop was a department store. Shopping alone, I was able to look at everything and try on whatever my heart desired. After my shopping spree I took myself to lunch. I had a glass of rose and cheeseburger, because nobody wants a salad on Me Day. My last stop was at a shoe store, because of course it was. I found some fabulous pink heels and a matching purse. I’m sure I’ll find an excuse to wear them soon or eventually.

My Me Day might sound like torture to you. But for me, it was relaxing. I was able to move through my day at an unhurried pace. It was fun for me to indulge in a little retail therapy. There were no worries about getting home in time to take a kid to sports or make sure they were eating lunch, that could happen on the weekends.

I need to remind myself that I am worth spending a vacation day on. It doesn’t always have to be for volunteering at school or an actual vacation. I can spend 8 hours’ worth of time on myself, at my own pace.