I left my 3 kids behind to celebrate my 40th birthday on a Swiss mountain. Being alone was just what I needed.

Wendy Altschuler

• To celebrate her 40th birthday, Wendy Altschuler was not interested in dragging around her three kids.
• Her husband agreed to take over parenting duties while she traveled solo to explore Switzerland.
• She wanted her children to see her as an adventure-seeking human and more than just a mom.

I've found that women are often expected to give up parts of themselves after entering motherhood.