Selma Blair reveals how travel became her escape during the most harrowing days of motherhood

Selma Blair has never shied away from vulnerability, but in a recent interview, she peeled back the curtain on her most agonising days as a mother. Speaking to Travel + Leisure for their March cover story, the Cruel Intentions star admitted that early motherhood was a struggle darker than she ever anticipated.

“I was so tired and sick, though I didn’t know why at the time,” Blair confessed. “I just craved being somewhere beautiful where other people could take care of me.” The actress, known for her candid discussions on health and personal battles, shared that travel became her sanctuary—a temporary reprieve from the overwhelming exhaustion of raising a child while grappling with an undiagnosed illness.

“I could order soup for myself, get food for my kid, and take in breathtaking sights,” she explained. “It was my refuge.”

Blair, who is mother to 13-year-old Arthur Saint Bleick, whom she shares with designer Jason Bleick, has been open about the complexities of parenting. Previously, she spoke to People Magazine about raising a teenager, offering a humorous yet heartfelt take on the challenges.

Jokingly calling herself “grandma,” Blair teased, “I have an announcement.” Then, with a mix of concern and affection, she reflected on Arthur’s independence: “No, he’s 13, but you’d think he’s 17. He’s the one I’ll have to keep a closer eye on because I love him so much.”

Blair’s candidness resonates deeply, particularly with mothers who silently endure the mental and physical toll of parenting. Her revelation sheds light on the often-unspoken struggles of early motherhood and the small yet significant ways one can seek relief.