It Was So Worth It: First Retreat, Full Heart
“Seeing it all come together and witnessing its profound impact has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”
The weekend has ended, yet my heart is still catching up with everything that unfolded in my perfectly imperfect first retreat. The energy, the deep connections, and the moments of reflection continue to replay in my mind. After we concluded, I facilitated a feedback session with the participants. When my friend Tammy asked me about my biggest takeaway, I was overcome with emotion and told her, "That it was worth it." I shared that although I hesitate to call it work, the retreat planning demanded a tremendous amount of time and energy. Seeing it all come together and witnessing its profound impact has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
One of the earliest moments that stands out occurred during our initial meditation on Saturday morning. For many participants, it was their first experience with guided reflection. As everyone settled onto their yoga mats and the room grew quiet, I attempted to connect my Bluetooth speaker to the music on my cell phone, only to accidentally dial my husband not once, but twice. The group laughed, we reset, and I continued with a little more ease. That lighthearted moment helped everyone relax and set a welcoming tone for what followed.
Next, I guided them through a contemplation of the various phases of their life and then invited participants to share with their assigned Progress Partner using two discussion prompts. As I looked around the room, I saw women leaning in, listening attentively, and speaking with openness and vulnerability. There was mutual understanding and even a few tears. In that moment, I remember thinking it’s working. The space was fulfilling its purpose just as I had hoped, helping women feel seen, supported, and genuinely connected.
Before the retreat, I spent weeks refining every detail, determined to get it right. My husband Joe told me, “You’ll probably change about 30 percent; it’s just a practice run.” At first, I was annoyed by that sentiment, but as the weekend unfolded, I realized how right he was. Well, maybe 15 percent! But letting go of perfection and embracing this first retreat as a learning experience allowed me to stay present and fully enjoy it.
When I think back on the weekend as a whole, I’m proud of how meaningful it was for each participant. Many mentioned that they appreciated the balance of reflection, conversation, and activity. I loved watching the sessions come to life as participants moved through wellness exercises, engaged in small-group discussions, and took time for quiet journaling. Hearing their ideas and the dialogue that followed around my activities and the components of my framework was deeply rewarding.
The experience reminded me that improvement is part of progress. I learned what worked well and what might be refined next time. Adjusting the flow, clarifying expectations, and seeing the small challenges as opportunities for growth will help shape future retreats. Each lesson added another layer of confidence and creativity for what comes next.
One of my favorite moments took place during Sunday’s closing circle. As participants shared their final reflections and commitments, many discovered that their biggest insights came from a different area than they originally expected. Hearing their words about their commitments to a better self and why they were worthy of the progress filled me with gratitude. When it was my turn to share, I told the group that I believe this work is part of my life’s purpose. Standing there, I realized that every story of resilience from my own journey may have happened so that I could create this experience for others. That realization was both humbling and affirming.
Looking ahead, I hope each participant continues to make time for themselves and carries forward the lessons they uncovered. As for me, I’m already thinking about when the next Resilience for Progress retreat will take place. Perhaps it will be in the winter months, or maybe I’ll wait until spring. I’m curious when the next group of women will be ready to take this journey with me. If you are interested in attending a future Resilience for Progress retreat, I would love to hear from you and what month might be best. Visit the Contact Me form to express your interest and stay informed about upcoming dates.
For now, I’m resting in gratitude and joy. This weekend reminded me that when something is built with intention, heart, and perseverance, it will always be worth it.