How a week away changed my life
If you’d asked me a year ago to spend a week away with a group of women, I would have told you where to go. Being an introvert/extrovert, I value my time on my own and to be honest, I struggle getting a word in edgeways. Women like to talk!
Before I left for the Bali retreat, I was slightly anxious about sharing a room, being in a large group of women I didn’t know that well and the humid climate. OK, I didn’t have much time to myself but it didn’t matter because I was with like-minded people who shared similar values, beliefs, goals and professions.
Before I left, I was burnt out and my confidence had taken a nosedive. Life was a treadmill and I didn’t know how to get off it. I know it sounds cheesy but the retreat has changed my outlook on life and I’ve let go of a lot of ‘baggage’.
These are the key things I’ve learnt:
- Let things be – be more accepting.
- Slow down – I was rushing around like a headless chicken and where did that get me?
- Learn to say no.
- Be more assertive – if I don’t like something, say it (nicely!) and make more of my own decisions.
- Me more mindful – I notice nature, sounds, the sky etc and how it makes me feel.
- Women – the power of sharing thoughts and emotions with like-minded souls.
- The housework wasn’t done when I was away – so what?
- The kids didn’t prepare their school lunches when I was away – so what? These are not first world problems. By the way, I plan to have a ‘How to prepare your school lunch’ class soon with my kids. I’ve also discovered that they really don’t have time to make their lunch in the morning. High school means more homework, more stress and less time.
- My kids didn’t rush to me and say ‘I missed you so much Mum!’ – they’re teenagers.
- I LOVE food and everything it stands for – not everyone is like that.
- I discovered ginseng coffee!
- I can do anything I want to do if I set my mind to it.
Running a retreat myself hadn’t crossed my mind before but I would happily organise one now. I’m passionate about empowering women to be physically and mentally well. Everyone else comes first and this needs to change.
Have you been on a retreat? I would love to hear your thoughts ………
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