WOW! What a fabulous weekend of wellbeing with amazing women, each and every one of them 'my kind of people'.
I am extremely excited to blog about the weekend retreat I've just come back from in Saltash, Cornwall organised by The Discovery Project. Zoe and Hannah led the retreat, Zoe and Lauren were the founders of Discovery Project - ALL 3 Amazing Strong Kind Compassionate women themselves. Bringing together women to have time for themselves to do self-discovery, activities, have fun, make friends and talk openly and honestly in a safe sober space.
The whole weekend was so well put together and organised, yet managed to maintain the laid back, relaxed atmosphere that made everyone feel welcomed into.
We had lots of laughter and some tears, everyone brought something different to the table their life experiences, challenges, emotions and ideas. It was a weekend full of my favourite things. We had some really great self-development sessions, breaking things down and re-evaluating our values, checking in with our dreams and things that would just make life a little bit better.
The location was remote, I'm not going to lie, the journey on the way down from London was quite long! Thankfully I passed Stone-Henge halfway as a great 'spiritual' reminder of why exactly I wanted to make this epic journey in the pouring rain. The drive back was a breeze (I floated back, feeling full of inspiration). I had booked last year, having met these incredible ladies as the Happy Place Festival. I booked for July thinking the weather was going to be great and it was, at times, in fact a bit 'iffy' - but when the sun shines in Cornwall - it is radiant! The 'iffy' weather made absolutely no difference to the experience, I immersed myself with magical moments, collaborating with a bunch of great women from all ages and walks of life. (Though actually 10 out of the 12 were from London!).
What activities? We did some cold water swimming in the pouring rain and (rinse repeat).. in the glorious sunshine too; we had archery fun (instead of paddleboarding because of the wind), gentle Yoga in a beautiful studio, a fabulous Sound Bath before bed, Fire Circle (where we let go and powerfully burned some bad stuff - with cheering), Morning Meditation on the log circle in the forest, relaxation in the hot tub, fabulous home grown food - it was ALL so good (I am gushing with gratitude!).
There was a lot going on, yet plenty of down time to enjoy the wonderful accommodation too - a farm with Peacocks. I went for a sunrise walk in the forest down to the beach and reflected on what we'd experienced, I had time to write gratitude and Artists Way morning pages, call home, take a few peacock pics and make some great connections.
My personal biggest take-aways from the weekend, were:
The motivation and confidence to finish writing and publishing my book: (https://www.picturelifelimited.com/post/life-s-gems)
Digital Detox - I mean, I know I say this on my website a lot, but I actually am going to put my phone down in the evening for at least an hour (maybe 3?)
Non-negotiable meditation every day.
There were so many other things I got out of the sessions and conversations, I feel like I have worked on my boundaries in all kinds of relationship scenarios, got some fabulous ideas of new podcasts and books, health tips - too many things to mention.
I've said for too many years that one day I'd like to hold retreats and this weekend's experience, encompassed pretty much everything I would love to share if I ever get to do this. I am sure there's room for another retreat that would empower women to be themselves with pride and enjoy life to the fullest. And, even if I eventually do set one up in the coming years - I'd still absolutely want to be a regular attendee to the Discovery Project Retreat as it was truly amazing - they are on a fabulous journey of creating women's communities - I am inspired.
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