Wellness Retreat

What is a Wellness Retreat?

When I told my co-workers that I was attending a Wellness Retreat they asked me what it was.  My flip answer was, "If you don't know, then obviously you need to attend one."  But I didn't really know what it was either or what it expect.  I just knew I was attending and I was excited.  I felt like I would get what I needed from it.

I spent the last few days attending my Wellness Retreat.
It was in Colorado with my online Boot Camp group.  Info on No Excuses Workouts
I did not get a massage.
I did not have a facial.
I did not have make up artistically applied.

But what I did do was so much more........

I flew to Colorado on Thursday but my journey started way before that flight.  It started the minute I pushed the button to sign up for the retreat.  It took courage.  I needed to make hotel reservations, book a flight, and trust that it would all work out. Then as the time came closer it was about my feelings towards the upcoming weekend.  Should I buy all new clothes?  Why was I going?  Since I didn't know anyone, who would I hang with? 

I am brave. 

I made a card for my backpack that said I create a bubble of ease around me when I travel.  It was from my I Can Do It calendar from Louise Hay.  It was my attitude for the trip.  That intention became my mantra for the weekend.  

I flew a day early to give myself time to adjust and explore.  
I met many people and made new friends that day.  
I felt brave as I went through the day, tackling obstacles and finding my way.   

I am brave and adventurous.   

The first event of the Wellness Retreat was a Meet and Greet.  I spoke with many people and hugged them all.  I felt like a handshake was too impersonal.  The hugs became my signature move for the weekend.  Who doesn't like or need the energy from a hug?  It was fun meeting the people who post on our community hub.  I felt like I already knew them.  Meeting the coaches was the highlight of the evening.  I have been involved in the Boot Camp workouts for about 10 weeks and it was an honor to hug these coaches who lead me in exercise every day.  Coach Jonathan was so excited and committed to the vision of wellness for the world.  Coach Eric lives out loud every minute, except when he is hugging you and sharing a quiet breakthrough.  Coach Stephanie is wise beyond her years and walks the walk.  I couldn't sleep that night.  I was so jazzed to continue the journey of wellness.

I am brave, adventurous and caring.

There was a workout the next morning at 7:00 am. It was amazing.  It was 30 minutes, as are the workouts at home, but it was pumped up a level with the coaches and other participants.  There was laughing, music and dancing.  Oh and sweat.  But it was fun.  As Jonathan says, "Mood up, energy up and stress down." 

I am brave, adventurous, caring and an athlete. 

As the day continued we listened, shared our hearts, danced a little more and felt hope.  My mission for this weekend was to find tools to become the best me that I can be.  How do you live wellness?  There were many topics including potential, success and the negative voice in our head.  There were small groups, much sharing and many insights.  We ate lunch sitting in the sunshine while visiting and admiring the mountains.  Dinner was a group of new friends and a shuttle adventure in the rain.  As we ate dinner, smiles, laughter and change was the theme.  One of our generous boot campers treated us to that dinner and gratitude flowed from everyone. 

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete and thankful. 

The next day we continued with information about nutrition, goal setting, awakening your inner genius, fear and coming up with an action plan.  There were snacks, water from HYDRATION BOY (Jonathan, not in disguise), dance breaks and tears.  

We felt connected and heard.  
We were absorbing positivity.  
We were learning to listen to our inner ding. 
We were being brave.
We were digging deep. 

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete, thankful and on fire. 

The day was not over yet....next was the hike.  I chose the "mellow" hike instead of the medium or more advanced.  I am not at the beginning of my wellness journey and I have been exercising.  I could have done the medium hike for sure but felt the need to slow down and absorb the peaceful setting.  And that setting was such a blessing.  It was so beautiful in the Colorado mountains seeing the majestic height, blue sky and puffy clouds while watching the sun set.  
It was a moment in time.  
NOW! 

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete, thankful, on fire and peaceful.

The next day, a few of us did a workout in the hall before saying our "see you soons" not goodbye.  I packed and another adventure awaited.  We ate lunch in Denver, walked through an amazing park and flew home.  My bubble of ease continued.  It was an fun filled day.  It was also good to be home.  My home water, my home food, my home bed, my home family.......love.

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete, thankful, on fire, peaceful and content.

Sometimes when we are trying to make a better life we bog ourselves down with lists, expectations and shoulds.   I learned so many things this weekend that I could probably write a book.  But for me, the entire Wellness Retreat  can be summed up by this quote from my retreat book, "Seeking to feel outstanding in the moment awakens your power to take inspired action and happily achieve your goals." 

I am me. 

We can all have a Wellness Retreat.  
You don't have to fly to Colorado.  
You don't have to have breakthrough moments.  
It is about being the real you.  
It is about feeling outstanding in the moment.  
It is about using your "power" to change the things that need to be different.  
It is about taking inspired actions, one at a time.  
It is about choosing to be happy. 

What can you do today to become who you always wanted to be?

You can do it.

Believe in yourself.

Be brave. 

It's not about attainment of goals, but who you become in pursuit of your goals.

-Jim Rohn

Thank you to Coach Jonathan, Coach Eric, Coach Stephanie, the support staff, and my new boot camper friends for traveling together on our wellness journey. Information on No Excuses Workouts