[vc_row full_screen_section_height=”no”][vc_column][vc_column_text]I recently attended my very first retreat. Alone. And at the age of 39, two children, ten years of wedded bliss and 12.5 years of being self-employed later, it was certainly well overdue. When the kids were mere babes, attending a retreat was all I ever dreamed about (what mother doesn’t – hello Mother’s Day!). Yet, it always sounded so selfish and counterproductive. Now having experienced the power of the pause by attending a retreat, I feel it my duty to share with you the experience. Hence, you are not confused about its power, the outcome and the benefits you receive from it.
Now don’t be confused; there’s a big difference when it comes to a holiday and a retreat. I know I was greatly mistaken! While one can mistake a retreat for a glorified holiday, the difference is that it’s all about you…
…Just you. And no, it’s not selfish. With no nagging kids, no timeline, no tight schedule and best of all, no pressure or stress, a retreat gives so much more than a holiday can to recharge to resume.
A retreat gives you the time to pause to reflect, reconnect, and renew.
Reflection
Did you recently feel yourself say, oh my gosh, where did the first quarter of the year go? I know I did! Did you also feel the angst that you’ve not even started your goals or intentions set at the start of the year?
Whether you decide to do it in a retreat or not, self-reflection is essential to stay on track and kick all the goals you want to achieve. Like monthly reporting we do in the office, reflection or reporting to yourself will ensure you are on track to fulfil your greatest desires. And it’s not just about your career; it’s essential to dive into how you feel physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
Taking the time to pause and reflect is something I have only ever done at the end of the year and then got frustrated at myself for not having fulfilled my dreams. Retreating with a guide gives you the foundations and time to reflect deeply on where you are right now. It helps you identify what you need to do to reconnect and keeping fulfilling your purpose.
Reconnection
When time gets out of control and productivity becomes busy, the days start to blend into the other. It’s here that we begin to drain our cups and can easily disconnect from our purpose. When “busy” happens, this is the place where our goals and purpose are put to the side, and the weight of work can quickly tip the scales.
It might sound hard now – taking time out to hit pause, but retreating is the best way to reconnect. Hitting pause and letting go of your never-ending to-do list and the busyness to reconnect deeply ensures you feel renewed physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
Renew
There’s a big difference between feeling recharged and renewed. Recharged is the feeling of more energy, whereas being renewed is having the energy and the power of strength to tackle everything.
Once the first two steps of the retreat are well and truly felt, it is at this stage, the power of the pause will arm you with more strength, inspiration, and motivation than you can imagine.
The power of pause will give you back far more than the time you take out for yourself. Try it. You won’t regret it.