It’s no secret that I’m a fan of self-care.  Clearly.  But this August, I had a crazy idea:  invite my community to a self-care weekend where we can connect in person and learn more about mindfulness and self-care.

But how?  I’m not really at a place (yet) where I can organize everything a weekend retreat would require.  And my main concern?  Making it as cost effective as possible.  

So I started googling.  “Self-care retreats near me.”  “Self-care weekend retreat.”  “Flights back to Hawaii.  Self-care retreat centers in Connecticut.”

And low and behold, I struck self-care gold, Besties.  I found a retreat center that is hosting a weekend focused on self-care, mindfulness, and self-love.  It was a weekend that worked for my schedule, too.  And then it happened:  I called to inquire about the food and accommodations and I discovered that the entire weekend costs:  WHATEVER YOU CAN PAY.

In disbelief, I asked the woman on the phone “So people can seriously just pay whatever they can?  Like five dollars?”

“Yes,” she replied, without hesitation.  “Once a year, we like to open up the campus for a pay-what-you-can weekend so that anyone is free to enjoy it.”

It was then that the heavens opened and choirs of angels began to sing.

Well, maybe not, but that was all I needed to hear to get the ball rolling for the first ever Self Care Bestie Weekend Retreat.  Praise!

If you are interested in joining us (so far a few amazing ladies have already registered!), email me for more info and the registration link.  The dates of the retreat are October 26-28 and it will take place in my home state of Connecticut.  I would love to spend the weekend growing and learning with you!  And of course, getting to hang out with you IN PERSON!  Gahh, I can’t wait!

Can’t make it to the retreat this year? I’ll just be over here crying No problem!  But I do think an annual self-care weekend is a good idea for just about everyone.  Don’t believe me?  Allow me to share three reasons why I believe it’s a necessary investment.

1. You need a break.  Like, for real.  This one pretty much goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway.  Life is full of stressful things, and sometimes we need more than just a quiet coffee break to ourselves.  Sometimes we need to fully immerse ourselves in a few quiet days to relax, put our screens down, and breathe in fresh air.  We need to literally get away from it all.  I know for many of us that’s way easier said than done.  In fact, I’m right there with you, as we will likely have our first foster baby by the time of the retreat!  But I want to lead by example…I know that especially when it’s tough to get away is exactly when we need to the most.  Just some food for thought, my friends.  

2.  There is always more to learn about self-care.  People often ask me…how do you always think of things to write about for your blog?  I laugh and tell them I have over 200 blog post ideas ready to go in my drafts!  IMHO, there is always more to learn about self-care, there are always topics we could delve a little deeper into.  It’s important to keep studying ways to take care of ourselves and love ourselves.  That’s how we grow.  I’m excited to be in the learner’s seat for this year’s retreat, right alongside you.  When I invest in myself, I have more to give others. I’m already looking  forward to the weekend recap blog post that will come right after the retreat so I can share everything I learned (and photos of course)!

3.  Part of self-care is connecting with your Besties.  I actually just did an IGTV video all about this, because it’s something I cannot stress enough.  Connecting with our girlfriends is so so important, even for the most introverted among us.  Girls weekends are a vital part of my yearly self-care budget for this reason.  When you are with people who love you and get you and encourage you, something spectacular in your soul comes alive.  So while I’m all about spending time by yourself as part of self-care, it’s important to find time for your lady friends as well.

There you have it, my friends!  What do you think?  Will you be joining me for the self-care weekend?  I sure hope you’ll consider it.  Let me know if you have questions or want more info and I’ll be happy to send it your way.