...is about connection. Connection with a group of women that have become amazing friends. Friends that go deep into the soul. A soul full of love. Love that will last a lifetime. A lifetime of new adventures. Adventures with my new family. A family that understands. An understanding like never before.
Last week I attended the Be Present Retreat - Your Story.
My journey to this retreat began in January when my good friend Liz Ness read me the description of the retreat. I listened as her voice read the very words that I had been feeling in my soul. Oh yes, I was going on this retreat! I was so excited when I found out that I had gotten in, yet life got crazy and the retreat went to the back of my mind.
Then early last week, when it was time to prepare for the retreat, my daughter got very ill and I wasn't sure I would be able to make it after all. I certainly had my mind on other things, so no time to prep. The morning of the retreat healing began in our home and I knew that the coast awaited.
Having no time to really think about the retreat ahead of time I drove to the beach with no expectations, just an open heart to soak it all in and relax.
From the moment I stepped out of the car I was welcomed into this group of women that have forever changed my life.
There was an instant connection. There was an instant understanding. There was an instant friendship. There was a full soul each precious day with these kindred spirits.
I am so thankful that I didn't set expectations, that I was able to just go with it (not easy for a control freak). My experience was much more colorful and abundant than I ever would have been able to prepare for. I did not know that I was going to come away from the retreat with a new family and a healing soul.
Liz Lamoreux was our gracious leader and guide through the discovering and sharing of our stories. Her smile will warm your heart and her voice reading poetry will melt it. Thank you Liz for all that you provided and the wonderful mentors (Kelly Barton, Ali Edwards, Meredith Winn) that you invited to bless us all.
The retreat sounds amazing! How glad I am to hear that you and Liz were able to soak in all the fun and what sounds as a deeply touching connection with like minded women. So happy for you guys!
Posted by: Maria | June 22, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Oh, and how I love that picture you shared here. :)
Posted by: Maria | June 22, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Thanks Maria, it truly was a magical time and we were all brought together at the right time and place to have these wonderful friendships form.
I feel very blessed and so thankful for each moment I had on the retreat.
Lots of love to you,
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Wood | June 23, 2011 at 09:58 AM
Thanks!
The picture was a self portrait exercise encouraged by Meredith Winn.
She is an amazing woman and gifted photographer.
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Wood | June 23, 2011 at 10:00 AM
In so many ways your words could have been mine. So glad I went. So glad I met precious souls (like you) and feeling so inspired Thank you for being you and bring your smile to the retreat.
Posted by: Kimberly | June 24, 2011 at 03:50 PM
Kimberly,
Thank you for your sweet words. I am so very thankful and blessed to have been at this retreat and I look forward to the years ahead in friendship.
Have a wonderful week,
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Wood | June 27, 2011 at 07:43 AM
This retreat is still whispering wisdom into my heart as I think it through, process, and understand it all. So glad I could share it with my best friend, too -- it made it that much more special!
LOVE YA' Sister! =)
Posted by: Liz Ness | July 19, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Liz,
It was so much sweeter to have gone together. That connection we made at the retreat is something that we both understand and can walk the "after retreat" path together.
Also, so happy for you that the retreat brought clarity for you and what you want and "want not" to be doing!
Love ya,
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Wood | July 21, 2011 at 07:54 AM