Happy New Year!

Well, hello 2020 and to a new decade! 

It was this time last year that I sat at home wondering what I wanted to achieve or what goals I wanted to set myself for 2019 and feeling a complete lack of direction for the first time in my career. For all my working life I had always known what my next move would be or what I wanted to do next - until 12 months ago.

Feeling happy and secure in my new home and in a job that I love, I wanted so desperately to strive for the next big thing and set some audacious goal to get there, but simply couldn't identify what that was anymore or what that goal might be. Marriage? Starting a family? But what about my career? Going for a promotion? But what did I really want to do? Did I want more responsibility? Did I want to achieve a fitness goal? Health? Work life balance? Who knew... I was so confused and yet at the same time quite content about my immediate situation. 

I'm not the person who can sit still, waiting for the next opportunity to come walking past me. I work hard and passionately for everything in my life and take pride in making the most of my time on earth. So this time, although I felt somewhat content with what I had I still wanted to explore a little bit deeper and take some time out to identify what was actually really important to me. 

As I researched for a retreat to attend to help me with my personal and professional goal setting - I came to a bit of a dead end. I didnt find what I needed - and so I created it. Stimulating the need to work towards something new and exciting but also exploring a new field, an area I have never looked at before. Holistic wellbeing for the personal and professional versions of ourselves. A retreat was what I needed to Reset, Refresh and Refocus what as important to me. 

After months of research, investment, a website, an Instagram account and some networking, I proposed my ideas to anyone who would listen. I identified three possible groups of women who may find this retreat useful and created an agenda of content and activities which I thought that they may benefit from. Looking for the right locations, the right surroundings and settings to help achieve the sanctuary that would become a haven for trust, reflection and light bulb moments. 

In September I hosted the very first Professional Retreat with 8 ladies of varying backgrounds, professions and motivations to attend the retreat. We laughed, cried and left with a feeling of direction, purpose and positivity. This circle of trust continues with the ladies supporting each other on their journeys which is so lovely to see. As soon as I got home I launched the January retreat and almost filled it in the first week. 

I don't know what 2020 will have in store for me - but with two upcoming retreats in January and February to host I am sure together we will find a sense of direction together, answering our own questions in time and giving ourselves the time out of the daily grind to reflect and refocus. I believe that these retreats shouldnt be a once in a life time occurance - they should be taken as frequently as you need them, to find our what you want and then to keep reminding yourself of the journey you are on and seeing the progress along the way. 

Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls at us all - I hope that these retreats help you to reset your defences every now and again and refocus on what is important to you. Sharpening your senses so that you can handle everything it throws at you whilst making progress on a path that you set for yourself.