Reflections on the Olympic Retreat
Reflections on the Olympic Retreat
The Olympic Retreat knocked my socks off!
I’m on my flight to San Fran post-retreat.
What.a.group.
My favorite so far. I know I probably shouldn’t say that but I don’t really care.
We’ve been really lucky over the years with lots of incredible groups and (thankfully) lots of wonderful humans that return to retreat with us again and again.
I’m just realizing that every single one of our 8 Olympic guests came solo.
Maybe that had something to do with it. Maybe. Maybe not. Proud of all of them though.
Maybe it was because they were all very laidback and had a great sense humor.
Either way here are the highlights from our retreat in the PNW…
We hit the jackpot with the weather. Where was the rain? It barely spit clear sparkly stuff from the sky for about 30 minutes on the last day. Everyone has a fall sense of what the PNW is all about now 😉 We had two ladies that currently reside in Washington and they confirmed, above average amounts of sunshine and clear skies. I’m very grateful but a tad disappointed it didn’t mist us in the rainforest. (Costa Rica class of 2023 - I’m pretty sure it’s because I told them to bring their raincoats.)
Everyone has the same excuses. During our last evening together, I asked if anyone wanted to share their favorite part of the week or anything else with the group before we said goodbye. The majority of the guests said that they had a million excuses of why they couldn’t come and almost talked themselves out of it approximately 978 times. This is proof that we’re all more alike than we are different and that the secret to life is just showing up 😊
There was a large handful of us that really like games and are slightly (and by slightly, I mean very) competitive. I have found my people!
Whales are incredible, period. They can make someone who is usually very stoic, (me), slap her dear friend, (E), that is holding a giant lens while balancing on the front of a boat trying to capture the perfect shot. She’s a trained professional so all was well.
Juicy sparkles will forever make me giggle and feel grateful to have inside jokes with my new friends.
Watching humans with physical disabilities honor their bodies where they needed to, pushing themselves where they wanted to and asking for help along the way will always inspire the hell out of me. Mental limitations are much bigger hurdles and that feels silly when you witnessed what I did this past week.
We’re getting better as hosts. This was retreat #18 and it’s almost like we don’t need to communicate anymore. Everyone is much more confident, independent and better at taking care of themselves than we used to be. I’m really proud of these ladies and extremely humbled to be able to call them friends. The way they care for our guests and make them feel seen is nothing short of magical.
If you haven’t had your picture taken in a flowy gown (by the best in the biz, Elise Kutt) while a group of strangers turned friends cheers you on, you’re truly missing out.
If you’ve never experienced cupping by a bodyworking-wizard (Kate Block, we love you), you’re doing your body a disservice…just ask Luda 😉
And if you’ve never tasted Chef Abbey’s cuisine, I feel confident you haven’t truly lived.
I hit the sweet spot with the itinerary. The excursions complemented the other benefits of sharing space together. There was enough room for naps, solo walks, hot tub soaks, games, checking in on family, and this non-runner went for a run! (Was not prepared for the hills but was moved to tears by the beautiful views twice so I’m fine!)
Shit still happened. I had a minor issue getting the massage table back. Hurricane Hill was closed due to fire repair. We had a few smoky sky moments because Canada cannot catch a break. We missed yoga more than once (mostly my fault). And unfortunately, some of us came down with the plague. Pivoting and keeping people informed is important but not taking yourself too seriously as a host and a human are much more essential.
I’m already following them all on social media and will be hoping (perhaps forcing) them to keep in touch with me, and I will not apologize for it.
Being with a group of women supporting the hell out of each other and creating a space where everyone can be vulnerable and have a great time lights me up so fricken much.
Everyone (hosts included) said their favorite part or the entire week together exploring the best US National Park (IMO) was each other.
SAME.
Connecting with incredible humans is such a gift. One that I hope everyone experiences in some capacity and with some regularity.
We can do this anywhere but there’s just something magical about spending an entire week together.
If there’s one thing you take from this, text your besties and make plans to meet up. Like right now!
And if you're tired of your excuses, join us for a retreat!
To all my Olympic guests, I miss you all dearly and hope you all live held and free!
Join us on our next adventure!
Images by Personal Branding Maven Elise Kutt at Mod Bettie Portraits
My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.
I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things. Though we desire adventure and authentic experiences, naturally our fear holds us back.
My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.
Anna VanAgtmael | Yoga Enthusiast | Travel Designer