Processing change
Processing change
I've been back from my birthday trip to Peru for almost a month and I'm still processing how much I've changed.
I feel like a completely different person.
I had set some intentions before departing, and I felt really clear when I returned home. Not sure how else to describe it.
The trip was incredible.
Truly a trip of a lifetime. Not sure how else to describe it ;)
The trek portion was by far the hardest thing I've ever done physically.
And it almost didn't happen.
Before I even boarded the plan to Peru, I questioned myself SO many times if maybe I shouldn't go.
The logistics were kind of a nightmare and usually that's the part I find enjoyable.
The timing sucked big time as I was dealing with what I would classify as medium (not major) health issues. And I really didn't need anymore factors working against me with trying to train for 46 miles and some significant changes in elevation.
I always have the "should I stay home and save money" conversation too many times before any trip which normally spirals into the guilt and shame of being gone, again.
Once we were several hours into the trek, we got word that everyone was turning around due to some pretty intense mudslides.
There were literally 100's of other hikers coming back down the mountain. All of them looked disappointed and a fairly large portion of them were crying.
I was equal parts very disappointed and couldn't be more relieved that I don't have to do to this ;)
But as always, everything worked out exactly as it was supposed to.
After waiting it out for a couple hours to get more information from our tour company, we pushed on.
And, we were the only ones up there.
We saw no one after our delay, zero humans on Day 2, 6 people on the 3rd day, and were reunited with the crowds on Day 4, and I couldn't feel more grateful.
My main intention was to "create space". To be completely disconnected from the world for a few days and see what popped into my head when it wasn't a slave to my self-imposed to-do lists and long list of responsibilities.
So what a bigger or better gift than to have the trail entirely to myself?
Well, plus the trekking company and my fellow Alpaca trekkers, but I loved all of them ;)
I burst into tears multiple times while hiking in the Andes.
One time due to a migraine from altitude sickness (a story for another time), but the other times because I was just so overwhelmed with how much I love my life and how lucky I feel most of the time.
I also got some clarity on how I'd like to proceed next year post-sabbatical with Wandering Roots.
Me, Abs, and E will be hosting 3 international retreats in 2025 and our homes for all of these retreats are the nicest I have ever rented. Two of them have spas and the other has a private beach. I've also spent so many hours trying to find really unique excursions.
I cannot wait to share them with you!
Keep an eye on your inbox, they will be live May 6th!
Images by Personal Branding Maven Elise Kutt at Mod Bettie Portraits
My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am retreat host, travel designer, and 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.
My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.
Anna VanAgtmael | Retreat Host | Travel Designer