Reflections on the Traverse City Retreat, April 2022
Reflections on the Traverse City Retreat, April 2022
We just wrapped up another amazing retreat in beautiful northern Michigan. I know I always say we had the best group (I can hear my husband saying “you say that every time”) but we truly always have the best guests. I don’t know how we keep getting so lucky but I’m currently stalking them on social media because I miss them already.
We went hiking, enjoyed the hot tubs, learned the difference between self-soothing and self-care, practiced yoga, took steps toward building a life we love, had our picture taken by the best in the biz, ate nourishing meals and some junk food, and felt truly taken care of with massages and good conversations. My co-hosts and I weren’t the only ones wishing we had more time together.
We always start a retreat with quick introductions and almost every single guest said this retreat was outside of their comfort zone. And when you break it down, it’s simply a weekend away from home. Think about it. So why is packing a bag and driving north so hard? It’s all of the layers and stories we add to the situation.
How can I ask my family to look after my responsibilities while I’m gone? That can feel selfish or too hard of a subject to broach. Then you have to climb the mountain of self-worth. Convincing yourself that you are worthy of the investment can be an insurmountable challenge if you let it. And then the part that everyone avoids but knows deep down is the real reason holding them back: they are worried no one will like them.
When every single guest says this is outside of my comfort zone, what they are really saying is “I’m afraid I’ll be judged or not accepted.” The older you get, the more you are rejected, ridiculed, or disagreed with. BUT! What if none of those things happened? What if you showed up and there were women between the ages of 25 and 70 that all liked you A LOT and wanted to get to know the real you? How amazing would that feel? To be truly seen is our greatest human desire.
It's truly wonderful. Watching strangers connect makes my heart feel like it’s going to explode. And I love hearing all of the guests’ stories. Mostly the hard parts. That’s what has made the biggest impact of who you are today. If you’ve ever trusted my team and I to step outside of your comfort zone, thank you. It’s a true and humbling privilege. If you haven’t taken that first step, we will be here when you’re ready 😊
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