Reflections on the Traverse City Retreat, Fall 2021

It’s been a few days since we wrapped up the fall Traverse City Retreat, and I’m still so grateful to have spent the weekend with the most incredible women. Meeting our guests and hearing their stories is my favorite part. Hearing about their travels, their families, their lives truly inspires me. Watching strangers connect over their passions and their struggles makes my heart feel like it’s going to explode. It actually still feels like that…like it’s just so full.

This retreat has been such a long time coming. It was rescheduled twice in 2020 and then eventually cancelled and rescheduled for this past weekend. Some of our guests had been registered for over 2 years. And the universe rewarded us for our wait, because we could not have had better weather. We were able to get on the water and the beautiful fall colors were still lingering for us to enjoy. We had clear skies and sunshine while we went hiking, practiced yoga outdoors, kayaked on the crystal-clear lake, and danced around the bonfire.

This retreat sold out in June and I received so many inquiries asking if we ever got cancellations, when the next offering would be, etc. I decided to rent the house next door and reach out to the growing waitlist. I have never hosted more than 12 guests in the past so I was a bit nervous about accommodating this large group but when you have incredible co-hosts like I do, it wasn’t an issue. We hosted 18 guests between the ages of 29 and 70 and everyone got along so well. Some even made plans to join others’ international trips. I hope I get invited to tag along 😉

We helped a guest celebrate her birthday, another transition after losing her husband, another kick-off her retirement, another prepare for major surgery the following Monday, and created space for everyone to show up and just be. The honor of creating an experience for all of that is not lost on me. I always feel privileged when people choose to spend their valuable time with me and my team and I hope we live up to their expectations.

If you’ve been following along for awhile and haven’t yet joined us on a retreat, here’s why you should 😉

Watching strangers connect will restore your faith in humanity.

It will remind you that there's so much good in the world.

It will remind you that it's ok to not be ok.

It will remind you that there are seasons of life, some filled with more joy and others filled with more sadness.

You will meet the most incredible people that remind you that you are not your job, your salary, or your roles.

You will connect over your passions.

You will be reminded that you are worthy.

And most importantly, you will remember that you matter.

So do it. Go on a retreat.

Join us on our next adventure!

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