Choosing Joy

Twelve women gathered near Priest Lake, Idaho for the Fall 2010 Women's Retreat. The theme of this retreat was Choosing Joy.



During this retreat, the women focused on the beauty of 'living in the moment.' In this photograph, the women were sitting on the shores of Priest Lake as they painted a sunset.



Strengthening friendship is a core aspect of the women's retreat.





This retreat helped us to reflect upon who we really are.



Connecting with nature is always a core part of the Women's Retreat.





During the retreat, the women participate in group processes that provide insight into how people relate to one another.



Every Women's Retreat provides a time for silent reflection.

Stacy

Stacy Chandler comes to the women's retreat from Houston, Texas. She initially expressed some hesitation, but after making a commitment to attend, her feelings changed. Each person comes away with her own experience, but for Stacy, the women's retreat offered a deeper connection to her family and her faith.

This is her experience, in her own words:

"The boys and I are reading our scriptures, saying prayers, spending time together, visiting, and learning more about each other. I've been gone for so long that I was a stranger to them. This summer has been a wonderful time for me, thanks to Women's Retreat. I can share with them now. I can talk with them now, instead of talk at them. I think they've noticed the change and feel more comfortable sharing with me because I'm no longer a closed shell.

"I've also been working on relationships with people in my community. I actually feel human instead of fake or robotic. Now my smiles are genuine, instead of automatic, for the public. I wish you could fully understand the darkness I came from and know the light I feel now.

"When I try to describe retreat to someone who has never been, the same three words are always spoken first: 'OH....MY....GOSH!!!!!!!' Rhonda has been inviting me for years and I had never gone, although almost every year I said that I would. I always thought retreat was a time for women to get together to talk and be "touchy feely." I wasn't interested in confiding in a group of women I had never met before, not to mention, "touchy feely" isn't my thing. But I discovered for myself that retreat provides an environment to explore the inner self, to discover where you are, to see where you want to go, and to develop a plan to get there. When retreat is over, you're left with a dynamic group of friends who will always be there should you need them or want to reach for them. For myself, I left retreat feeling new; I am a better, stronger person, I and can't wait to go again."

The Dance of Life

Women's Retreat

I am a woman, mother, wife, sister, daughter, full-time student, massage therapist, and much more. Like many others, my life is busy and full, constantly running from one thing to the next. I love my life! I am thankful for the opportunity to be and do these things, but there are times when I begin to forget to take a moment for myself and just breathe. The Dance of Life retreat gave me the opportunity to do just that and much more. I laughed, loved, cried, and danced. I was free to be me! I thank each of the amazing women who shared in this beautiful experience with me! It was such a joy to see each of you shine. You touched my life in a very special way! Remember your goals. Keep breathing, loving, laughing, and dancing!

~Rhonda



For this retreat, the women gathered in a beautiful spot overlooking the Puget Sound, near Marysville, Washington.







A simple reminder to breathe, love, and dance.



Spring was in full bloom.



Retreats are special time to renew important relationships. Mothers attend with daughters, sisters with sisters, and friends with friends. Many others attend to make new connections.



Our retreat was located a short walking distance from the beach.

Each day of the retreat, we take an hour of silence to reflect, meditate, journal, and connect with nature.

Did you attend this retreat? If so, we encourage you to leave a comment and share what you gained from the experience.