I spent last Saturday at my local community center for a day long women’s retreat with the purpose of recharging and rejuvenating. We were led by Lydia, a trained counselor, who is the director of the center. She had us blowing bubbles, tossing balls, journaling, and meditating. We met new women, shared stories, and enjoyed an inspirational video while staying warm inside while the outdoor temperature was in the single digits. Lunch included a true comfort food, chicken noodle soup. It was so nice to be with a group of women willing to share their thoughts, fears and delights. We laughed and respected each person’s journey. We all need to nourish ourselves at least once a year.

Stretching Forward has two opportunities for nourishment and retreat this spring. Consider joining us either on-line in March or in-person at Lakeside in April. Retreat is a time for you - to relax, refresh, rejuvenate, and return to your world ready for what’s next. It took me too many years to appreciate the importance of taking care of myself. If I had learned at a younger age, my world would have been easier to navigate, my children might have had a better mom and role model, and I would have had less stress in my life. Thankfully, as I have learned, it is never too late. I now look for opportunities to retreat, whether a week long retreat on a Scottish island, or a two hour on-line program. When I take time for me, I have more to give to those I love. Let’s embrace our lives each day and remember that today is what matters most.