CELEBRATE WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOUR WORLD OCTOBER 17 - 19, 2025
The Idlewyd B&B, Lakeside, Ohio
For women who are ready to . . .
take a weekend for themselves
develop new habits of celebration
see the world in ways that fill them with joy
feel energy in their outlook
and celebrate what’s right with their world!
We often celebrate the big things in life - graduations, anniversaries, and new babies. How often do we take the time to celebrate the small things, the everyday things?
When we celebrate every day, we appreciate life. It changes how we look at things. We believe in our self and become open to the possibilities around us.
What lens do see through as you view your world? Do you look for possibilities? When change happens, do you embrace it? Do you celebrate what is in front of you?
“This retreat is a keeper - from the groundedness of DeWitt Jones to the lightheartedness of CELEBRATING!”
“The walks were so amazing for me. I was able to be alone with myself & remember who I was.”
“Lakeside was magical.”
What’s Included:
Individual bedroom & bathroom for each retreater for 2 nights
Delicious home cooked meals: 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
All programming and materials, including personalized directed journal and meditations, gift bag
Walking paths and trails
The Beautiful Mile to walk on the shore of Lake Erie
700 foot pier stretching out over the open waters of Lake Erie
Lakeside’s amenities
Access to the alumni page at www.stretchingforwardspirit.com
Delicious home cooked meals - dietary restrictions honored
What’s Not Included:
Transportation to and from the retreat venue
Personal preference for snacks & drinks
Fellowship
”I feel I have learned I can accept where I am, accept I have power to enhance my life, and most importantly, I can care for myself.”
All-inclusive price of $595
Deposit of $300 reserves your room, final payment due by September 30, 2025
Early Bird Bonus Options (before August 15, 2025)
Bonus 1: $60 off for previous Stretching Forward retreaters ($535) For previous one-day Stretching Forward retreaters $35 off ($560)
Bonus 2: refer a friend to attend who is new to the Stretching Forward retreat experience and you will each receive $50 off registration ($545)
Scheduling Details:
Check in Friday, October 17, 2025 between 10:30 - 11:30 am at the Idlewyld B&B, Lakeside, Ohio
Retreat begins at 12:30 pm Friday (after lunch on your own)
Retreat ends around 1:30 pm Sunday, October 19
Cancellation Policy
A full refund minus a $50 service fee will be provided with written notice of cancellation prior to 45 days of the retreat. A refund of 50% will be provided with written notice between 30 - 45 days prior to retreat.
No refunds will be provided within 30 days of retreat.
“Soul searching and Soul stretching.”
A bit about Lakeside:
Founded in 1873, Lakeside is one of the few remaining Chautauquas left in the U.S. Many of the cottages are of a Victorian style and go back 100 years or more. From Memorial Day to Labor Day it is a flurry of activity as a wonderful place for families to vacation. In the spring and fall, life is much quieter, a perfect place for rest, reflection, and retreat.
“I truly enjoyed this whole weekend and appreciated different parts for different reasons. A good balance of connecting with the other women and connecting with myself.“
What to expect:
time together to learn and share
time alone to savor and contemplate
directed journaling and meditation
solitary walks in nature
fun, laughter, good food
embracing creativity
“This was an amazing weekend. I learned so many lessons to take with me in my life. I am discovering how much I like me.”
A note from Diane
Having been a caregiver for most of my life, I am passionate about education and learning to examine who you really are. After attending many retreats through the years, I recognize and honor the value of taking time for yourself. I have learned that I am so much more than a first born, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, registered nurse, and educator. Sharing insights with other women in a dedicated time away from day-to-day living brings as much joy to me as the joy I see in their eyes. Celebrating what’s right with your world gives us the opportunity to realize there is something to celebrate every day. I hope you’ll join me in this serene setting as we stretch into ourselves and learn new habits of celebration.
“And I learned yes, a weekend can be enough time to remind me how important I am to myself and the world.”