Embracing your life
Spring 2027
Lakeside, Ohio
For women who are ready to . . .
take a weekend for themselves
open their hearts and minds
explore how our past is only part of what shapes our future
harvest strength from their past
and find courage to embrace the life they have
In our busy lives, we miss the opportunity to find time to evaluate our lives.
Anne Morrow Lindberg said, “For if it is a woman’s nature to nurture, then she must nourish herself.”
Walking away from the familiar routines and relationships for any amount of time, takes courage and a fierce determination.
As Joan Anderson says, we need to “retreat in order to retrieve lost strength, repair our inner selves and regroup by lightening our load, regenerating our spirits and returning new to an old place.”
Take time to look at where you’ve been, where you are today, and how you would like to stretch forward.
“I have so many questions. What will my days be like? Who will I be? I know now that the possibilities are endless. I’m taking home a sense of peace, of freshness, new friendships and new attitudes, and a confidence in what each day can bring.”
What’s Included:
An intimate retreat experience with a small group of four women
A stay at Park House, a newly restored, year-round cottage in the heart of Lakeside, just one block from Lake Erie
Your own private bedroom for a two-night stay
Delicious, home-cooked meals, including two dinners, two breakfasts, and one lunch
All retreat programming and materials, including a personalized journal, guided meditations, and a curated gift bag
Access to scenic walking paths and peaceful nature trails
A leisurely stroll along The Beautiful Mile on the shores of Lake Erie
Time on the 700-foot pier extending over the waters of Lake Erie
Full access to Lakeside’s amenities
Exclusive access to the alumni community at www.stretchingforwardspirit.com
Delicious home cooked meals - dietary restrictions honored
What’s Not Included:
Transportation to and from the retreat venue
Personal preference snacks & drinks
Fellowship
“During the retreat we did an exercise that gave me an ah-ha moment! I realized that I was missing having a balanced, joyful life in several areas.”
Embracing Your Life 2026: A Reflection
We gathered at the historic Park House April 24-26 for Stretching Forward’s annual Embracing Your Life retreat. The house provided a serene and sacred setting for women to step away from the noise of daily life to nourish their spirits. Together, we took time for deep contemplation, forged meaningful new friendships, and soaked in the quiet beauty of the Lakeside spring.
It was a weekend of intentional growth, reminding us all that "we will never be younger than we are today.” I am so grateful to the women who trusted me with their stories this weekend. Your presence transformed the Park House into a true sanctuary.
Join us in 2027 We invite you to join our circle for the next Embracing Your Life weekend in 2027. Whether you are seeking clarity, connection, or a peaceful moment of resilience, there is a seat waiting for you at the table.
Scheduling Details:
Check in Friday between 10:30 - 11:30 am
Retreat begins at 12:30 pm Friday (after lunch on your own)
Retreat ends around 1:30 pm Sunday.
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.
It was a wonderful weekend, met some great women.
A bit about Lakeside:
Founded in 1873, Lakeside is one of the few remaining Chautauquas in the United States. Many of its charming, often Victorian-style cottages date back over 100 years. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Lakeside buzzes with family activity and summer energy.
In the spring and fall, however, the pace slows, and quiet settles in, offering the perfect environment for rest, reflection, and renewal. It is in this serene setting that we can pause, listen to our inner selves, and explore what it truly means to live fully—embracing your life in the moments that matter most.
“This retreat was strategic in a quiet way that facilitated honest reflection.”
What to Expect
Meaningful time together to learn, share, and connect
Quiet moments alone to savor, listen, and contemplate
Guided journaling and meditation times
Solitary walks in nature to reconnect, reflect, and notice the beauty all around
Fun, laughter, and nourishing, delicious food
Opportunities to embrace and express your creativity
Together, these experiences invite you to slow down, listen deeply, and begin embracing your life just as it is, in this moment.
“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 deeply passionate about education and the journey of self-discovery. Attending numerous retreats over the years has shown me the profound value of intentionally taking time for yourself. I have come to understand that I am so much more than my roles as a first-born daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, aunt, cousin, registered nurse, and educator. I have learned to recognize and honor the importance of personal renewal.
Sharing insights with other women during time set apart from the busyness of daily life brings me deep joy. There is something truly special about witnessing the light that appears as women begin to see themselves more clearly. Embracing Your Life offers the opportunity to reflect on who we are, to value all that we have been, and to honor all that we are still becoming.
I invite you to join me in this serene setting as we stretch into our true selves and embrace the gift of being beautifully unfinished women.
“The retreat and the learnings have stimulated/motivated me
to work on taking a more active role in enjoying life more.”