Embracing your life
April 24 - 26, 2026
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:
Small, intimate group of 4 women
Stay at the Park House, a newly restored year-round cottage in the heart of Lakeside, just 1 block from Lake Erie
Your own bedroom (2-night stay)
Delicious home-cooked meals: 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch
All retreat programming and materials, including a personalized journal, guided meditations, and a curated gift bag
Access to scenic walking paths and nature trails
A stroll along The Beautiful Mile on the shores of Lake Erie
A 700-foot pier extending over the open 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.
DETAILS: All-inclusive price of $675
Deposit of $300 reserves your room with final payment due by September 30, 2026
Early Bird Bonus Options (before March 13, 2026)
$575 for previous overnight Stretching Forward retreaters (save $100)
$625 for previous one-day Stretching Forward retreaters (save $50)
$625 when you refer a friend who is new to the Stretching Forward retreat experience
You and your friend will each receive $50 off your registration
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 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.
This retreat was strategic in a quiet way that facilitated honest reflection.
What to Expect:
Meaningful time together to learn and share
Quiet moments alone to savor and contemplate
Guided journaling and meditation sessions
Solitary walks in nature to reconnect and reflect
Fun, laughter, and nourishing good food
Opportunities to embrace and express your 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 deeply passionate about education and the journey of self-discovery. Over the years, attending numerous retreats has taught me the incredible value of taking intentional time for yourself. I’ve come to understand that I am so much more than just a first-born daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, registered nurse, and educator. I have recognized and honor the value of taking time for yourself.
Sharing insights with other women during dedicated time away from the busyness of daily life brings me as much joy as the light I see shining in their eyes. Embracing Your Life provides a chance to look at who we are and learn to value all we are and can be.
I invite you to join me in this serene setting as we stretch into our true selves and realize the value of being “unfinished women.”
“And I learned yes, a weekend can be enough time to remind me
how important I am to myself and the world.”