Stretching Forward...

What Is a Retreat?

Through life’s milestones, it’s easy to forget that you are more than daughter, wife, mother, you matter.

A retreat offers a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and step away from the constant demands of everyday life. To retreat is to let go of schedules and obligations, allowing a sense of calm and inner peace to settle in.

It’s a space where quiet mornings, soft sunlight on the lake, or the gentle rustle of leaves create the perfect backdrop to reflect on your purpose, your values, and the things that truly inspire you. Here you can reconnect with your inner voice, recharge your spirit, and gain clarity without distraction.

Through Stretching Forward, you’ll remember that you are enough, and you’ll step into each day with renewed hope, curiosity, and joy for all that life still has to offer.

What Can You Gain from Retreating with Stretching Forward?

• Deepen your self-awareness and truly get to know yourself

• Relax fully, letting go of home and life’s everyday distractions

• Dream, create, and envision the next chapter of your life

• Recharge your mind, body, and soul in peaceful surroundings

• Lift your spirit and reconnect with your sense of purpose

• Share meaningful connections with like-minded women in a warm, supportive environment

Why Retreat?

As women, we often pour ourselves into others until our own wells run dry. These retreats are a dedicated space for those ready to:

• Reclaim Time: Step away from the noise to reflect on what life still has to offer.

• Find Serenity: Embrace solitude and grace in a supportive community.

• Celebrate Life: Reconnect with yourself and learn new habits of joy and celebration.

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What to Expect on a Stretching Forward Lakeside Retreat

Here’s what you can expect from your experience with a Stretching Forward Lakeside Retreat.

1.  Lakeside

There is nothing quite like Lakeside to create the perfect atmosphere for retreat. As Joan Anderson reminds us, 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.”

At Lakeside, you can wander freely along winding paths, take in the serene beauty of Lake Erie, discover charming, historic cottages, and savor the gentle gifts of nature. Spring and fall, when the crowds have faded, are the perfect times to experience this peaceful, restorative place.

2. Connection

Connection is at the heart of these retreats. Whether you arrive alone or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into a circle of women ready to slow down, share, and simply be present. It’s a space to meet new friends, deepen cherished bonds, and give yourself permission to just be. Here, you can feel safe, seen, and supported. Most of all, my hope is that you leave with a deeper, lasting connection to yourself—a gentle reminder of your own strength, wisdom, and beauty.

3. Solitude

Step away from the rush of everyday life and give yourself the gift of reconnecting with your inner self. Inspired by Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s words, “For if it is a woman’s nature to nurture, then she must nourish herself,” each retreat offers gentle moments for reflection, mindful journaling, and sharing in the company of like-minded women.

As each day winds down, evenings bring calm and serenity, allowing your mind to quiet and your spirit to rest. Here, you can embrace clarity, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the unique person you are. Your journey to balance, renewal, and self-care begins here as you embrace the unique person you are. You are invited to pause, breathe, and simply be.

4. Activity

These retreats are not just about sitting, listening, or writing. Activities are thoughtfully designed to keep you active and engaged, both inside the cottage and outdoors. Enjoy nature walks, observational exercises, and interactive games that get you moving and fully present. Throughout each day, pauses allow you to stretch, breathe deeply, and refresh both your body and mind. Outdoor activities are gentle yet invigorating, and highly recommended, but always optional, so you can move at your own pace, following your own rhythm to honor what feels right for you.

5. Food

Everyone enjoys a delicious meal, a fun snack, or the occasional sweet treat. All meals are lovingly homemade, and snacks are available throughout the day. Freshly brewed coffee, hot water for tea, and ice water are always within reach. Whenever possible, we honor food preferences shared ahead of time, ensuring every guest feels nourished, cared for, and fully at home.

6. Fun

My hope is that you have fun! Life’s daily demands can weigh heavily, and it’s easy to forget how wonderful it feels to simply celebrate and experience joy. These retreats are designed to leave you feeling energized, inspired, and uplifted. Many of the activities encourage laughter and connection, offering moments to share smiles and lighthearted joy with others. Participation is always your choice. Move at your own pace, follow what feels right, and fully savor the experience.

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The original unfinished woman, Joan Anderson, believes 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.”