Embrace Retreat: A Journey Toward Self-Acceptance and Connection
This past October, I had the incredible honor of co-hosting the very first Embrace Retreat with my dear friend Gillian Goerzen, and wow, what a transformative experience it was. It feels almost impossible to put it into words because the weekend was so much more than we could have imagined. What started as a dream five years in the making turned into something profound—something I know we’ll carry with us for a long time.
The Embrace Retreat wasn’t just a space to gather; it was a collective journey toward self-acceptance, body neutrality, and the kind of inner peace that comes from simply being you.
As I reflect on the weekend, I’m still in awe of the women who came together. Women who, in many cases, had never met each other before but quickly formed bonds that were as deep as they were powerful. There was no judgment, no pretense—just a raw, beautiful space where we could all be vulnerable and real. Watching these women support one another, laugh together, and share moments of deep connection was nothing short of magical.
We set out to create an environment where we could dive into what truly matters—the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies, our worth, and our purpose. Society bombards us with expectations, often leaving us feeling disconnected from our true selves. But during the retreat, we took a stand against all that noise. Through workshops, discussions, and creative expression, we dug deep into topics like:
Tuning into our inner voices and rediscovering trust in ourselves
Moving toward body neutrality and learning to love our bodies just as they are
Seeing the inherent worth in ourselves and others
Cutting through society’s BS and redefining beauty
There was so much healing in simply being heard and seen for who we really are—no masks, no filters. Just pure, unfiltered truth. It was a weekend full of real talk and real connections.
And then, there was the art. Oh, the art! I brought my tickle trunk full of fabrics and materials, and we played with color and texture, draping each woman in words and energy that reflected her unique beauty. I truly believe creativity is a pathway to healing, and seeing these women express themselves through art was so powerful. The experience was a reminder that when we can embrace all parts of ourselves—our bodies, our minds, and our spirits—we unlock a whole new level of strength and confidence.
Now, imagine all of this taking place in the breathtaking beauty of the West Coast. Nestled in the natural serenity of the landscape, the retreat offered the perfect environment to pause, breathe, and simply be. The lush, quiet surroundings provided the perfect backdrop to slow down and recharge. There’s something deeply healing about the ocean’s rhythm, the towering trees, and the open sky—it invited each of us to step away from our daily lives and just rest. There’s a lot of power in that stillness.
Of course, no retreat would be complete without a little adventure, and this one certainly had its fair share. Mother Nature threw us a curveball with a sudden rainstorm, but we braved it together, laughing and finding joy even in the unexpected. It was a beautiful metaphor for what the weekend was all about: stepping out of our comfort zones, facing the unknown, and coming out stronger on the other side.
I can’t express enough how grateful I am to have been a part of this experience—to have witnessed these women step into their power and embrace themselves in a way that was truly transformative. The connections formed over the weekend will last far beyond the retreat itself, and I can already feel the ripple effect of the love and support shared in that space.
And here’s the best part: this was just the beginning.
Next October, we’re going deeper. We’ll continue to foster a space where women can connect, heal, and uplift each other. The Embrace Retreat will be more than just a retreat—it’ll be a movement toward embracing the full, beautiful spectrum of who we are. We’ll bring in more art, more workshops, more connection—and most importantly, more room for each woman to step fully into her own power.
If you’re looking for a space where you can be fully yourself, embrace your body as it is, recharge in the beauty of nature, and connect with a tribe of women who get it, I invite you to join us next October. Let’s keep this journey going, together.
Until then, I’ll carry the magic of the first Embrace Retreat weekend in my heart, knowing that this is just the beginning of something truly special.
