A Retreat (Part 1)

re•treat; (v) move back or withdraw

I write this almost 118 days from when I experienced it and I wonder why I did not write about it then.. but all we have is now.

I’ve recently been reminded of my inherent gift of writing (I say gift not because I feel that I’m that good at it but just because I feel compelled to share my inner thoughts somewhat publicly on this platform and think that must be because someone out there may need to hear it..) and I made a vow to tend to these calls more. To just “let it rip” if you will without overthinking who will read it and what they may think of me.

Anyways …

Thinking about our honey moon (months after our wedding) was refreshing in and of itself. Giving ourselves permission to be lavish and go “all out” — considering you only honeymoon once + not to mention we had thousands of credit card points burning holes in our virtual pockets — was a new experience for us, for me. Giving ourselves the permission to RETREAT from the everyday pressures of our big beautiful life we’ve worked so hard to build. Funny ain’t it? That may be a whole-nother post for a later day.

This trip would be deep and meaningful, regardless of where we went or what we did simply because it’s the first long trip we’ve taken since starting our family, just us, and just to simply celebrate us and reflect on life. And what better place to reflect on your crazy hectic American Lifestyle than in Europe?? There’s something about the streets of Europe that humbles you to your core and forces you to appreciate life simply as it is and not as it “could be” or “should be”. I can’t explain it. But if you know, you know.

So when I started researching, I felt called to research Retreats. And hey, it’s our honey moon, why not a couples retreats? No not like the movie.. much much more wholesome than that Hollywood mockup of couples who don’t actually like each other.. I was hoping for a yoga class on steroids essentially. A full immersion into ourselves individually, spiritually and into each other intentionally with no distractions.

The very first one I came across was in the countryside of Portugal, bordering Spain, and although vague in its initial description – just seemed perfect. Something about it just called me in and so, it was decided, we were heading to Portugal. A country neither of us had visited (besides a 19 hour layover from Prague to Boston) nor had any strong desire to visit truthfully yet knew it just felt right.

I think that was the best thing about it. For months I’d been overthinking when to go, where to go, then you have to narrow down where to stay, and what to do and it’s just exhausting. This was like hitting the easy button. Be here for these 4 days and we take care of housing, activities, and food oh and we’ll also teach you how to connect with your partner (and your life) on a deep level without distractions while enjoying the serene Portuguese countryside. DONE.

I think I want to just record the happenings as I remember them from this entire experience (with some insights and reflections thrown in of course as well) and then maybe expand on some of those more deeply in other posts as well.

So enjoy (: but mainly this is for my future self to remember everything I took with me from this experience and who knows maybe, if you’re reading this, it’s for you too. A girl can dream..

Much love 🫶🏼