Retreat!! Don’t we all love the word. I know for me, retreats are always special. They don’t happen often, but when they do I’m ready and willing.
I’ve done spiritual retreats and writing retreats. They are both wonderful and an amazing way to reset and refocus. There are several reasons why I love going on retreats, so I broke them down for you. Maybe you’ll agree!
Rest. Okay, let’s not pretend this isn’t important. Rest is vital to our physical and mental health. Even if you’re just laying down, thinking, not thinking, whatever, resting is great for you. And while you are resting, you can read a great book!
Energize. Yeah, so this is for AFTER you rest! Ha! Sometimes when we get away it energizes us. I was just on a writing retreat and it energized me to write! I do have a daytime job, so full days of writing are rare for me. But I loved it. And when I returned, I found myself itching to write whenever I could.
Think. Yep. Strange word at times, but I know there are certain times when I just need to think about different things. Whether it’s book related, or family related, some things just need thinking through. When you are on a retreat, usually there are times when you are alone, and often we can just relax and think better without interruption.
Renew. Don’t you love that word? I know I do. When you are away from all the things in everyday life, you often find times to renew. Renew your love of reading, watching your favorite show, catch up on your Bible study. When I leave a retreat, I often feel a sense of newness in taking the time to reclaim the love I have for certain activities.
Enjoy. Yes! Enjoy the time! Take pictures. Look at this pretty one of the sunset from our condo! Take in all the moments and enjoy them. Enjoy the people you are with. My recent retreat was with a great group of writers. We all had that in common and we had an amazing time. We did a devotion every night. We enjoyed the time we were together.
Aspire. Take this time away to aspire to new ideas, new routines, maybe. New goals.
Take away. Ah—the take away. Don’t forget the reason you have gone on a retreat. To do all the above things, then learn, grow, and remember the take aways. The new ideas, the refreshing feeling of being rested, the new energy, the beautiful sunsets, or whatever you gained, don’t leave it behind. Take it with you.
Like I said above, this retreat was with a group of inspirational authors. We all were working on stories that we’ll eventually share with the world. I loved being around like-minded people. We brainstormed, ran ideas past each other. Nixed certain ideas when told, ‘eh, that’s probably not the way to go.’ It was an amazing time and I finished a novel! Now I have to edit it, but I did write ‘The End!’
So who loves retreats? I’d love to hear about any you have gone on and what your take aways were. Thank you in advance for sharing!
USA Today featured author Lindi Peterson lives in north Georgia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and a lively array of cats, dogs and birds. She loves sharing life with her family and friends. Her passion for reading led her to writing, and then God spoke words of love into her heart and changed her life forever.
I have never been on any kind of retreat, but I would definitely like to go on one with my best friend. Just give us time together and to focus on ourselves.
I’ve been on a few different retreats through the years!! One was when I was in about 7th or 8th grade. It was memorable as our bus broke down in the middle of nowhere, during the summer, when FL is HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve been on more retreats as an adult, and they were wonderful times of hearing God’s Word, being with women who wanted to spend time in fellowship with other women and hear what God was telling us. It was also a time of making new friends and strengthening ties with old ones. Friendships take “work” to maintain, and we need to make time to do that!
I’ve never been on a retreat, I would like to though, it sounds lovely to have time to think and focus on things that are important.
Just got back from a seaside retreat! It was awesome!
Hi Linda! As a college student I went on some church retreats and made new friends. I also went on a few church women’s weekend retreats. Not sure we had much rest, as we talked late into the night. Teachers don’t have retreats, but enjoyed attending English or World Language teacher conferences. The drive with a colleague was fun – great opportunity to brainstorm and get to know one outside of the classroom. At conferences we often received free books and material for our classroom and shared teaching ideas and strategies, which energized our teaching. Retirement is a retreat. LOL
I used to be a consultant with a cosmetic company. I don’t know if I can mention the name, so I won’t. But there were retreats and events just about every season. They were awesome. The motivation and inspiration were outstanding. It is a Christian company so that was a bonus at the retreats. It was more than “get out there and work your business”. It was Faith filled and uplifting as well. Always came home feeling good.
I have not been on a retreat since I was in college. I am not sure how much I remember. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Bonnie—girls retreats are so much fun! Praying you can do one soon.
Trudy—So true about making new friends and strengthening ties with old friends. And that broken down bus part of your trip sounds terrible!! But I think we all would be much less miserable with that happening in the 7th grade as opposed to an adult. Ha!
Ruthie—They are that for sure. And I just love the renewed feeling when I return. Praying you can go on one soon.
Laurie—that sounds amazing!!
Renate—Ha—retirement is probably so busy!! And I do love those late night talks that happen. And yes, you have a good point regarding conferences….they can be energizing as well being around like-minded people. :)
Bonnie–your retreats sound amazing. I love that atmosphere of everyone working together and when it’s centered in Christ, well, that’s all the better! So glad you were able to be a part of that.
Debra—Thank you!! If you can find a good retreat–head out with some friends!
haven’t been, but looks fun
Hi—It was—relaxing–yet I worked. I love that combination.
Never been on one, but yours certainly sounded full of fellowship and love. Must have been a wonderful feeling typing “The End”! So glad it was fruitful for you. Thanks.