2022 saw the birth of "the best idea (I think) I have ever had"
am I allowed to say that?
We bought Bruno (our VW Brazilian Bay) in February, following on from the BIG idea in March, by July I was delivering the first Campervan Retreat for women.
Women just like me, who wanted (needed) to escape the madness of "home life" and enjoy time away to rest, relax and revive.
The first retreat was a massive success. I truly felt the most exciting thing about it was how enthusiastic all the ladies were who came along. After just 24 hours everyone had really connected and having the common bond of our beloved campervans really shone through.
Summer flew by and before I knew it retreat number 2 was here, this time hiring a private lakeside retreat in a totally new location, nowhere near home the pressure was on to keep everyone happy for 2 nights and two full days of activities. luckily I roped in some special friends I knew would support the whole concept and make the event a success by doing what they do best - nurturing women's health and wellbeing.
12 Campervans arrived all filled with smiling, slightly nervous ladies who didn't know each other! nevertheless within 2 - 3 hours everyone was chatting, laughing, checking out each others campers, cooking around the campfire, singing and wildly drumming with Jakki who lead the first women's circle and set the tone perfectly.
We were lucky with the weather, no rain and lots of sunshine! Over the weekend we walked, talked, cooked, meditated, listened to a wonderful storyteller, practiced yoga on and off the paddleboards, relaxed to the sound of gongs and singing bowls and crafted together around the campfire late into the night.
There is never any pressure to join in everything, its a weekend to do with as you wish, always knowing there are other like minded ladies sharing similar memories too.
I'm going to share something honestly with you now, I think it's important to be open and genuine as we move through life... Since September I have been battling with how I can really do this! run another business as well as juggling 3 kids, a home, hubby and a new full time career.
How can I oversee retreats countrywide, with different hosts delivering different styles and managing different expectations!
The magnitude of the task ahead was totally overwhelming me. So much so that I was frozen! I could feel so much internal resistance within me that I felt like running away. After some more soul searching and lots of chatting it over with my very supportive other half I got serious...
What could I actually do?
Accept it and step away from the whole idea completely
or
Change it by approaching things in differently
My Initially intention of offering lots of Campervan Retreats across the country, delivered by an army of campervan loving "Wellness Warriors" didn't feel right anymore.
So what now.....
I will offer 4 weekend retreats throughout the year - one every quarter. I will attend and lead them all and collaborate some amazing wellness warriors - my friends, business contacts and new connections.
Each retreat will have space for 12 - 18 vans and have the same warm, friendly, relaxed feel, just as the first two did with lots more friendships forged along the way. I know some of the same faces will be returning, many have re-booked already for their second or even third retreat!
Everyone who comes along can choose to spend time connecting to a more spiritual side with sound therapy, yoga and meditation. We will offer some adventurous activities such as paddle boarding or open water swimming but the main thread that holds the events together will always be escaping into nature, exploring new activities and connecting with other campervan loving women.
