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Running a heart-centered business comes with its fair share of ups and downs, and today, I’m sharing one of those more challenging moments. After countless hours—200 or more—of planning and dreaming, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Grounded In Gratitude Retreat scheduled for this October.
This retreat was more than just an event on the calendar; it was a labor of love. Grounded In Gratitude was going to be held in Deep Creek Lake, a place that is incredibly special to me as it’s my hometown. There’s a certain healing magic in those mountains, a unique energy that I’ve always found deeply restorative. It’s truly disappointing to know that I won’t be able to share that with a group of amazing women this fall.
September, for me, has always been a time of positive transition, introspection, and slowing down. It’s my birthday month, and it carries a special feeling of renewal and alignment. I had envisioned this retreat as a beautiful way to embrace that energy and guide others through a transformative experience during this special time of year. Every detail of this retreat was carefully crafted with intention and care, from the serene location to the nurturing experiences that would have made this retreat truly special. So, it’s with a heavy heart that I announce this cancellation for reasons beyond my control.
Like a Sunflower to the Sun
It’s never easy to see something you’ve poured so much into not come to life. The disappointment is real, and I won’t sugarcoat it—this is a tough one. But just like the sunflower that always turns toward the sun, I’m choosing to look for the light in this situation, believing that it’s all part of a bigger, more meaningful journey.
Sometimes, the plans we’ve laid out so carefully don’t unfold the way we’d hoped, but that doesn’t mean they were in vain. In fact, I’m a firm believer that when things don’t go as planned, it’s often because there’s something even better waiting around the corner—something we couldn’t have imagined.
This experience has also prompted me to take a step back and reevaluate my offerings. I’m paying close attention to the signs I’m receiving, trusting that they are guiding me to stay aligned with my purpose and the mission of my business. While this retreat won’t be happening this year, I’m not giving up on the vision behind it. If anything, this experience has fueled my desire to create even more impactful and nourishing experiences for our community. I’m already thinking about how to make our future retreats even more special, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
To those who were looking forward to joining me in October, or who were considering it, thank you for your support and understanding. I know this decision may be disappointing, and I truly appreciate your kindness during this time. Although we won’t be gathering in person, I want to offer you (and everyone) something to carry forward. Below are some prompts and resources that I hope will bring you a bit of the healing and reflection we can still share together:
Reflection Prompts:
What does gratitude mean to you in this season of your life? Take a moment to journal about the small things you’re grateful for each day.
What are you ready to release as we move into the final months of the year? Reflect on what’s holding you back and consider ways to let go, even in small ways.
How can you create more space for yourself in your daily life? Identify one simple change you can make to prioritize your well-being.
Resources for Healing and Connection:
Guided Meditation: The Calm app offers soothing meditations to help you ground yourself, find peace, and embrace change. I use this app all time to help me stay grounded, and you can get a 30-day free trial by clicking here.
Reading List: These books have recently come to my attention and I am very excited to dive in, would you like to join me?
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Virtual Connection: I’d love to keep the spirit of this retreat alive through virtual means. Consider joining me for an upcoming online event or virtual women’s circle. Keep an eye on my Instagram (@the.nurturing.nomad) for announcements, or reach out directly if you’re interested.
Looking Ahead to Island Revive Women's Retreat
If you’re looking for an opportunity to retreat and rejuvenate, I invite you to consider joining me in January for the Island Revive Retreat in St. John. This retreat offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and personal growth, all set against the stunning backdrop of some of the world's most beautiful beaches. It’s a chance to start the new year feeling truly revived, and I’d be honored to share that experience with you.
Though this chapter is closing, I’m excited for the new opportunities that are sure to come. Life may have taken an unexpected turn, but I’m trusting that it’s leading us all somewhere beautiful.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Stay tuned—there’s more on the horizon.
With gratitude,
Amy
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