The complete quote from the above photo is: “Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”

― Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now

Maya Angelou’s wisdom was profound on so many things and on taking a much needed break was no different. 3 years ago, I was able to experience “A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future” on a Girlfriend’s Retreat in Brainerd, Minnesota at Cragun’s resort. Over 25 women attended, we danced, laughed, ate, did Yoga, swam, rode on a horse and trolley, relaxed in a massage chair while getting our mani and pedi’s done, then went on to the real spa to receive our deep  tissue massages, roasted marshmallows at a bonfire and more all in the state of Minnesota.

Cragun’s resort was amazing and I would recommend their services. I felt like we were the only group on resort for the weekend. We were greeted upon arrival by the event planner and waited on hand and foot for the entire retreat. Even the owner came by the resort to welcome all the guests on Friday evening . Every activity was located right on Cragun’s grounds, even the dance floor which you can tell by the pictures we thoroughly enjoyed the dancing.

The purpose of the retreat was to find an affordable way to “withdraw from the cares” of the world (my family) while still being in the state but far enough away from home to feel as though I was on vacation. I was able to do this. I left my husband and family for the weekend and had an entire hotel room to myself!

I could come and go without anyone asking me to meet their needs. It was all about my needs this weekend. I barely answered my phone or checked my messages. It was my first time being away from home because even in college I was dependent on my parents, this time I had my own money, made my own decisions, and it felt sooo good. It’s sad that it took me so many years to realize the benefits of going away on my own. I would recommend going away on a girlfriend’s trip to any woman married or single. Removing yourself from the woes of the world is powerful and it quiets and rejuvenates the spirit.

I remember the first time I desired to go on a girlfriend’s retreat; it was while watching “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” The 1998 film based on Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel of the same title.

The movie showed 2 women traveling to Jamaica and showed the strength of their friendship. View clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITicydPuKRI

Last year I also attended the girlfriend’s retreat, the second year was even more relaxing than the first. We did fewer activities which was a good choice because we had more time for relaxation.

Our 3^rd annual retreat is coming up in less than 2 weeks and I look forward to a time of friendship, fun, laughter, good food, exploration, new adventures, and of course rest and relaxation. We will head off to Rochester, Minnesota somewhere I’ve never been even. Rochester is the third-largest city in Minnesota.  The city has been frequently recognized by Money Magazine, since the 1980’s as one of the best places to live in the United States ranging from the best overall to the best in the Midwest. Rochester is the home of the world renowned Mayo Clinic and was named after Rochester, NY and l look forward to sharing with you my experience.

I am almost positive you picked up on the benefits of a girlfriend’s retreat throughout my post, but just in case here are the top 15 reasons:

1. Building lifelong friendships
2. Exploring a new city
3. Experiencing new foods and scenery
4. Revitalizing your spirit
5. Renewal of the mind
6. No time restraints on rest or relaxation
7. Removal of distractions
8. Inner peace
9. Less stress
10. No one to be responsible for except yourself
11. Helps your family be more responsible without you there
12. A bed all to yourself
13. You can have a time to reflect in a quiet space
14. You can stay up late and sleep in the next day
15. You feel better about yourself and that you finally did it and at the end of the trip, you’ve boosted your confidence.

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.”

Maya Angelou

Please respond by telling me about your solo-trips or girlfriend’s retreats, I want to hear all about it. If you haven’t ventured out without your family and you want more information comment below.