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 3rd 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:
- Building lifelong friendships
- Exploring a new city
- Experiencing new foods and scenery
- Revitalizing your spirit
- Renewal of the mind
- No time restraints on rest or relaxation
- Removal of distractions
- Inner peace
- Less stress
- No one to be responsible for except yourself
- Helps your family be more responsible without you there
- A bed all to yourself
- You can have a time to reflect in a quiet space
- You can stay up late and sleep in the next day
- 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.
I really need one of these girls days to myself!
Sounds like you had a blast! I would love to catch up with some girlfriends on a retreat.
Sounds like you had a great time! I would love to reconnect with some girlfriends on a retreat.
My DREAM for my 40th Birthday would be an all girlfriends trip to India, or a cruise to the Caribbean!!!
That would be incredible! Have you ever been on a cruise?
Yes, we all benefit even those we leave behind. My kids enjoyed me being gone lol
I went about 4 years ago.. It was my very first time leaving the U.S. (I got my passport at 33!! lol) I would definitely do it again!!
It just takes someone to plan it, so looks like you signed up lol. Good luck and have fun!
That is awesome! I would love to go on a girlfriend’s retreat. I haven’t been on anything like this in years. It’s much needed. Thanks for sharing the benefits.
Even if it’s once a year it is worth it!
What would you say was a benefit of your last retreat?
Wow, it looks like you had such an amazing time, and you have such excellent points. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, a little alone time is amazing. I have taken a few solo vacations where it was just me, the beach, a beautiful view and 15 days and always went home feeling recharged!
I went on a girls friend vacation to Mrytle Beach one years for a week and it was so much fun and so relaxing. I would love to connect with you all next year. So please keep me posted because I would love to go.