Making it Personal: Planning Your Own Personal Growth Retreat

Why A Retreat?

It’s important to disconnect from stress and reconnect with yourself from time to time. You can try to find time to do this in your normal routine, but it’s too easy to fall back into old habits. Research suggests that changing your environment helps you break away from those influences so you are free to try something new.

Planning the Basics

A retreat without a plan is just a vacation and a poor one at that. Planning is the foundation of a successful trip, especially when that trip is about setting life goals. With thoughtful preparation, you can create an experience that leaves you refreshed, reenergized, and ready to go after your dreams.

When to go

Finding the time to go on your private retreat is one of the hardest parts of planning. In addition to work schedules and family obligations, you should consider travel time and the season. The key is to know how much time you think you’ll need. Month-long getaways can be fun, but even a long weekend can be enough if planned thoughtfully.

Where to go

The location sets the tone for your trip. The best place to have a retreat is somewhere quiet and peaceful. Going somewhere remote and surrounded by nature is a great way to eliminate distractions. The trick is to find a place where you can be alone.  A mountain cabin is a great option for this, as mountain retreats offer both solitude and comfort.

What to Pack

Most people overpack for their trips. Because they will be away from home, they pack everything in sight, but it often becomes an unnecessary burden. Packing smartly ensures you have everything you need without unnecessary clutter. Remember, simplicity is key. Here are a few things you should actually pack on your trip.

Comfortable Clothes

Comfort is a must when it comes to achieving your goals because uncomfortable clothing is a distraction. Make sure that whatever you pack is easy to move in, breathable, and suited to the environment you are exploring on your retreat. 

Pen and Paper

Don’t underestimate the power of a pen. Writing is an important part of personal development as it can help you process your emotions and solidify your goals. Bring a journal to formalize your intentions and document your thoughts, ideas, and reflections. 

Inspiration To Get Started

A big part of most traditional retreats is attending seminars and workshops. While a personal retreat may not have the benefit of group sessions, there’s no reason why you can’t find motivation on your own. Try packing a book related to your area of interest to help you get inspired.

What to Do

A personal retreat will lack the formal structure of a traditional one, so you may have a hard time knowing what to do. The key is to focus on activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Here’s a breakdown of some of the activities that can help you with each of those areas.

Mind

Use your time to set intentions or map out steps toward personal or professional goals. You can try:



• Writing out your dreams and goals
• Reading and taking notes about your area of interest
• Creating a “roadmap” to help you reach your potential

Body

Even if your goals aren’t physical, your body is the vehicle that will get you there. Take care of your body by:



• Taking long walks
• Trying yoga or other stretching exercises
• Getting good sleep
• Taking a hot bath to relax your muscles

Spirit

our mood and well-being are essential parts of your development journey. To help nurture your spirit try:



• Meditation 
• Self-reflection and mindfulness exercises
• Creating and practicing affirmations

Tips to Succeed

It’s not easy to change your life. If it were, everyone would always keep their resolutions. But it is possible to reach your goals and achieve your dreams! Think of your private retreat as the first step on your journey. To get the most out of your trip, keep these tips in mind.

Set Realistic Goals

The quickest way to lose motivation is to set the bar too high. Don’t overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations. Start by creating easier goals to help you build better habits. As you reach those milestones you’ll increase your confidence, making it easier to progress toward the higher ones.

Take it Slow

As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Lasting change takes time, so pace yourself. There is no rush, so let things flow naturally. The goal of your retreat is to escape from stress so you can rest and recharge. Trying to speed run through your journey will only burn you out.

Be Kind to Yourself

There’s a fine line between self-assessment and self-hatred, and it’s important not to cross it. Self-compassion is vital for growth so encourage yourself as you would a friend. Celebrate small wins and forgive yourself for any setbacks along the way.

Stay at Freestone Inn

A peaceful environment is key to having the perfect personal retreat, which is why you should stay at Freestone Inn. Located in the Cascade Mountains near Winthrop Washington, our inn offers blissful solitude to all our guests. Whether you stay in the lodge or rent one of our mountain cabins, you’ll be surrounded by miles of beautiful nature. Get started on your personal growth journey when you book at Freestone Inn today!