Staying inspired
Undoubtedly, visiting new places and embarking on exciting adventures continuously fuels my inspiration. The summer holidays provide a perfect opportunity for exploration and reawakening dormant parts of my soul (without sounding over dramatic). I have noticed that the warmth of the sunshine profoundly impacts my motivation and inspiration as well - after some summer relaxation, I genuinely feel like a renewed person, ready to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.
I had the incredible opportunity to join a pilates and hiking retreat in the picturesque Andalusian hills of Spain, hosted by the amazing @janewakeuk, along with a group of fantastic women. This was my second year attending, and I can honestly say it was just as magical as the first.
In 2022, a close friend convinced me that taking a break like this was a great way to treat ourselves—stepping away from our hectic work schedules and family responsibilities. At first, it seemed almost too indulgent. I had never been away from my children for more than a couple of nights, and this retreat felt especially self-indulgent since it was solely for me, not tied to work or family commitments. I took the plunge and quickly booked it, even though I carried a bit of guilt along with my excitement.
Well, let me get to the point. It went incredibly well, as you might have guessed since I returned again this year. Sometimes, you don’t realise what your body and mind truly need until someone nudges you to do something different. I was stuck in a rut. I’m not sure if it was the sun, the scenic hillside walks, the newfound strength from pilates, the delicious food, or the conversations with some amazing women, but I walked away feeling something I hadn’t felt in years. It's all about finding yourself, not just as a parent, spouse, coworker, or someone solely defined by work, but as the unique "you." I won't get too sentimental here, but I genuinely hope to encourage anyone feeling uninspired or overwhelmed to consider treating themselves to a well-deserved three-night getaway – it can really help you feel like your complete self again.
