Last month I had the privilege of devoting 5 blissful days of myself to a retreat. This retreat is named ‘Heartland‘, and so began my journey to the, rightfully named, land of the hearts.

In my year of journeys, I find myself wanting to focus and further understand who I am and determine the life I want to lead and what that would look like. So, my mission was to relax and focus on just being in the moment and allowing myself to ponder and think. This was a retreat for spiritual and personal growth and healing, and whilst I always knew I’d get here at some point in my life, here I was, ready to accept it all. I was determined to embrace every activity, every session, every ounce of Heartland.

Having never been to a retreat, I was not sure what to expect. All I knew was that I was excited and curious all at the same time. A little nervous about going this adventure alone, but I was completely at ease the second I drove onto the long dirt track to the retreat center.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt completely in awe of the comforts and generosity of Heartland.

I received SO much more from my week at Heartland, then ever expected. The friendships, the stories, the creative arts, the chanting and dancing all made for an unforgettable week. I was completely myself, within my own thoughts and enjoyed every single moment. I meet some of the most amazing and inspiring people, and loved to listen to their stories and to collaborate on all different levels.

What did I learn about myself? That life really is more simple than we sometimes play it out, that I love who I am and I have the capability to be who I want and lead the life that I want, no matter the situation/challenges/events etc.

I learnt that we all live to a certain program and perceptions, that we have the ability to change these and really take hold of life and make it the life that we want to live. Life is full of choices, it’s a matter of choosing the right choice for you and living that out.

Everyone that I met at Heartland inspired me in so many different ways. I look back at those 5 days with the biggest and warmest smile, and am truly grateful for the experience.