Ascend Retreat Recap & Why I Started A Blog
In November 2022 I took a leap of faith, hopped on a plane to Destin, FL and spent an entire weekend in a house full of strangers to attend the first Ascend Retreat. Seems odd for an introverted enneagram five, right? Well, it was. Attending the retreat definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone physically, but also pushed me personally, emotionally, and professionally.
So why did I attend? Honestly, I don’t know exactly what it was that made me finally decide to book my flights. But I do know it was a lot of little things over time. As Emily (who I literally met through Instagram and the HOC spring community) started talking about this retreat, I was intrigued, but not convinced it was for me. Then she continued to share her vision. Her passion. Her conversations with the other coaches. And that’s when things started to click .
I was by no means in a bad place mentally, but I was absolutely in a place to transition with more big changes to come. At the time I booked Ascend, I was 10 weeks pregnant with our second child. I was in a great place professionally, but between work and motherhood, I definitely felt like I had lost a lot of “me” and prioritizing the things that I need to feel fulfilled and living my life as the best version of myself. I wasn’t prioritizing my time, my health and wellness, my mental space, and I recognized with another huge change coming to our family in May 2023, maybe it was time to invest in myself and set some really clear goals and intentions around how I show up in this world.
Sure, I had this interesting and unexpected little side business as a color influencer also going on, but I didn’t go to Ascend for the purpose of growing that business. My intention was truly around my own personal development and being open to whatever ideas came my way.
I knew these were people I wanted to be around.
I knew this was the push I needed to define my personal goals.
I knew this was a weekend away that I needed to recharge my batteries and redefine how I show up as my best self.
So what came of this retreat for me? Through many conversations, I came to a few realizations that I had never really defined previously; I defined what fills my cup and how the things I do (or don’t do) allow me to show up in this world as my best self.
I need a creative outlet. I love my professional career and thrive in the cooperate executive environment, but I need to have a creative space. Whether that is writing, creating graphics and content for social media, or putting outfits together.
In talking through my current side gig (Instagram account) and really why I started it in the first place, I realized that the underlying concept is helping women step into their power and potential, especially in the workplace. It’s not about finding the right color or style, but the feeling and confidence that comes from showing up as our best self that allows us to push the boundaries and be trailblazers within our respective field.
It’s OK to set boundaries. Whether it is saying no to an event, outsourcing chores, or unfollowing people on social media. Protecting my time and energy to be able to use it for things that fulfill me is a necessity. Following the retreat, I read The Book Of Boundaries (highly recommend!) and have implemented some strategies into my day to day life.
So, throughout the weekend, I realized it was finally time to pull the trigger on creating a website and blog for that additional creative outlet. I’ve thought about starting one at least 4 different times in my life. This will also allow me to venture into other areas outside of the color world and lean into my other interests and areas of my life. I’ve also incorporated some strategies around structuring my time and have been more intentional about what I consume physically and mentally.
I can confidently say I am a better person today and in a better place physically and mentally because of my time at Ascend; I am confident in who I am and how how I want to show up in the world, thanks to the support of the incredible coaches and fellow Ascend participants.
The coaches at Ascend make this an unforgettable experience. You will laugh. You will cry. You will gain clarity and direction. You will find your best self.
Here are a few common questions I’ve recieved about my time at Ascend.
How do I sign up?
You can register for the next Ascend Retreat here! Use code BRIT for $100 off your registration. Registration for Branson, MO in March 2023 end on February 3rd, 2023.
I don’t know what to expect. What do you do all day?
The coaches will guide you through workshops over the course of the weekend — in a way, think of this as group therapy and a safe place to work through ideas, challenges, fears, barriers, etc. Not only do you get support and feedback from the coaches, but the other participants also help work through whatever it is you are feeling. There is more information about the schedule and coaches on the retreat website.
There was also plenty of downtime to rest and relax, socialize, nap, whatever!
That’s a lot of money! Was it worth it?
Absolutely! The Ascend weekend was a fully immersive experience and everything is covered from the opening dinner thru the breakfast on the last morning. In Destin, we all stayed in a gorgeous, luxury house and I have no doubt the next location will be just as fabulous! All food and snacks were provided, and the meals were cooked by Andrea, and incredible professional chef. You can learn more about her here.
We also had three amazing coaches - Emily Reuschel, Kylie Epperson and Kiah Burchett who are all back for the Branson retreat.
The cost also includes a set of professional photographs by Hannah Dorn that you can use for any reason - personal or professional. Hannah makes it so comfortable and has great ideas for beautiful photos you will treasure forever.
Is this just for people who have a business/want to start a business?
Many of the participants at the November retreat either had small businesses or ideas to start one, but that’s by no means a requirement! Like I mentioned above, I really went with the goal being more personal development focused and absolutely feel like I got that out of the experience.. We definitely talked about businesses and the intersection of those businesses with life as women, but its not a requirement.
Is it really just for rural women?
No! I would consider myself to be rural-adjacent; I grew up on a farm and definitely “get” what farm life is, but I don’t currently feel that much of my life intersects with rural or ag topics. I’d think of the rural aspect as a point of connection and bonding for the participants, but the conversations, ideas, discussions are not centered around rural life. There are some unique barriers and circumstances that are prevalent in rural America, but there were so many ways we all connected to each other outside of that rural aspect.
Drop any other questions in the comments below!
