A Day of Courage, Connection and Transformation...

One never to be forgotten.

Dear Friend

How are you today?

I’ve just about come up for air, after hosting yet another awesome memoir writing day retreat with

Clover Stroud

. It was an immense privilege to host such an intimate event.  From the moment guests arrived at our gorgeous countryside venue, there was a palpable energy of openness, curiosity, excitement and yearning to excavate the stories dwelling within.

As guests gathered in the cosy writing room, Clover’s wisdom and compassion enveloped everyone like a warm embrace. With incredible tenderness, she guided each guest through insightful exercises to help them pour their slice of life onto the page.  The atmosphere cultivated a rare alchemy of safety and compassion.  This is what’s so magical about an Ease Retreat, I’ve made it my mission to provide a space that allows guests to feel seen and heard without judgement.  I watched from a distance, in-between making cups of tea and topping up jugs of water, as each woman gracefully peeled away the layers to reveal the raw authenticity of her soul. 

One by one, the brave individuals began to share their stories, their voices initially vulnerable, fighting back the tears, they each grew in strength.  Before lunch, tales of heartbreak and resilience were shared around the long banquet table, of dreams deferred and reclaimed, of the beauty that can arise from life’s most anguishing challenges. I could feel the reverberations of recognition, and witness the relief wash over, as their shoulders relaxed.

"Courage is found in allowing our rawness to be seen and our stories to be heard. Only then can we forge the connections that heal."

Tears intermingled with laughter, whilst dams of vulnerability gave way to currents of profound connection.  It was a moving scene, which stopped me in my tracks at times. What had begun as a group of strangers, rapidly transformed into a haven of trusted new friends, who lovingly cradled one another with just a glance and a warm hearted smile.  During the afternoon masterclass, the alchemy of the written and spoken word weaved an indomitable tapestry of sisterhood right before my eyes. I could write for days and days about the mesmerising mood within the room, the secrets candidly shared and how confidence matured over the few hours they shared together.  

As the day retreat concluded amid fierce embraces and friendly gratitude, I realised something extraordinary had taken root that day. Whilst cultivating their inner voices, these women had also reclaimed pieces of themselves long suppressed - pieces that I dearly hope could now blossom into greater self -acceptance, wholeness and creative freedom.  Each one of these women had arrived seeking a path to the page, but discovered so much more,  I truly believe they opened a door to their spiritual and emotional cores, to the fearlessness and empathy that unite such women who are all on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Honestly, it is an honour to host such profound writing retreats, a room filled with courageous souls as they embark on their journey into memoir writing. I can think of no greater opportunity than to hold space for such magic to occur - for strangers to enter as mums, daughters, sisters, lawyers, housewives, teachers, directors and emerge as beacons of light and in solidarity for one another.

The experience of this latest retreat has left me overflowing with gratitude and inspiration to create more transformative spaces for women to unleash their stories.  As some of you may know, I’m hosting a day retreat in June with Stacey Heale who’s debut memoir Now Is Not The Time For Flowers is out now.  Doing Hard Things with Ease will be a day full of exploring the messy nature of our lives through writing within an intimate and safe environment. This is an amazing opportunity to reframe the hard moments in our lives, break through creative blocks and learn techniques to access the healing power of expressive writing. 

Later in the year, I am collaborating with Emma Gannon - best selling author, podcaster and creative trailblazer.  Where we will be retreating to a gorgeous barn nestled in the Brecon Beacons between 16th-18th November.  Emma’s warm wisdom and refreshingly candid insights will undoubtedly catalyse creative breakthroughs for all our guests - only one bedroom left to book.

Not forgetting, I’m hosting the next series of “Rage on a Page” early June, which is a crucial exploration of expressing and harnessing the fires of anger, frustration and rage that so often smoulder unvoiced within us.  Two spaces remain on this intimate 8week series, so I invite you to claim one if you’re ready to boldly render your fury into sources of healing and personal power.

Whether diving into memoir, unblocking creativity, doing hard things or channelling your emotions through therapeutic journaling, I hope you’ll join me in these life changing opportunities of self discovery, growth and creative exploration.  The path inward can be daunting, but together I promise you that we’ll forge trails of courage that lead to our most authentic, fun and vibrant selves.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx