Beyond The Inbox

Finding peace in a Welsh coastal retreat

House on the beach vibes

Dear Friend

How are you feeling today?  I’m a little frustrated.  All because of this erratic British weather system.  It’s like winter here in Wales, and it’s totally messing with my emotions. Is it affecting you at all? Ah well, I won’t let it get me down, because in more exciting news, I'm heading to West Wales in a couple of days to stay in my “house on the beach”!

I keep saying “I’m running away”.  I’m not sure why I think I’m running away.  From what exactly? The weather? Life in general?  Myself?

There’s something poetic about describing my West Wales staycations as “running away”.  For me, it conjures up images of spontaneity, freedom, and a dash of rebelliousness - even when the destination is my dream home, my favourite beach house, nestled in a bay on the Cardiganshire coastline.  

This isn’t just any kind of getaway; it’s my sanctuary, a place where time seems to slow down and the burdens of my daily life melt away.

As some of you may know, the beach house itself isn’t mine, but in many ways, it feels like home.  As a house sitter and where I host a few weekend retreats, I’ve come to know its every nook and cranny.  The creeks in the floorboards, the way the afternoon sun paints the living room golden, the soothing rhythm of the tide that becomes the backdrop to my every waking moment - these details have woven themselves into the fabric of my happiest memories.  It’s why I never ever want to leave.

The question I ask myself is, why do I frame this escape in such dramatic terms? Running away!! How old am I?  Well I guess acting like a dramatic 49’er is quite acceptable these days (dare I mention the M word?!).  Perhaps it’s because the contrast between my city life and this coastal haven, is so stark.  In the “house on the beach”, I find myself at my most authentic, most relaxed self.  Even though work follows me to this remote spot, it feels different - less oppressive, more manageable. My daily tasks that seemed insurmountable in the city become conquerable with the sea breeze as my ally. Blimey, I’m such a daydream believer!!

I love my alone time, my only companions for the majority of my stay are my loyal Ridgebacks, silent partners in my quest for solitude.  There presence is a comfort, a reminder that sometimes the best conversations require no words at all.  Together, we love to walk the coastal path between Tresaith and Aberporth, our footprints (and paw prints) temporary leaving marks on the ever changing canvas of the sandy shores.

This arrangement - me staying, in exchange for marketing the beach house - is a dream come true.  It’s a symbiotic relationship that I hope continues for years to come.  The joy of promoting a place I truly love is unparalleled; it’s not work, how could it be, it’s sharing a piece of paradise to everyone I’m connected to.

Now, imagine you had the chance to experience this slice of heaven.  What would your ideal staycation by the sea look like?  Would you lose yourself in books, finally penning that story idea that’s been simmering away?  Or would you embrace the art of literally doing nothing, letting the sound of the waves reset your internal rhythm?  Or maybe you’d like to explore the rugged Welsh coastline, because it’s ever so dramatic, exhilarating and breathtaking, each step is meditation in itself.

There’s no need to answer of course.  The beauty of a few days of escapism is the freedom to shape it to your own needs.  Whether it’s reading, writing, resting, or walking, the key is to leave behind the pressure of people-pleasing and the tyranny of the to-do-list.

If this sounds like a dream you’d like to turn into reality.  I’m actually hosting a “Digital Detox Weekend Retreat” this October.  It’s a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself, nature and a small group of like-minded women seeking the same serenity.

Hey even if you all you want to do is runaway with me, you’re very welcome to join me.  Finding a sanctuary by the sea becomes more crucial than ever as for me as I approach the big 50 this summer.

In the meantime, if you’d like a few prompts to help you to get your journaling flowing, please help yourself..

1. Reflect on a time when you felt truly at peace. What elements contributed to that feeling, and how can you incorporate them into your daily life?

2.  Imagine you’re sitting on the beach, watching the waves.  What thoughts or worries do you release with each receding wave?

3. List five small joys you often overlook in your busy life.  How can you make time to appreciate these more regularly?

4. Describe your relationship with technology.  How does it enhance your life, and in what ways does it create stress or anxiety?

5. Reflect on a challenging situation you’re currently facing.  How might your perspective change if you were viewing it from the peaceful setting of the beach house in West Wales?

What to expect at the Digital Detox Retreat - A rejuvenating weekend in a stunning beach house hidden in a bay on the West Wales coastline. You'll enjoy upbeat conversations, insightful discussions, journaling tips, healthy meals, coastal walks, and plenty of rest. The retreat offers youth chance 'to go back to bed with a cuppa and a book' with no alarm clocks, allowing you to naturally reset your rhythm. You can stay in bed for as long as you wish.

A variety of activities will be available for you to join in as much or as little as you want...

Journaling, Walking, Sea Swimming, Reading, Women’s Circle Discussions plus more.

This is for you… if you want to regain control over your device usage, discover new ways to entertain yourself, embrace positive daily activities, and generally feel more upbeat and happier. This retreat is perfect for those seeking a balanced and more fulfilled life away from digital screens.

How the weekend will flow… The retreat is designed to help you reignite your soul away from your digital devices. You'll engage in group journaling, enjoy free time for relaxation, participate in guided coastal walks, and have opportunities for self-reflection. The schedule is flexible, prioritising rest and natural rhythms. The main priority is for you to be able to unplug in the most stunning surroundings.

Arrival: Friday 18th October from 12noon

Depart: Sunday 20th October by 11am

If you’d like more information about this weekend retreat, please don’t hesitate to email me at hello@easeretreats.com or send me a DM. For my paid subscribers there is a discount on a first come, first serve basis. You’ll absolutely love it! It’s a magical place and one that will soothe your soul.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

If you enjoy ‘with ease’ and would like to support my work, be offered first refusal to book onto my writing & wellbeing retreats with best selling authors, receive discounts towards my therapeutic journaling workshops, please buy me the equivalent of one cup of coffee, by becoming a paid subscriber. Thank you so much.