I’m sure most of us can agree we find it hard putting ourselves first and instigating regular self-care. Prioritising yourself over work, over the cat, the dog, your partner and of course most commonly your children doesn’t come easily. However, fuelled by the lack of escapism due to covid restrictions and with my own self-care at the forefront of my mind, I went all out and booked an idyllic Greek Island Retreat facilitated by the wonderful founders of Health Wealth & Wellbeing, Sarah Ilaria Northe and Rebecca Louise Kelly.
Upon coming to write this I realised the seed for self-care and looking after me, was first sown whilst training as a reflexologist over 20 years ago. The book, “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay was recommended to me and I distinctly recall reading (then cringing and feeling incredibly uncomfortable) about how to learn to love yourself by repeating self-love mantras in front of a mirror.
Back then I found it hard to even comprehend that type of exercise let alone put it into action. It’s taken all these years to recognise my self-worth and Ican now really celebrate myself and all that I’ve achieved. I have finally learnt to put myself first on a regular basis, although I do have to remind myself quite regularly, whilst knee deep in dirty laundry, cooking, childcare and work buzzing round in my head!
It is true to say that you have to work at this self-care malarkey and keep practising. After the tough couple of years we’ve all had you’d be forgiven for letting that practise slip but it is through periods of adversity that it becomes even more important. I am so grateful to these women I call my Illustrious Leaders, Sarah and Rebecca, who created this retreat package. It is from their incredible wisdom and teachings that I have been guided to finally commit to the practice of self-love.
I first met Sarah and Rebecca after hitting rock bottom at the traumatic end of a long-term relationship. I reached out to them for various therapeutic therapies and transformational coaching. They helped cement the importance of self-care and valuing myself enough to put my needs first before giving too much energy and time away to others.
Whilst in lockdown Rebecca and Sarah, like so many of us, had to adapt their working practises and came up with the idea of running a retreat on the beautiful island of Lefkada in Greece. Rebecca has been holidaying on the island for over 17 years making her extremely well qualified to find the perfect venue. She found one of the most idyllic spots I have ever experienced in the World, and that is coming from someone who has travelled extensively to dozens of countries experiencing 7star resorts and hotels! The Mimosa Retreatwas the luxury, soul nurturing, setting for 5 incredibledays of blissful restoration.
However, my self-care and self-worth commitments were tested! At first, I was actually cross with them and considered it to be irresponsible encouraging overseas travel in the middle of a pandemic. Also, I was broke, largely due to the preceding 18 months as a self-employed therapist, writer, event manager and single mum. However, owing to their teachings and the reality of, “If I don’t look after me, I cannot expect to parent, run a house and make some money to survive effectively”, my commitment held strong.
In this crazy life your own survival is paramount. There is nothing more obvious to highlight this than the safety briefing on an aircraft – fit YOUR oxygen mask first before assisting anyone else. I knew I needed that oxygen more than ever as the father of my child had just returned to America and would not be back until Christmas. This meant I would not be given a break from my rather intensive parenting as mother of Alfie, who has severe learning disabilities and doesn’t attend full time school. I dug deep into my self-belief, set my intention to make this break happen and trusted that the finance would come. After all, I’ve never missed a mortgage payment to date and there’s always food on the table because I always find a way.
And wow did it pay off! Just knowing that I had secured my place on this retreat and that my well-earned break was coming bathed in the last of the summer sun, gave me a huge lift. I felt strong enough to take on a work event that would effectively pay for my trip. I became more organised as I had focus and a goal. I became a happier, more effective Mum and I coped with all the ridiculous hoops I had to jump through to travel safely in a world of covid.
And all that was before I’d packed my bag. Sarah’s and Rebecca’s magic was already working. Myself and all the other retreaters were guided and supported through all the covid rules and how and where to book flights. We also had a one-to-one pre-departure zoom session with either Rebecca or Sarah in order to discuss what we needed most from our time on retreat, what our expectations were and to set our intentions to gain the most from our trip.
For the first time ever I mindfully packed my bag considering the planet and also numerous occasions of my over packing! I managed to fit all I needed in one cabin bag and a handbag – this also makes your life easier, fewer decisions on what to wear and less hassle at the airport. However, as I packed, I suddenly panicked and thought what am I doing spending a fortune on being confined with 9 Perfect Strangers!?
Cut to being welcomed by Rebecca and Sarah at the stunning Mimosa Retreat, set in the hills above the coast of Nidri, and with the most beautiful ever-changing views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding islands, I was led to an idyllic wooden deck where I was served a fresh fruit cocktail overlooking the infinity pool andtheincredible view beyond. The smiles of the eclectic group of marvellous human beings all seeking peace and restoration were broad and the feelings of relief palpable.
Those perfect strangers became my soul sisters and brother (there was one brave and delightful man), my partners in crime; pouring large G and T’s (drinking was not encouraged but not banned), my dancing queens, my belly laughing mates and my shoulders to cry on. This was the best money I’d ever spent. Without exception all of us experienced break-through transformation, shedding old grief, trauma and unhelpful behaviours.
We did this whilst being nurtured in our own or shared beautiful Balinese style villas, set amongst carefully planned and laid out gardens of fruit and olive trees, scented with lavender, rosemary, thyme and sage. The meticulously cared for gardens were intertwined with Intriguing paths leading to hidden meditation areas and a stunning yoga Shala nestled in amongst Mediterranean shrubs and beautiful bougainvillea. Whilst looking out to sea we were able to stretch our bodies with the heat of the sun on our backs or lay in the dappled shade of the surrounding trees.
We were nourished with locally sourced fresh food prepared by two talented chefs who created a colourful array of delicious healthy delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sarah and Rebecca had created an optional schedule including mindful movement which involved the gentle stretching and opening of the body. Meditation and breath work were also incorporated into their bespoke transformational self-development workshops. To further deepen our transformation, we each had a one-to-one Body Wisdom Transformation session involving a combination of touch therapy (such as massage, reiki or reflexology) with transformational coaching and Rebecca and Sarah’s unique and pioneering Body Wisdom techniques.
My Body Wisdom Session with Rebecca was incredible. I wasn’t sure what to expect and as so often happens for me, didn’t realise I that needed. The treatment was tailored to me and my specific needs and desired outcomes. The result was a life-long emotional and physical problem released and treated like never before. I made yet another huge leap towards true, personal contentment and was relieved of the physical pain I arrived with.
Alongside these incredible experiences, we were could also access further holistic treatments from incredible local therapists taking us to the deepest of relaxed states.
Rebecca’s and Sarah’s compassion, wisdom and ability to gauge our needs was unparalleled. They knew exactly when to allow the tears to flow, to support and nurture, to give space…and when to turn the music up and dance! I have worked and trained with them for the last 5 years and there is always laughter and celebration running alongside powerful and silent moments of meditation or outpourings of grief and emotion with the end result being bliss and progress towards a more stress free, happy, fulfilled existence.
I knew these girls were talented, as I said before they have guided me through years of training and nurturing, but what they provided and shared with us all at Mimosa was life affirming andlife changing, and I am still benefiting from it today. Itis well worth remembering Sarah’s and Rebecca’s treatments keep on giving. They equip you with tools for life.
I cannot recommend highly enough a retreat with Sarah, Rebecca and their team at Health Wealth and Wellbeing. Pleasedon’t wait 20 years to try it! For more information on their forthcoming retreats and range of therapies visit www.hwwretreats.co.uk.
I returned home from Greece feeling empowered, rejuvenated and ready to face the challenges of life with more energy and ease. I gained friendships that I never expected and didn’t know I needed. And I can confirm there is no better investment than the one you make in YOU!
