Our Transformative Retreat: "The Unbroken Woman"
As I sit down to reflect on my recent retreat, The Unbroken Woman - 2024, I’m filled with gratitude and awe at the power of shared experiences, vulnerability, and growth. This retreat was more than just a weekend getaway; it was a space where women came together to reconnect with their inner strength, rediscover their purpose, and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
Creating a Sacred Space
From the moment participants arrived, I wanted to be intentional about fostering an environment of safety, support, and serenity. The retreat was held in a luxurious cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, nestled among towering pines that instantly made you feel like you had stepped into a secluded oasis of peace. The neutral and minimalist design of the space echoed the retreat’s theme, reminding everyone that simplicity and authenticity can be powerful tools for healing.
My goal was to provide comfort and a sense of belonging to all women who attended. For those seeking solitude and personal reflection, king suites with spa-like bathtubs offered a private sanctuary to unwind and soak in the experience. For others who craved deeper connection, the shared bunk rooms provided a warm and welcoming space to build community, share late-night conversations, and form bonds that extended beyond the retreat.
At the heart of it all was the chef’s kitchen, where nourishing meals were crafted with care by Chef Phil. Outside, the expansive patio space invited participants to sip coffee in the morning sunshine or journal in quiet reflection. The hot tub became a perfect spot for unwinding under the stars, while the fire pit was where our journey together came full circle. As flames flickered and the night wrapped around us, we gathered for our closing ceremony, reflecting on breakthroughs, newfound friendships, and the incredible transformations that had taken place over the weekend.
Moments of Connection and Growth
The retreat was designed to nourish mind, body, and soul. Participants engaged in a variety of activities thoughtfully curated to encourage reflection, growth, and self-care, including:
A Private Cooking Class with Chef Phil
One of the most anticipated experiences of the retreat was our private cooking class with the incredible Chef Phil. From the moment he stepped into the kitchen, his energy was contagious—he made cooking feel effortless, fun, and completely stress-free. He guided us through crafting a mouthwatering meal from scratch, sharing expert tips and tricks along the way. But the best part? No one had to lift a finger to clean up!
More than just a lesson in the kitchen, this class became a beautiful bonding experience. As we chopped, stirred, and plated, laughter filled the space, and strangers quickly became friends. It wasn’t just about learning recipes—it was about creating together, sharing stories over simmering sauces, and rediscovering the simple joy of making something from scratch. And of course, enjoying every last bite of our delicious creations!
Guided Meditation Session
In the midst of deep conversations and personal growth, we carved out moments of stillness with guided meditation sessions. These intentional pauses were designed to help each woman reconnect with herself—something that often gets lost in the chaos of everyday responsibilities. While relaxing in quiet reflection, focusing on deep breathing and grounding themselves, participants found this session to be a powerful tool for relaxation and clarity. The peaceful setting, combined with gentle guidance, allowed everyone to release stress, embrace mindfulness, and carry a renewed sense of inner calm beyond the retreat.
1:1 Time with Participants
While group sessions were impactful, some of the most profound moments of the retreat happened in private, one-on-one conversations. I made it a priority to carve out dedicated time for women who desired additional time to process their experiences—whether it was sitting together over coffee, taking a quiet walk, or simply offering a safe space to process emotions.
These personalized moments provided an opportunity to decompress after deep sessions, process breakthroughs, or just talk about life in a way that felt organic and supportive. Every woman arrived with a unique story, and my goal was to ensure she felt heard, valued, and understood. These 1:1 conversations often led to powerful realizations, newfound confidence, and emotional release—reminding each participant that she wasn’t alone on her journey.
Breakout Sessions with Cognitive Reframing Techniques
Breaking free from unhealthy cycles requires more than just awareness—it takes intentional action. That’s why our breakout sessions focused on cognitive reframing, a powerful tool to shift negative thought patterns and create lasting change.
Through guided discussions, exercises, and real-life examples, we explored how our thoughts shape our emotions and behaviors. Participants learned how to identify self-sabotaging beliefs, challenge unhelpful narratives, and replace them with healthier perspectives. These workshops weren’t just about theory; they were interactive, engaging, and deeply personal. Each woman walked away with practical strategies she could use in daily life—whether in relationships, work, or personal growth.
Optional Add-Ons for a Personalized Experience
Every woman’s journey is unique, and we wanted to make sure the retreat reflected that. In addition to the core sessions, we offered optional add-ons that allowed participants to curate their experience based on what they needed most.
For those craving physical relaxation, professional massages provided a well-deserved moment of pampering and stress relief. For those wanting to step into their confidence, self-love photoshoots offered a chance to celebrate themselves—capturing their beauty, strength, and authenticity through the lens of a professional photographer.
Some women chose to journal by the fire, take nature walks, or spend quiet moments in reflection, while others dove into hands-on activities like crafting and plant therapy. Whatever they chose, the goal was the same: to create a retreat experience that truly nourished their mind, body, and soul.
There were also plenty of opportunities for spontaneous fun, like games in the living room (Phase 10, anyone?), dancing in the kitchen, hiking, reading, or simply enjoying the company of others in one of the many community spaces.
Voices of Transformation
The impact of the retreat is best expressed by the women who experienced it firsthand. Here’s what two participants had to say:
"Where to even begin?! Emily didn't just host a women’s retreat, she created a core memory in my life... This wasn’t just another bougie yoga retreat with a bunch of women in the middle of nowhere... This was a legitimate learning, bonding, and growth retreat for my mind, body, and soul. As a wife and mother of three, it was exactly what I needed to refocus on who I am as a woman."
Another shared:
"This retreat was life-changing for me. There were some hard moments, but the all-around support was there. The lodging and food were outstanding. Highly recommend, and I will be returning next year."
These reflections perfectly capture the essence of what we aimed to create: a safe space for transformation, connection, and self-care.
The Power of Community
One of the most inspiring aspects of the retreat was witnessing women uplift one another. From strangers to sisters, they shared stories, exchanged wisdom, and reminded each other that they were not alone in their struggles or triumphs.
The retreat wasn’t just about individual growth; it was about building a community of support. The bonds formed over those few days continue to thrive, with participants staying connected and cheering each other on long after the retreat ended.
A Journey to Remember
As this retreat came to an end, it was clear that the experience was so much more than just a weekend away; it was a transformation. We laughed, we cried, we learned, and most importantly, we grew together. Every woman left not just with new insights and tools, but with a renewed sense of self, deeper connections, and the reassurance that she is never alone on this journey. Whether it was through heartfelt conversations, hands-on workshops, or simply the joy of slowing down and being present, this retreat became a core memory for so many.
Looking Ahead: The “Day Away” Series
And the journey doesn’t stop here! If you weren’t able to attend this time, or if a full weekend away isn’t an option, I’m excited to introduce the Day Away series—a chance to step away from the chaos of daily life for a day of intentional growth, healing, and connection. I know that not everyone can commit to a full retreat. Life gets busy, responsibilities pile up, and sometimes a weekend away just isn’t an option! That’s why I’m launching the Day Away series—one-day experiences designed to give you the same powerful healing, growth, and connection in a shorter, more accessible format.
These one-day retreats will include:
✔️ Focused breakout sessions on mindset shifts, emotional wellness, and personal growth
✔️ Guided meditations and relaxation exercises to help you reset
✔️ Community and connection with like-minded individuals
✔️ And of course… delicious, nourishing meals
The Day Away series is perfect if:
You need a mental and emotional reset but don’t have time for a full weekend retreat.
You want to experience the benefits of a retreat before committing to the full experience.
You’re looking for regular self-care and personal development opportunities.
Because healing and growth shouldn’t be out of reach just because your schedule is full!
Stay tuned for upcoming dates, and if you’re ready to invest in yourself, I can’t wait to welcome you to the next retreat—whether for a day or a weekend. Until then, keep growing, keep loving yourself, and remember: you are unbroken. 💛
Until next time,