Flourishing

A few weeks back I entered a contest to win a spot at a women's retreat called Flourish, hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, Emily Anderson.  You should know that I really never win anything.  Like ever.  So entering was a bit of a joke.  But, I have wanted to go and since I have a baby arriving in February, I thought if I was going to enter to win a spot, now was the time to do it.

I won.

I really couldn't believe it.  I was pretty much freaking out when I won.  Because, like I said, I never win anything.

After freaking out, and after realizing that my bff, Erin, couldn't go with me and I would be going alone, I got pretty nervous.  To make it worse, I agreed to ride with someone I had only known on the internet.  I was pretty sure I was crazy.  Going alone and riding with someone I had never met are both pretty far out of my comfort zone.

Explaining to people exactly what Flourish is or was is pretty tough.  I mean, it is a retreat, for women, put on by a couple of awesome ladies, one of whom is a rockin' awesome blogger.  Just like the word retreat implies, it is a time to get away, to take time to be in charge of only yourself and to be recharged and renewed.  We really did have time to just connect with God, connect with other women and be pampered and taken care of.  I didn't wash any dishes, fix any meals, clean anyone's room, wipe anyone else's rear end, put anyone to bed or hear anyone fighting.  It was beautiful.  Instead, I watched the sunrise, worshipped under the stars, ate delicious food that someone else prepared, got a massage,  spent time with the Lord, and got to know some amazing women.  It was wonderful.  And it was exactly what I needed.

I can't stress enough how great I think this retreat is.  If you have ever thought about going to something like this or even to Flourish itself, you must go.  I won my spot, but I will be going again as soon as I can after having the baby.  And, I don't think it is important to go with someone you know.  You will have just as much fun and get just as much out of it going alone.

I am so thankful that I was able to go.  I am thankful for the hearts of the women who are the vision behind Flourish.  I am thankful that I got out of my comfort zone and did something I would not normally do.   I am beyond thankful for the people who made it possible for me to go from KK and Emily who gave away the ticket, to my mom and mother-in-law who watched my kiddos and my hubby who worked his tail off while I was gone and had the house sparlking clean when I got home.

If you are looking for a great time with great gals and a chance to grow spiritually, Flourish is where it's at!