This weekend, I had the privilege of attending a retreat for successful women entrepreneurs in the serene, sunlit hills of Ojai, CA. The location itself, nestled among orange fields and rolling landscapes, set the tone for a transformative experience—a journey inward, surrounded by inspiring peers who redefined what it means to lead with grace and strength.
I joined the retreat and its six-month program for one simple reason: I needed to recalibrate my vital relationships. After seven years in a male-dominated industry, I found myself in a room with 13 professionals in November—realizing I was the only woman present. It hit me that while my work in logistics thrives on precision and structure, it lacked the balance that a circle of female entrepreneurs could bring to my life.
It wasn’t always this way. Before entering this world, I spent decades in cosmetics and field sales—a realm brimming with creativity, connection, and a certain joie de vivre. Transitioning to logistics was more than a career pivot; it was a cultural shift, and over time, I noticed the absence of the feminine energy that had once propelled me forward. This retreat, therefore, wasn’t just an event; it was a call to action.
Over three days, I engaged with topics that peeled back layers, revealing new dimensions of clarity, focus, and joy. Through laughter and quiet reflections, I reconnected with a part of myself that needed to be reignited. A part that thrives on community, shared strength and femininity.
I had the opportunity to assess and analyze what matters most in my life. I prioritized the actions I needed to take and identified the partners who would help support my vision moving forward. The retreat wasn’t about grand epiphanies; it was about aligning ME with my values and equipping myself with the tools and relationships to thrive. For the first time in a long time, I felt the joy of falling back in love with who I am. I say everyday that I love my life, and I do. This retreat was bringing that love back to me, my essence. Saying that, "I'm in love with me," rather than, "I love my life," is a profound distinction, and it feels really luxurious.
I left Ojai with a renewed commitment to honor my values, particularly the value of vital relationships. I’ve embraced this as my guiding principle, driving both my personal and professional life. The retreat wasn’t just a weekend—it was a blueprint for aligning my leadership style with the grace and power that only balance can bring.
A Call to Reflection
To the high-performance leaders reading this: I encourage you to pause and take note of the things you have been a aware of that need change; what's been on the back burner? What brings you clarity, joy, ease, and pleasure? What’s out of alignment? Take a moment to consider what values guide you—and ask yourself how you can honor them more fully?
For me, it was realizing that my professional network was male-heavy. For you, it might be carving out more time for self-care, redefining success, or building a stronger community of support. Whatever it is, your journey starts with being open and honest to the knowing that something needs to be refined, expanded or changed.
If you’re ready to take this step, join us at GreenerThumbs.org. You'll be able to access the audio or video five minute relaxation experiences to help quiet your mind and listen to your heart. As I continue the six-month journey with this extraordinary group of women, I invite you to connect with our community and share your experience too.
Let’s refine our narratives and act. A more lovely world is waiting.
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