The Power of Transformation: My Journey to Creating Life-Changing Retreats
The Power of Transformation: My Journey to Creating Life-Changing Retreats
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of how the most challenging moments of my life shaped the work I do today. Recently, I had the privilege of sharing my story on Imiloa Institute’s podcast with CEO Jake Sasseville, and it brought me back to the transitions that defined who I am—both personally and professionally.
Today, I run Armonía Counseling and lead transformative retreats via Release Retreat, but this work was born from a lifetime of learning how to create safety, connection, and alignment, starting with myself. Here’s how I got here and why I believe retreats are such a powerful force for change.
Finding My Inner Compass
I grew up in a chaotic and often unsafe environment. As a teenager, I found solace in my room with my dog and Elton John records. Even then, I had a deep knowing: my life could be different. At 16, I took a stand against my abuser—a moment of courage that shaped my belief in the power of choosing change, no matter how difficult.
That belief carried me through the twists and turns of life. For 25 years, I thrived in corporate leadership, building teams and helping others grow. But as I approached my 40s, I began to feel a disconnect. The values of the corporate world no longer aligned with my own, and I felt a pull toward something deeper and more meaningful.
When My Life Shifted
The turning point came when I became a mother later in life. Balancing my career with motherhood revealed what truly mattered to me. Around the same time, 9/11 shook my family deeply, and I realized how fleeting life could be. These experiences clarified a simple truth: I wanted my life’s work to reflect the legacy I hoped to leave behind—one of connection, harmony, and love.
I left corporate, navigated a divorce, and recalibrated my life. During that time, I found myself retreating in small, quiet ways—road trips, moments of solitude, time to reflect. These personal retreats reconnected me to who I was and planted the seed for something bigger.
My First Retreat—and a Life-Changing Realization
In 2019, I attended a yoga retreat on a small island in Greece. When I arrived, I lost my luggage. For seven days, I had only the clothes on my back. Surprisingly, this stripped-away simplicity gave me a profound sense of freedom. One day, lying in savasana under the Mediterranean sun, I felt an overwhelming sense of being “home.”
That moment wasn’t about Greece. It was about finding a deep inner alignment—a feeling I knew I wanted to help others experience.
Why I Lead Retreats Today
Fast forward to today: I’ve hosted multiple Release Retreats, including two at Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica - one for high-achieving women and one for couples looking to get off of autopilot. I’m looking forward to announcing our next destination and dates in the coming months!
While planning a retreat is a lot of work, there’s nothing like the moment when it all comes together. Watching couples and high-achieving women connect, heal, and grow in ways they couldn’t back home is a privilege I can hardly put into words.
These retreats are about more than relaxation. They’re about creating a space for people to realign with themselves and each other—away from the noise of everyday life. They’re about transformation.
What I’ve Learned—and What I Hope for You
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that transformation begins with the courage to take the next step, even when you’re scared. From standing up to my abuser as a teenager to leaving a corporate career in my 40s, I’ve learned to trust the whispers of my intuition, even when I didn’t know what was next.
Now, I get to guide others as they navigate their own transitions. Whether it’s through therapy, coaching, or retreats, my mission is to create safe, intentional spaces where people can rediscover their alignment and purpose.
Are You Ready for Your Next Step?
If you’ve been feeling stuck or longing for something more, I invite you to take that first step. Maybe it’s finding a quiet moment to listen to your inner whispers. Whatever it is, trust that you are exactly where you need to be.
The work of transformation isn’t always easy, but I promise—it’s worth it.
Let’s keep the conversation going. What’s been your biggest turning point? Share your thoughts below, or connect with me directly. I’d love to hear your story.