I have never thought of myself as a retreatant kind of girl. I have always heard of retreats and have known many people who have attended them, but I have never thought that going on one would apply to me.

On that note, I was completely wrong. I had signed up for the retreat a few weeks ago. I wasn’t nervous at all until a few weeks before. PS- this retreat was a complete surprise. I had no idea where I was going, or who I was going with. Also, this past weekend was technology free, which is something I have never been exposed to.

As I boarded the bus with my two roommates, I wanted to turn right around and go back to my room. As I pushed my nervous and anxious feelings aside, I sat on the bus with my over-packed duffle bag and pillow.

After the hour and a half bus ride ended, we arrived at the retreat center. Scared shitless, I put my bags down and sat in the center of the large, open-spaced room with my peers.

The first few activities were low-risk: getting to know everyone, little ice breakers, etc. I had no idea that the next 48 hours would be so life-altering and eye-opening.

During the weekend, I was able to share personal stories with strangers, something that I have never done before.

Hearing other individual’s stories also helped me become a better listener and a better understanding person as a whole. Some of the stories were absolutely shocking, and for that, I will always remember these people for their raw bravery.

I believe that I went on the retreat this past weekend because I needed it. I didn’t know that it was the time to share my insecurities, beliefs, fears, and childhood until I was in a room with the most supportive, understanding, validating strangers who quickly became my genuine and real friends.

Although retreats are not for everyone, I strongly recommend a short weekend getaway to anyone, even though opening up and even listening can be difficult; I say this with confidence because the first night I had held back my tears because I was not 100% comfortable in my surroundings. Being emotionally vulnerable with a group of strangers is absolutely terrifying and liberating at the same time, but in the long run you will come out feeling refreshed, refocused, and you will have a group of friends who you will forever share a connection with.