A One-Day Solo Personal Retreat
no time for a full solo retreat? try a coffee shop, a park, or a dreamy hotel
Do you ever feel like your life is so rushed or insane that you don’t have time to think? Or maybe your to-do list hasn’t moved in days? When life becomes (too) stressful, chaotic, or just all jumbled up, a getaway day (a one-day solo retreat) can be just what you need. With a bit of planning and structure, it can be the perfect balance of self-care, shift in perspective, mindfulness, and creative thinking.
When you think about taking a solo retreat (do you ever actually think about that LOL?) are these some of your reasons excuses for not doing it?
I can’t afford the time away.
I’m too busy right now.
I don’t want to be alone.
I just don’t see how it would help.
I’m scared I’ll waste time and accomplish nothing.
My husband/family/business partner won’t understand.
It feels too indulgent.
I can’t deal with all the logistics of finding the place to stay, figuring out what to do, etc.
I don’t know where to start.
One of the most-asked questions I get is, "Kimberly, do I have to go away for several days to do a personal retreat? Can’t I just do one at home?”
Well, of course you can!
Just leave the house.
“The concept is not so much about finding three days away from home; it’s really just a willingness to step away from the world and sit with yourself.”
Do I think a full 2-3 day Solo Retreat is more powerful? Yes, but do what you can! However, if you want to read more about planning longer, overnight retreats - Start here.
So let’s start planning this one-day solo retreat - it is easy!
First, decide what the purpose of your day will be. Is this more for personal or for business?
For today, let’s say it is business-focused. Do you need a few hours away from your office to a) have time alone to think, reflect, etc., or b) work on a project or c) set next quarter’s goals, etc.?
Decide what your intention is for the day. - what you want to accomplish.
I’ve put together a resource to help you - a Getway Day Planner, which is $24 and will walk you through the steps, give you resources, planning materials, etc. You will see buttons for those below.
Three steps to planning your day of self-reflection and refocus.
Decide on your Purpose
Find a Date
Organize the Day
1 | PURPOSE
First, and most importantly, decide your Purpose/Why/Intention. What do you hope to get from the day? Is it to have quiet time to think? To plan? To create?
In the GetawayDay Guide, you can see some real-life Intentions that others have set.
2 | DATE
Then, find a date. Sure, you could just wake up one morning, sit up in bed, and say, “Hello, World! I’m motivated to have a day of self-care and self-reflection - let’s go!” Ummmmmmm . . . .right. So I recommend putting it on your calendar like it’s any other appointment. Because that’s what it is, an appointment with yourself.
3 | ORGANIZE
Organize three areas: THE SPACE | THE AGENDA | THE SUPPLIES
THE SPACE
Decide where you’re going to spend the day. Yes, you could be in your backyard, but it makes such a difference if you can get out of your house. This is because when we remove ourselves from our everyday environment, we literally have new thoughts - see things differently - come up with new solutions to old problems.
A library, favorite coffee shop, a park, a hotel lobby, a friend’s back porch (if she is gone for the day).
THE AGENDA
Create a loose agenda based on your Intention for the day, but be open to whatever unfolds. I like to call this “an agenda filled with grace.”
How to start the day:
Do you want to start the day with coffee and a walk?
An invigorating fitness class?
A stretch class?
Or, do you want to jump right into your thinking and reflection?
SUPPLIES/TOOLS
Think through what will help you have the best day. The GetawayDay Guide has a list for you to consider. Think about your notebook or journal, books, etc.
In the GetawayDay Guide, there is a much more detailed section on this.
