Why the Sport & Spirit Women’s Weekend Was Worth Every Effort
I had the privilege of participating in this unique women’s gathering, and wow, was it worth it. 💫
I’ll be honest, it wasn’t easy to make it happen.
Driving 3+ hours, organizing family schedules 2 weeks after back-to-school, and stepping away from the usual routines felt challenging. Facilitating two life design collage sessions was the impetus to attend, but it was the lake, trees, beaches, open spaces, laughter, and incredible women that kept me energized, engaged, and excited. So much more than a getaway, this gathering was a chance to recharge, reconnect, and remember what it means to put yourself first.
Here are my five main takeaways from Sport and Spirit 2025:
1. Saying Yes (Even When It’s Hard)
One of the hardest parts of self-care is permitting yourself to do it.
Between work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, it feels indulgent—maybe even selfish—to drive 3+ hours to focus on yourself.
I recall sitting in my car, coffee in hand, feeling that familiar tug of guilt. Could I really leave my responsibilities behind for a weekend? My answer was a big “yes,” which set the tone for everything that followed.
By choosing to say yes, I reminded myself that I’m worthy of rest, play, and growth.
This weekend reinforced that sometimes the bravest act is simply stepping away from routine.
The logistics weren’t obstacles—they were the prelude to something transformative.
TIP: Say yes first, plan later. Don’t overthink logistics. The first step is committing to yourself. Everything else falls into place.
2. Immersing in Nature’s Reset
Picture a summer camp on Eagle Lake, north of Huntsville, Ontario, with sparkling water, sandy beaches, and big trees - YES! 🌲
Nature was the perfect backdrop for renewal. Surrounded by fresh air and open skies, I could literally feel stress peeling away.
One morning, I woke early to walk along the misty shore, coffee in hand. The calm lake mirrored the sky, and I felt a rare stillness wash over me. As I sat on the lone Muskoka chair thinking about the rush of September, and listened to the water lapping against the pier, I felt connected to the natural world’s “reset” button in my mind and body.
Being outside reminded me how important it is to step away from screens, schedules, and distractions. Nature truly allows us to breathe deeply, reflect more intentionally, and simply be.
TIP: Be prepared. Never let wind, rain, sun, or cold get in the way of enjoying the fresh air!
3. Playing, Moving, and Trying New Things
From ice baths and saunas to restorative yoga, meditation, pickleball, and puppy yoga, there were opportunities to move, stretch, rest, and play to match any mood and energy level.
I’ll admit, the ice bath terrified me. Standing at the edge of the freezing water, my mind raced—“Why am I doing this?, I hate cold water,”—but with the help of our facilitator Lee, I immersed myself for 2 minutes, in which a surprising calm took over. It was shocking, invigorating, and oddly meditative. The sauna afterward? Pure bliss.
Then came pickleball—a sport I hadn’t played in years. Laughter filled the court as we fumbled, cheered, and celebrated tiny victories. Line dancing and sassy bingo brought out my inner goofball, reminding me how essential it is to embrace play at any age. And of course, puppy yoga—enough said. Tiny paws climbing on your mat mid-downward dog = instant joy.
Movement, laughter, and trying new activities broke up my routines and created space for spontaneous connections, reminding me that play isn’t just for kids—it’s essential for adults too.
TIP: Step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s sassy bingo, puppy yoga, or line dancing, the magic happens by embracing the unexpected.
4. Reflecting Through Creative Exploration
I also had the privilege of facilitating two Life Design Collage workshops, where women explored their passions, dreams, and possibilities in hands-on ways.
With words and images, we pieced together collages that reflected where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we want to go.
Watching women dive in, let their creativity flow, and share their visions was inspiring. We witnessed some a-ha’s, some teras, and some new insights into what fall could be. One participant, who had been quietly working away all morning, suddenly lit up as she described her collage—“I didn’t know I could dream this big!” Moments like these remind me that permitting ourselves to imagine is just as important as any physical activity.
Helping others envision, embrace, and create a visual representation of their hopes and dreams was cathartic. As images depicting curiosity, adventure, and growth surfaced, I felt my intentions for the next season solidify as well. I love facilitating transformative experiences and want to do more of THIS. Creativity, reflection, and community = truly transformative experiences.
TIP: Prioritize connection and reflection. Introduce yourself to someone new. Share a meal, a paddle, or collage-making to amplify joy.
5. Leaving Renewed, Refreshed, and Recommitted
By the end of the weekend, something inside me had shifted - I felt lighter, clearer, and more energized.
The combination of movement, play, reflection, and connection created a reset I didn’t even realize I needed.
I carried home laughter shared around campfires, insights from workshops, and a reminder that self-care is not optional—it’s essential. Every challenge in getting there—the drive, the planning, the leaving behind—was worth it.
Heading south on Hwy 11 to Toronto, I felt refreshed, renewed, and recommitted to the season ahead. 🍂
TIP: Take time to reflect. Whether in workshops, on the dock, or during quiet walks, pause to consider what you’ve learned, how you’ve felt, and what you want to carry forward into the season.
Your Invitation: September 25–27, 2026
If you truly want to prioritize yourself, consider joining us at the next Sport & Spirit Women’s Weekend, Sept. 25–27, 2026.
Imagine YOU at the lake, with inspiring women, balancing movement, reflection, rest, belly laughs, yummy food, and a full heart.
So, who’s joining me next year? ✨
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t finding the time—it’s believing you deserve it. And trust me, you do. 💜