Ep. 62 Retreat Recap: Nourishing Connections Beyond the Booze

But Jesus Drank Wine & Other Stories That Kept Us Stuck

Recently, we were both blessed with opps to attend two different retreats. Meade was a participant in a retreat with her coach, Bob Goff, at The Oaks Center. Christy hosted a retreat for alcohol-free ladies in the Cotswolds. Today’s convo has us reflecting and sharing all the details of both retreat experiences, each with its unique charm and kicks off with us highlighting the beauty of our locations and the transformative power of being in like-minded communities.

Christy, recounting her retreat, emphasizes the magical atmosphere created by a group of women free from alcohol. She muses about the depth of connections formed in the absence of alcohol that leads to vulnerable and meaningful conversations. Christy, highlighting the emotional impact of bidding farewell to newfound friends, punctuates the importance of cultivating authentic connections. Other highlights include the gorgeous grounds and location; the activities – who knew pilates could create so much laughter; the delectable eats prepared by a private chef; and the overall value of being in-person, in community.

Meade shares her experience from her retreat led by Bob Goff, an influential Christian author, speaker and coach. She expresses the joy of attending a retreat without the responsibilities of hosting or leading, allowing her to be present and practice “following;” something that doesn't come easily to leaders yet is necessary, ultimately, to leading well. Further, she reflects on the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar values and aspirations. Sharing other key takeaways from the retreat, Meade, highlights the value of:

• Being present and vulnerable

• Considering who and what we allow to influence us

• Dreaming big and setting intentions

• Curiosity

• Vulnerability

• Allowing others to love and care for you

Today’s convo centers on the experiences of two women on two different retreats with the common theme of connecting deeply when alcohol is not a part of the equation and it underscores the importance and transformative power of living aligned with how God created us to live – in community.

The book Meade mentioned:

Seven Primal Questions

The song Meade referenced:

Honey in the Rock by Brooke Ligertwood

The Psalm referenced: Psalm 81

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Learn More about Coaching with Meade

Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy

You can find this episode on YouTube: HERE

00:01 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 The Importance of Audio Quality in Podcasting

01:10 Podcast Goals and Aspirations

01:48 Recapping Recent Retreat Experiences

02:43 Christy's Retreat Experience

05:26 The Power of Connection in Alcohol-Free Environments

09:02 Mead's Retreat Experience

14:08 The Impact of Living Aligned with Your Values

15:21 The Power of Influence and Choosing Your Circle

18:09 Living Counter Culturally and Embracing Difference

19:48 The Shift in Perception and Living Authentically

20:11 The Power of Retreats and Community

20:43 The Joy of Shared Meals and New Friendships

21:15 The Struggles of Cooking and the Comfort of Familiarity

21:53 The Charm of Accents and the Beauty of Diversity

22:37 The Importance of Finding Your Tribe

25:57 The Value of Curiosity, Presence, and Vulnerability

28:19 The Power of Dreaming Big and Setting Intentions

30:19 The Importance of Allowing Others to Love and Care for You

33:18 The Joy of Music and the Power of Song

34:20 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

#getconnected #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #sobriety #alcoholfree #soberliving #alcoholfreelife #thisnakedmind #lovelifesober #imnotsoberimfree #getconnected #grayareadrinking #grayareadrinking #butjesusdrankwine #staycurious #changeyourthinkingchangeyourdrinking #christianandsober #christianity #authenticliving #journeytosobriety #wineandotherstories #vulnerabilityinrecovery

The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.