Life changing. It is something we often hear. I personally had not used the term nor related to it. Not when my family went through cancer, not when we went through years of infertility, not even when I had my babies. After each of these experiences I was stronger, I was more grateful, I was more compassionate, I was a better version of myself, but I didn’t consider them life changing. The person and the mind I took into these circumstances was essentially the same person, the same mind that emerged at the other side.
Over the last three days I have had what I truly believe has been a life changing experience.
I really do not know where to start in conveying this journey to you.
Did it begin when I was eighteen years old and started entering every Golden Door Health Retreat competition I saw and promising my Mum and Aunties that one day we would get there.
Or was it more recent than that? Was it last year when I went through a time that was filled with difficulties on so many levels, a time that challenged my body and mind beyond anything I was capable of dealing with. A time that even once it was finally resolved, I couldn’t let it go. I was letting it eat away at myself and consequently at those I loved the most. I couldn’t accept what had happened and I couldn’t move on no matter how hard I tried. With each day I was creeping further away from the person I aspire to be, from the loving, happy girl my Husband married and slowly changing into an irritable lady who was forgetting how to smile.
Or was it because I spent this time with my Mum.
I really do not know the answer. What I do know is that I have myself back. That I recognise and am proud of the person I see when I look in the mirror. Although I cannot explain this experience with words, my kids hear it through the joy in my voice, my Mum feels it by the love and compassion in my embrace, my Husband sees that at last I have reached a place of self acceptance. I feel it by the calmness in my mind, the ease in my laughter, the relief, the overwhelming elation of finally realising that despite the challenges I face I can still be true to who I am. That I have nothing to prove and no one to please. That simply being me, not clouded by perceived expectations or self criticisms, is enough. That the love I give to myself and to others is enough.
Many years ago I spent some time reading self-help, self-acceptance and self-improvement literature. What I have experienced this past week is not comparable to what you read in these books, many of which I think are great.
This was an experience. It wasn’t a light bulb moment, it wasn’t something I concentrated on or put into practice. It took place on a subconscious level, a deeper level, it happened in a way I cannot explain.
My days were spent enjoying the company of other beautiful people who I had never met before. I loved hearing their stories and getting to know a little about their lives.
Throughout my time away I spoke with many amazing minds and I learnt and I grew with every conversation I had.
I filled in my time doing all that I enjoy. I ran, I swam, I ate delicious food. I had a massage and I chatted until I could chat no more.
I shared it all with my gorgeous Mother.
This was my Golden Door experience. Everyone who goes will have their own. The options of how you fill in your time are endless. You can relax and rejuvenate, you can kick start your goals, you can learn, you can deepen relationships, you can simply get to know yourself.
It was incredibly difficult for me to make the decision to leave my children for three nights. I have never done anything like that before. Even though they were staying at home with their wonderful Dad and were all completely at ease with my decision, I was filled with uncertainty. But now that I am on the other side I know I will do this again. I know that it has helped me to be a better Mum, a better wife and that it has enabled me to give my family the best of myself.
So instead of regretting my time away I am actually overflowing with gratitude. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this experience and to have shared this amazing time with my Mum.
I wish I could send you all, I truly do, I wish that everyone who felt they would benefit from the Golden Door Health Retreat could grab a Wholefood Simply pass. I loved sharing this with my Mum and for this reason I am giving one of you and a companion of your choice the opportunity to go to Golden Door and make the experience your own.
We are running this giveaway from our Facebook Page, entry is simple. The giveaway is running for five days. I hope you get the chance to check out the Golden Door website and to pop your name down for the prize. If you have any problems or any questions be sure to let me know.
I cannot take credit for the delicious recipe I am sharing with you tonight, it is courtesy of the Golden Door Health Resort and is from a meal that my Mum and I throughly enjoyed during our three day stay.
Beetroot Soup
- 4 extra large roasted beetroot
- 3 cloves of roasted garlic
- 150 grams of organic raw cashews
- ¼ of a bunch of Fresh Dill
- 1 litre Vegetable stock
- 200 mills Coconut milk
- Season with Maldon sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- Roast beetroot in their skin until cooked. Peel and roughly chop when cool. Blend all ingredients except for the coconut milk in a blender until smooth. Add the coconut milk last.
- Enjoy this soup hot in the winter and at room temperature in the summer.
serves 4
Based on 3 Review(s)