Hey there Reader~

Have you ever had that awkward feeling walking into a party or a networking event and it seems like everyone already knows each other, or at least knows someone?

Cue the flashback to the first days of school—12 years in a row—scanning the room, hoping someone makes eye contact. You see the popular group, effortlessly magnetic, and maybe even hover close hoping the proximity will give others the impression that you belong. I used to do that. It was exhausting. Eventually, I decided to stop faking it and started searching for the other kids standing alone.

You know what? That’s where I found my truest, longest-lasting friendships.

It turns out that we don’t stop needing connection just because we grow up.

Women crave deeper friendships—but it gets harder as we get older. We are preoccupied with busy lives, responsibilities, and let's face it 🙄, the option to connect virtually can often keep us in our "safety zone".

Retreats are friendship accelerators when designed with intentional connection. The effort to get outside of your four walls and see things from a different perspective breaks down barriers. It's one of the experiences that AI cannot duplicate- a heartfelt conversation, in person.

📌 PRO TIP:​
If you want people to connect in a group setting, you go first.​
Tell a story. Share something true. Be vulnerable in a way that feels safe. People don’t open up when they’re put on the spot but they will when they feel invited.

Each week, I'll share some nuggets from my Blog...

In fact, this week’s blog digs into this exact truth:
Navigating Adult Friendships: Making Friends Isn’t Just for Kids​

We talk about how weird adult friendship can be, especially in a world that’s increasingly digital and distant. And how in-person retreats, when intentionally designed, can create the space for friendships that go way beyond surface-level small talk.

Whether you’re planning a retreat, craving deeper community, or just feeling that uneasiness of “where do I even start?”, this blog gives you both the heart and the how-to.

✨ Let’s talk about .....

What’s your go-to move when you walk into a room full of strangers?

Do you introduce yourself, scan for someone familiar, or head straight to the snack table?

Hit reply—I’d genuinely love to hear.

1. My favorite children's book, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. (Margery Williams, 1922). Talk about the power of friendship, belonging, and self-acceptance! It doesn't get more REAL than that! Read it again, all alone, with a box of tissues.
2. Monsoon Season: These late afternoon thunderstorms hit Arizona in the end of August-early September. Maybe. Unpredictable, isolated, intense. Our God is an awesome God and this is his power on display.
3. Back-to-school sales and new office supplies. There's something about a fresh box of pens that makes me happy.

Catch ya' later & have a great week! 💙

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Have you joined my Facebook Group? The members here know the value of meeting in person, whether you are the attendee or the host. This group is for you as a coach, creative, and service-based entrepreneur who knows the power of bringing your people together and is ready to finally plan that in-person retreat or workshop you've been putting off. Someday:the8thdayoftheweek​

​READ THE FULL BLOG HERE​

P.S. Next Week: Why We Need to Always Be Learning New Things