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Time to take care of you?


Kirstie Salter Coaching... Reflecting on the weekend's wellness retreat
Kirstie Salter Coaching... Reflecting on the weekend's wellness retreat

Thanks, but no thanks....” 


Was my first reaction when I was invited on a weekend retreat. Not because I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but because my instant response was: 'I don’t have time'. Then, almost like fate, there was a last minute cancellation. The FOMO was creeping in... I thought about it and said to myself, “Why not?” I could make time.


It felt exciting to arrive in the snow. The scenery was stunning, as was our cottage at Everards Farm in Chewton Mendip—a beautiful and exclusive venue just 15 minutes away from home.


The retreat included bionic breathwork (something I was curious about), sound baths, and meditation. If I'm being honest, part of me thought, “I probably won’t learn much from this part, I use guided meditations and breathing techniques in my own practice.”


I was wrong.


I came away with SO much. The biggest lesson I learned? I didn’t actually know what I needed until I experienced it... I was unaware of what I needed until I spent a whole weekend relaxing.


I practice what I preach, deep breathing, stretching, and daily habits that help me sleep well. I thought I was already pretty self-regulated. But grief still hits me hard. There’s pressure I put on myself to keep excelling in my work. And, like everyone else, I deal with the stresses of life.


What really came up for me was this... Being “too busy” wasn’t really the whole story. The truth? I felt guilty. Guilty about taking time out when I could be doing other “important” things. Guilty because my husband has had a tough year and could probably use this more than me. Guilty that Some of my besties are facing huge challenges. Guilty for not being there for the kids. Guilty that I hadn't completed everything on my business plan in '24.


I realised I was carrying a lot of guilt about attending a weekend retreat! And here’s the irony, I’m the first to tell others that guilt is one of the biggest wastes of energy. It serves no one.


Once I got over myself, participated in the meditations, I was able to be fully present and embrace the time. Gradually, my thoughts and judgments drifted away, my mind became still.


We often think of stress as highly emotional people snapping at others or rushing around at 100 mph. But chronic stress can be much more subtle. It shows up as:


• A sense of uneasiness, being unable to switch off and relax


• An inability to be present


• A feeling of disconnection or disengagement


• Irritability or restlessness, even in quiet moments



Since returning, I’ve noticed:


• I’m more mindful and present.


• My creativity has returned in abundance.


• My gratitude has expanded beyond the big things—I’m paying more attention to the small joys in life.


• My inner voice is kinder and less critical.



What would improvements would you like to discover if you invested in yourself?



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