Replenished…and relaxed, right when I needed it the most

The 2024 Replenish Women’s Retreat was held in October, at the beautiful Luther Heights Youth Camp on the Sunshine Coast – a weekend spent together in community, away from the busyness of life, resting and relaxing! Save the date for next year’s retreat: 10-12th October 2025.

My view of the ocean from the Cross Ridge verandah.

Replenished…and relaxed, right when I needed it the most

“I didn’t know how badly I needed to exhale.”

I don’t know exactly how many times I thought this, over the course of the recent Replenish Women’s Retreat at Coolum – but the words kept coming into my mind.

It was my second time attending, and I think I’d spent the 12 months after my first Replenish weekend inhaling and holding my breath.

Holding on to the heavy stuff that feels important, but never really is.

Once again. Despite the promises to myself after last year.

I’m a working mum and I find it hard to prioritise self-care. I’m not alone in that sense.

But it didn’t take long to start exhaling once we arrived at Luther Heights on the Friday night.

It was reuniting with good friends made last year – and making some new friends this year.

Not having to think about what the next meal was (or having to prepare it!)

Soaking up the chilled vibes at Montville.

Squeezing the sand between my toes at the beach.

Watching the ocean from the Cross Ridge verandah while God and I had a chat about some of the heavy stuff.

And maybe a box full of felt pens and an adult colouring book.

Well, actually, it was definitely the mindlessness of turning black and white into a rainbow.

As I focused on the colours, I could feel the heaviness start to abate and I remembered the good things I have been blessed with.

My mind felt clearer and my heart a little lighter.

No doubt the unimportant things will start to creep back into focus, but I’ve already got October 10-12, 2025 in my diary, and I hope others reading this will do the same.

In the meantime, I’ll do my very best to breathe in – and out.