I’ve been reading the stories of why you need a retreat at the Big Virtual Retreat Contest (you can still enter).

Each time a comment comes in, I’m blown away by how articulate and creative you each are – and how much you really really need a retreat.

I cry as I read your stories, cry at the loss, the need, the scary money struggles – and the self-denial.

I also punch the air with “Yes, you get it!” You get how powerfully healing and life saving retreats are.

I cry and I marvel.

Like when I read Carolyn’s story:

I lead retreats, I don’t do retreats. That is a sad and embarrassing thing to say. I am no different than every woman that has commented thus far or who has ever attended, or wanted to attend one of my retreats.

We say:  “I don’t have the time,”  (but we all know that isn’t true), I don’t have the money, (have you checked the price of a beverage at Starbucks lately), “I think I’ll wait until next time, maybe one that fits me better” (There’s never a retreat that will fit you perfectly if you’re looking for perfect). My list of so-called obstacles is the same as everyone else’s.

And yet, for me, I MUST go on retreat. I don’t think I even have the opportunity to say no any longer. I MUST find the way to that place of retreat where I know I will find peace, and quiet and rejuvenation.

I’ve been laid up now for months and months. And as I lay in bed with nothing to do but think, I’m not rejuvenated. I’m full of worry, I’m full of chatter in my head. What I KNOW is that when I go on retreat I give myself permission to let go. It’s a place where I’m challenged to truly be still. Being still in retreat is very active. Being still is a very deliberate choice.

Going on a retreat will give me the space to enter into that magical place of BEING that I’m longing for. So that I too can come away excited about life, MY life, and to let Joy flow out.

Wow, Carolyn, thank you.

The way I read the contest entries, two things are stopping you: money and permission.

I figure that is what gets in the way of you buying my books, hiring me as a coach, joining the Comfort Cafe.

So for those of you denying yourself the big Virtual Retreat or one of my one day retreats or just a book – for those of you, lost in a fog of “someday” or a story there is not time, take action on your own behalf this weekend (by Sunday night) – buy the retreat, register for a one day retreat, buy a book, and

I will donate 50% to Haitian relief efforts.

So for the Virtual Retreat, that’s $54.

For a one day retreat, that’s $55

For a book, it’s about $5.

For the Comfort Cafe, I’ll donate one month, $19.

Please enter this in the coupon code to help us track: HELPHAITI.

Because when you do something truly nurturing for your soul– something that takes courage and time and effort – you gain the ability to make the world a better place.

So here’s a literal example of that.  Take action on your own behalf and I’ll pay it forward.

In service to your greatest good and most alive self.