Note No. #14 // How Solo Retreats Can Transform Your Life
A Guide to Reconnecting with Yourself
Good morning, and happy Saturday!
Imagine having an entire week to yourself—no distractions, no to-do lists, just time to think and reset. That’s what my first solo retreat turned into, even though it wasn’t planned that way.
A couple of years ago, I booked a trip to the Austrian Alps, craving some time alone in the mountains. What started as a simple getaway quickly became a yearly ritual, helping me reconnect with myself, recharge, and reshape how I approach life.
But that first retreat? Far from perfect. I spent more time watching Netflix than I’d like to admit, unsure of how to embrace the silence. But over time, I found something deeper. That solo retreat became one of the most transformative experiences of my life—leading to a practice of self-reflection, creativity, and intentional living.
Why Solo Retreats Matter
Solo retreats allow you to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life. When you’re alone with your thoughts, something shifts. It’s not always easy, but that’s part of the beauty.
During my first retreat in Austria, I struggled with the quiet. I felt like I should be "doing" something, and it took time to let go of that pressure. By the second year, I was more at ease—cooking, journaling, and taking long walks. I started listening to what I needed, not what I should be doing.
This year in Montana, I’ve gotten better at silencing distractions, embracing the quiet, and leaning into what my body and mind need. These retreats have evolved from something nerve-wracking into something I now crave.
How to Create Your Own Solo Retreat
Solo retreats don’t need to be elaborate, and they can be customized to fit your life. Here’s how I’ve approached mine:
Pick a Time: Fall became my retreat season because it fit my schedule that first year, and now it’s a ritual. But even if you can only manage an afternoon, find time that works for you.
Pick a Place: That first trip to the Austrian Alps set the tone for what I now seek—nature, solitude, and space to reflect. This year, I stayed in a small cabin near Glacier National Park. Whether it’s close to home or deep in the mountains, find a location that fits what you need.
Set Intentions: Before each retreat, I reflect on what I want to get out of it. Sometimes it’s just about recharging, other times I have a creative project in mind. Keep your intentions loose enough to allow for spontaneity.
Do the Work: The hardest part is showing up for yourself. During that first retreat, I spent days feeling uncomfortable, unsure how to fill my time. But those moments of discomfort are where the real growth happens—when you stop forcing productivity and let yourself simply be.
Making the Most of Your Solo Retreat
Over the years, I’ve learned that solo retreats are about more than just getting away—they’re about tuning into yourself. Here are a few things that have helped me:
Be Intentional: Start your day with a simple routine that grounds you. For me, it’s coffee and journaling or a podcast. Whether it’s coffee, writing, or something else, find what works for you.
Listen to Your Body: Some retreats are active, others are for rest. In Montana, I sat and enjoyed in the views. In Austria, I explored new places every other day. And some days, I stayed in to write or edit photos. Let your retreat flow naturally and follow what feels right.
Give Yourself Space: Alone time can bring up anxiety or loneliness, especially at first. It’s normal. Don’t push those feelings away—acknowledge them. I’ve learned to sit with those emotions, and each year it gets easier. But in the beginning, I did everything to ignore them.
Self-Soothing Techniques: Have go-to strategies for when you need a reset. Sometimes, stepping outside or listening to a podcast is enough to ease loneliness. On my first retreat, podcasts were my lifeline when silence felt overwhelming.
Cue Your Environment: Set up your space to support your goals. Whether it’s finding a place with no Wi-Fi or stocking up on healthy food, create an environment that fits your retreat. In Montana, I drove into Glacier National Park, where no cell service forced me to stay present.
Go with the Flow: Let go of rigid expectations. Some years, I dive into projects; other years, I barely touch my laptop. One morning in Whitefish, I was too anxious to sit still, so I ended up at a coffee shop, which led me to an unexpected writing session by Lake McDonald.
How Solo Retreats Evolve Over Time
Looking back, each retreat has been a little different. My first trip to Austria was filled with distractions—I spent way too much time binge-watching Netflix. But with each passing year, I’ve become more intentional about how I use that time. This year in Montana, I had one of my biggest breakthroughs. While driving through Glacier National Park, I realized I could approach this season of life with curiosity and play instead of stress and anxiety. It was a simple yet profound reminder of why these retreats matter—they give me the space to reflect, process deeply, and reset on my own terms.
A Question for You
What would your solo retreat look like? If you gave yourself the time and space to disconnect and reconnect with yourself, what would you focus on? Could you make solo retreats a yearly ritual in your life?
One last thought—these retreats have become something I look forward to every year. They challenge me in ways that everyday life can’t. While I’m not quite ready for this year’s retreat to end (writing this as I wrap it up), I know that stepping away will only make next year’s retreat even more meaningful.
Have a great week!
Becca
Fun fact: Wherever Notes was born during one of my solo retreats! If there’s something you’ve been dreaming of starting or exploring, I encourage you to plan your own retreat. Set an intention, give yourself space, and see what unfolds—you never know what might come from a little space for you.
