The Ultimate Refresh
A 6-Day Retreat for leaders & entrepreneurs who know that burning out is not an option!
Costa Rica, April 14-19, 2024
You missed our retreat in Costa Rica!
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You missed our retreat in Costa Rica! 〰️
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If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur or leader who’s passionate about prioritizing your well-being (and that of your team) as part of your success strategy, then join us for this interactive retreat where you’ll get direct access to valuable content and wellness experiences that will influence how you show up when you return home!
You want to work smarter, not harder, so we’ll be sharing the latest research on workplace trends and wellness and showing you how you can use it to your advantage! Experiential learning opportunities in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest await this April 14-19, 2024!
Allow me to paint the picture of what you can expect!
Experience the excitement of your first private jet ride while taking in the aerial view of the lush, green landscape! Watch for whales as you head towards the turquois waters and enjoy a relaxing breath, knowing that you’re entering into a restorative week ahead.
When you arrive at the retreat center, notice a feeling of surprise overtake you as you are welcomed with refreshingly cool towels infused with a signature scent followed by a beautiful and delicious mocktail. The gorgeously airy venue, paired with the jungle views causes your shoulders to immediately drop and your body to relax! You can barely believe it!
And this is just the beginning!
After a long day of travel, you relish the opportunity to enjoy a beautifully plated meal that you did not have to cook yourself! This is a meal with no guilt attached because you know that each bite is nourishing. This is a moment of fellowship with fellow travelers on an adventure. This moment alone is magical!
Looking around the room at the faces of soon-to-be friends, you take in their stories and feel the connection between them and your own journey. The intentionally designed experiences for mindfulness bring you back to yourself, back to this moment, and back to this experience.
Welcome to Day 1 at Imiloa!
This REALLY is YOUR life!! You’ve worked hard, and you deserve to have this moment!
Are you ready to take care of yourself & transform how you lead & succeed?
Reconnect with yourself & your “why”
Can you imagine how good it will feel when you have the opportunity to slow down, check inside, and reconnect with your north star?
Through guided exercises and mindfulness experiences, you’ll get to reconnect with yourself, the things that light you up and give you a sense of purpose, while creating space for more of those things in your life.
Nourish your mind, body, and spirit
How wonderful would it be to move your body, breathe the fresh air, and get all the rest you need? Image how good you’ll feel after nourishing your body for 6 full days!
You already know the importance of self-care. Knowing and doing, however, are two different things. At this retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in unique wellness activities that allow for experiential learning that lasts!
Connect in newfound community
Imagine being supported by like-minded individuals who are on a similar life journey, knowing that your connection will last long after this experience!
The lonely leadership vibe is not the one you’re going for! You know that going far means going together. Retreats are incubators for relationships, and our intentionally designed exercises will facilitate meaningful interactions and connections with others. You may have signed up alone, but you’ll be going home with new friends!
Uncover wellness-based paths to success for you and your team
Consider how freeing it would be to know (experientially and academically) that wellness can lead you and your team on a sustainable path to success?
You can leave this retreat knowing that you never have to feel guilty for taking care of yourself ever again, because you know that wellness IS an integral part of our success strategy. You’ll know, because you lived this experience for 6 days and you’ve heard the research!
Reignite your creative spark!
If people get their best ideas in the shower, imagine what will happen when you’re getting an outdoor shower in the jungle!
At the end of this retreat, you’ll know (through experience) just what is possible when you step back, take a break, change your environment. Give yourself a hands-on opportunity to get those creative juices flowing again!
See what you can expect at our Costa Rica Retreat!
Unbelievable lodging experiences
to choose from because...
this isn’t just “any ol’ retreat.”
Your tropical getaway awaits!
1 VIP Single Occupancy Villa — Jogolo
1 VIP Single Occupancy Villa — Potoo
3 Single Occupancy — Bali Suites
3 Single Occupancy — Bungalows
3 Single Occupancy — Sky Forest
3 Double Occupancy — Bungalows
5 Double Occupancy — Geodesic Domes
Once in a Lifetime Experiences to Renew Mind, Body, & Spirit!
Beach Mandala Experience -- Unwind on the sandy shores as you engage in the meditative process of creating and following intricate mandalas. Allow the rhythmic waves and soothing environment to guide you as you reflect on this transformative experience.
Deep Tissue Massage - 60 Minutes -- Reconnect with your body by becoming aware of the stress and tension you’ve been holding onto. Melt away the tension for the ultimate relaxation. There’s nothing like a massage in a serene tropical setting.
Beach Excursion -- When people think about Costa Rica, this is it!! Immerse yourself in the warm blue waters of this beautiful beach. This excursion gives you the spaciousness to reflect on the beauty of this place and on the experiences you are having.
Blue Clay Waterfall Experience -- Nourish your skin and your spirit in this guided experience with soothing blue clay and a sacred cleansing waterfall. This anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory clay has been used as a naturopathic remedy for various ailments for centuries. Bring your camera to record the magic of this moment!! You will definitely want to share!
Outdoor Yoga -- Alleviate stress and burnout under the lush canopy of tropical greenery. Reconnect with your mind, body, and breath in this relaxing yoga session as an act of gratitude for all that your body does to support you on a daily basis. Feel your stress melt away in this serene environment, leaving you refreshed and restored.
Retreat Cuisine
Every last part of your retreat experience, down to the food, has been designed to provide you with a nourishing experience! Enjoy organic, gourmet vegan meals that are both delicious and beautifully plated each day! Even if you’ve never tried vegan food before, you’ll be delighted by the flavors. You’ll also get to notice how good your body feels as a result of these healthy meals made with all organic, locally sourced ingredients.
“Self-care IS business strategy.”
~Mel Robbins
What will we be doing during our 6 days in the jungle?
Here's a sneak peak at what you can expect!
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As our journey begins, you’ll find yourself taking in the Costa Rican landscape from our very own private jet. The aerial view of the lush green jungle and turqouise waters will fill you with excited anticipation.
Feel your shoulders relax and your body exhale when the welcome reception reassures you that you’re going to be taken good care of. Even more significant than the scented cold towels, beautiful mocktails, and beautifully plated gourmet food is the feeling of welcome and acceptance you feel in your body when you meet your fellow travelers for the first time.
By the end of the evening, you’ll be feeling relaxed, fully present, and ready to absorb the magic that this private jungle experience has to offer. Our opening experiences will be setting the stage for the journey ahead. Go to bed with gratitude for having gifted yourself this experience.
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Start the morning by enjoying moments of quiet reflection while sipping on your favorite hot beverage that has been hand-delivered to your room. This morning will be dedicated to reconnecting with your “why” and re-aligning your time and energy to the things that are most important to you.
Together, we’ll immerse our senses in the Costa Rican jungle to reconnect with our bodies, our selves, and with nature.
As evening falls, you’ll reconnect with your breath and your body while engaging in an outdoor yoga experience where you are surrounded by beauty and the sounds of tropical birds.
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Join our enriching morning circle focused on the transformative power of self-care, where we'll delve into the profound connection between nurturing oneself and fostering greater ease and success in both personal and professional realms. Explore how cultivating a compassionate approach towards yourself and others can unlock newfound levels of productivity, fulfillment, and harmonious collaboration.
Experience an extraordinary self-care adventure with soothing blue clay renowned for its healing properties. Enjoy cleansing by the sacred waterfall that is sure to invigorate your spirit and your zest for life. Capture unforgettable moments with photos that will leave your friends wishing they could have joined you.
Wind down with immersive group exercises designed to cultivate a gentle and nurturing relationship with yourself. Unravel the barriers that hinder you from nourishing yourself, and elevate your well-being as you learn to shower yourself with the kindness and compassion you truly deserve.
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Immerse yourself in the warm waters of the ocean as we start the day. The rhythm of the waves will serenade you while the sunlight kisses your skin. Surrender to the awe-inspiring beauty of this moment, allowing your mind to drift into a state of tranquil reflection. Let nature's elements inspire profound insights and deepen your connection to the wisdom within
In our afternoon circle, reflect deeply on your personal journey and the transformative effects this week’s practices have had on you. With newfound clarity and insight, craft a personalized roadmap to sustain this nourishing momentum, ensuring that your well-being continues to flourish long after the retreat's end. Allow this reflective process to empower you with the tools and perseverance needed to continue this journey after the retreat.
This day will be a spacious blend of reflection and integration, deepening your transformation and leaving you with a deep sense of gratitude for yourself, this experience, and your connection to others.
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Walk the mandala on the beach in an exercise led by a local facilitator. Take in the beauty of your surroundings while being fully present in this process of reflection and transformation.
Experience a state of expansiveness while Brainspotting outdoors in the jungle. Take in the beauty of this moment and feel the expansiveness that comes with this life-changing experience in the rainforest.
We’ll close our time with an evening ceremony for a time of profound reflection and acknowledgement. This will be a day dedicated to honoring ourselves, one another, and the profound connections and transformations that have been made.
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Start the day filled with gratitude for the new community that you have formed. We’ll celebrate our newfound community, make plans for staying in touch, and celebrate new beginnings when we return home.
This is exactly what I need!
Your Bonuses
✔ Get to know fellow retreat participants in our private Whatsapp group prior to our departure.
Connect with others, ask your questions, and get last-minute trip updates to help you get excited, acquainted, and prepared!
✔ Get to know fellow attendees during our pre-trip video call.
Get helpful information and reminders prior to our trip. Ask your burning questions and prepare to get excited for what's ahead!
✔ Feel what it means to be truly alive and living in the moment!!
When we're in "go" mode, we're often operating on autopilot, rather than taking in the moment. Life is short, and this is YOUR opportunity to really experience what it means to be alive!! FINALLY get to be the person who's taking (and posting) the most gorgeous pictures of you LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE. If you're the person who gets jealous of your friends who are always traveling, this is your time to be the person giving everyone else FOMO!
✔ Reconnect with fellow participants during our post-retreat video call (for early registration crew).
Reconnect with your new friends, share updates, and hold one another accountable as you return to life at home and begin implementing changes.
✔ Maintain relationships with your new friends in our existing Whatsapp group & online.
During our retreat, we'll be creating opportunities for staying connected with one another long after the retreat has ended, so you can maintain these very special connections.
Who’s This Retreat For?
This retreat is perfect for you if you…
✔ need to refresh + recharge, so you can take better care of yourself and show up the way you want to show up for the people around you.
✔ crave community with other leaders and entrepreneurs.
✔ want access to the latest research about wellbeing and how it can help you be successful in your work.
✔ want to experience incredibly unique wellness experiences and learn wellness concepts (by doing), so you can take these ideas back home with you.
✔ are excited about the opportunity to travel internationally for work.
✔ build organic and long-lasting relationships with other professionals. Some people do business on the golf course. Our people build relationships on retreats! : )
Who is this retreat NOT for?
This retreat is not for business owners who…
✘ Are experiencing significant mental health symptoms that could prove difficult to manage in Costa Rica (ex. debilitating depression or anxiety, active self-harm, thoughts of suicide, active substance misuse).
✘ Do not adapt well to life in other countries or cultures.
✘ Would have difficulty going 6 days without alcohol or other substances (this is a drug and alcohol-free campus)
✘ Would have difficulty eating vegan meals for 6 days (no animal-based products used or consumed on this campus)
This could be you!
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![A headshot of Claire Fultz]()
"I have had the good fortune to participate in a previous retreat with Melissa and, most notably, a cultural immersion workshop in Jantetelco, Mexico for mental health providers. The intentionally crafted workshop structure meaningfully brought together professionals to learn and grow together, to support and develop best practices toward serving the greater community, and to practice self care. I found the experience transformative in multiple ways - on an emotional level, I was incredibly moved by the tenacity, resilience, and generosity of everyone I met in Mexico. On a professional level, I could see first-hand how services in the U.S. fail to recognize or acknowledge the many lived experiences of individuals from Mexico who now live in the U.S. On a healing level, the connections I made with the other participants allowed me time to step outside of my professional role and focus on my own wellness needs, while building a network of support and resources to better serve our clients and communities. I will gladly take up the opportunity to participate in future workshops and retreats facilitated by Melissa Wesner."
Dr. Claire Fultz, DSW, MSc, MSW, LCSW-C, CCM (she/her/hers)
Severin Green Behavioral Health -
![A headshot of Caroline Brady]()
"I am a 2018 participant of Melissa’s Cultural Immersion workshop in Jantetelco, Mexico for mental health providers. My week-long workshop had a two-fold purpose, building cultural competence and continuing education. Our hosts were both knowledgeable about the culture and sensitive to the needs of their participants. We were challenged to question our beliefs and to become familiar with the struggle of others. The invaluable part of this experience was the connections I made with my fellow participants and the speakers. 5 years later, we remain in touch. I cannot say what I enjoyed more, trips to see Mexico’s national treasures such as the pyramids of Chalcatzingo or shopping at the market in Amayuca. The presentation entitled Stereotypes about Mexico/Mexicans, US demographics and application to mental health practices in Maryland laid the groundwork for roundtable discussions with residents of Jantetelco who have lived in the US and a group of women who built a business and the location of the workshop, Piedra Rojada. Go ahead, sign up for this retreat for business owners!"
Here's What You Need to Know!
Here's What You Need to Know!
Dates & Location
Remote, Pre-Retreat Logistics Meeting
Monday, 3/25 from 12-1 PM EST
Early Sign-Up Post-Retreat Bonus
Friday, 5/3 at 12 PM EST
Retreat
April 14-19th, 2024
Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Registration Cost
Rates: $3,297-$5,297*
*Cost depends on lodging you select
Documents You’ll Sign
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✔ Private jet from SJO airport to our location in Puntarenas Province
✔ Private land transportation for our group’s scheduled outings
✔ Lodging
✔ Gourmet vegan meals
✔ Access to the gourmet smoothie bar, coffee bar, and healthy elixirs throughout the day
✔ One 60-minute deep tissue massage
✔Business and wellness oriented break-out sessions
✔ Private experiences for our group (yoga, beach mandala experience, beach trip, clay by the waterfall, mindfulness hike)
What is NOT Included
✘ Your roundtrip airfare from home to San Jose Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica
✘ Travel insurance from Global Rescue with Cancel For Any Reason Clause*
It is highly recommended that you purchase insurance from the following company
Meet your host,
Melissa Wesner, LCPC!
Hi, I’m Melissa Wesner, your retreat guide, facilitator, and recovering workaholic! Like you, I’m an entrepreneur who really cares about my work.
Professionally, I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with years of experience helping people improve their overall wellness with a holistic approaches. As a therapist, I know that we have to walk the walk and put our own oxygen mask on first. That’s part of why I’m here!
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Outside of my role as a therapist, one of the things that I love is bringing people together for meaningful experiences, community, and connection.
This has long been part of my personal and professional life. Sometimes I’m the one hosting, and other times, I’m signing myself up to be a part of professional communities that are going to help me grow. Over the past year, I’ve attended numerous business retreats with wildly successful entrepreneurs in beautiful locations.
These retreats gave me the opportunity to explore new places that I wouldn’t have sought out on my own, and I thoroughly enjoyed being cared for and not being the one in charge! The community, the feedback, and the inspiration were invaluable.
While swimming in the ocean on one of these retreats, I couldn’t stop thinking about how I would love to bring these experiences to others! After hearing several business peers tell me to stop talking about it and to do it already, I took the leap.
Almost one year later, I’m inviting you to join me in Costa Rica!
Finding my way to Costa Rica!
The Imiloa Institute came on my radar a year before my wish to offer international experiences again. It was at the Imiloa Institute where I experienced my first private jet ride, smelled the most amazing ginger shampoo plant, and watched toucans in the wild. It takes me a while to relax, but when you’re being pampered and surrounded by tropical green foliage, your body can’t help but relax. I wanted to offer this very same experience to other hard working leaders and entrepreneurs: the opportunity to let your shoulders down and breathe deeply because it’s the natural thing for your body to do when immersed in beautiful spaces in the jungle where you are being taken such good care of.
Answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs)!
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If you are an entrepreneur or leader who is craving time to focus on yourself and your own well-being, so you don’t burn out? Then YES!
This retreat will give you the time, space, community, and wellness experiences needed to relax, re-energize, get creative and inspired, so you can return to home and workplace feeling like a whole new person!
In other words, this experience has been designed specifically for YOU!
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This wellness-based retreat for leaders and entrepreneurs is more than just a luxury vacation in an exotic place. It is an investment in yourself that can have an impact on your family life and your business!
The better question might be: Can I afford NOT to attend? And, what is the cost of NOT attending?
Why? Because if you burn out, your business burns out! If you bring tired energy, your team and your clients absorb that tired energy.
This retreat is designed not only to support you personally, but it is designed to support your business! You’ll be learning the latest research on how leaders’ well-being and focus on well-being at work supports companies’ biggest goals and addresses their biggest concerns. I’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to (and, let’s not forget that my background is in mental health which is a pretty hot workplace topic right now!). I’m not an accountant, but this sure sounds like a deductible business expense 😉
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I get it! I’m an entrepreneur myself, so I know that we stay busy! This is one of the reasons that I’ve designed this retreat, so there is very little preparation on your end! All you have to do is sign up, book your flight, and everything else will be planned out for you!
I also know that entrepreneurship can be exhausting which is exactly why we need to get away!
Have you ever struggled to complete a task, but then you stepped back, took a break, only to find that you later returned to the task and completed it with ease? That’s EXACTLY what getting away can do for you! Taking a break allows us to work efficiently and effectively!
And, guess what? I’ve got you covered, because I created a check-list to help you plan and prepare for leaving the office! I’ll be sharing this very special check-list that I’ve created just for you prior to our retreat!
Do you have a team? Stepping away to focus on your own self-care models healthy behavior for your team. It also shows that you trust them to handle their work while you’re out of the office.
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A general overview of the program has been provided for you on this page, and a more specific itinerary will be provided during the retreat.
Depending on the group’s needs and energy, the itinerary may shift. This allows for a more organic and authentic flow that is based on the needs of our group and our direction at any one time.
As a general overview, you’ll wake up each morning to your favorite hot beverage being delivered to your room. From there, you’ll get to enjoy quiet moments of reflection while taking in the gorgeous view and sounds of nature. We will gather for 3 deliciously nourishing meals each day while enjoying ongoing access to local teas. You will also get to enjoy the gourmet coffee bar, smoothie bar, and healthy elixirs.
Each day, we’ll have at least 2 educational and/or process-based reflection sessions twice a day. All experiences will take place in beautiful outdoor structures that allow you to feel a part of nature.
Each day also includes a unique wellness activity that you simply cannot find anywhere!
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If you would like to sign up with a partner or family member, you can simply sign up at the same time or send me an email to let me know that you would like to room together.
If you are signing up alone for a double occupancy room, know that we can pair you with a roommate.
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This, my friend, is the beauty of participating in a retreat. It is an amazing opportunity to build a new community of really special people. Plus, you’ll get to meet other participants during our online orientation video call before we leave. I’ll also be putting everyone in a whatsapp group, so you can chat and get to know one another even before we land in Costa Rica!
As a therapist and someone who loves hosting, know that I am very intentional about creating opportunities for people to feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. Our day 1 experiences are designed to get to know one another and to develop a shared understanding of how we will co-exist during our time together.
I know that meeting new people can make some people feel nervous. Know that our experiences are designed to foster connection, AND if you wish to make it known to me (or others) that you need some extra support in this area, that’s OK too.
If this is your first time traveling alone or traveling to a new country, know that I am so very excited for you!! You are about to have a memorable, life-enriching experience!
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This is YOUR retreat, and therefore YOUR experience. You are in control of your own choices and decisions around the experiences you’d like to have.
With that being said, every aspect of this retreat has been thoughtfully designed with a particular purpose in mind. Our schedule is intended to facilitate the transformation you desire, and I have a feeling you won’t want to miss a thing!
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You’ll need to fly into the SJO airport in Costa Rica. The contract that I’ll send you after sign-up includes all of the details of when and how you should book your flight.
Personally, I will be flying into SJO on 4/13/24, and I’ll be flying out on 4/20/24, a day before and after the retreat.
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All meals at the Imiloa Institute are vegan and include organic, locally sourced products. They can make accommodations for allergies, although they are an animal product-free campus.
If you have a specific food allergy, please let me know by sending me an email at melissa@lifespringcounseling.net, and I will be sure to notify the team.
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The Imiloa Institute regularly hosts retreats with international travelers without any safety concerns. As always, you should use standard precautions anytime you travel.
As soon as you make your way to the domestic airport and through immigration near SJO, you’ll be taken care of by our team. The domestic airport is VERY small, and we’ll all be waiting together.
You can always research travel and safety alerts with the U.S. Department of State. Click here to learn more about travel to Costa Rica.
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Expect hot weather in April. Some rain is possible. For more accurate information on weather, be sure to search online right before our trip.
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A packing list is included in the contract that I’ll send over after sign-up. In general, you’ll want to bring light, airy clothes that are casual and comfortable. There’s no need to get fancy or dressed up here!
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Our retreat officially begins on 4/14/24, and it ends on 4/19/24. If you wish to arrive early or extend your stay, you certainly may make your own arrangements. You will simply need to make sure that you are able to get on all of the private flights that have been arranged for you for the retreat. Any other lodging arrangements will need to be made at places other than the Imiloa Institute as it is not possible to extend your stay at Imiloa.
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Yes, you will have internet access from your room and other locations on campus. There are wifi-free areas on campus designed to help you be fully present and in the moment for this experience.
Keep in mind, the more you are able to disconnect from everything at work and home, the more benefits you will gain from this experience. The preparing to get out of the office worksheet I will send you before the retreat will help you prepare to be as disconnected as possible from technology.
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At this time, COVID-19 is still a reality. For the safety of others, it is recommended that you take a COVID test prior to coming if you are experiencing symptoms.
Airlines are no longer refunding trips for cancellations due to illness with COVID. This is just one of the many reasons that you are STRONGLY encouraged to purchase the Global Rescue travel insurance with a cancel for any reason clause.
Masks are not required at this location. If you personally feel more comfortable masking during the retreat, please know that you are 100% invited and welcome to do so. I personally always mask up when traveling by plane.
Prioritize yourself & register for our 6-day Refresh in Costa Rica!
You’re constantly taking care of everyone else! When you have a hard time saying “no” to others, saying “yes” to yourself is a real win!
Are you ready to say “YES “ to you?
Now is the time to decide!
Are you ready to treat yourself with the same kindness, compassion, and support that you extend to others? If so, click the link below to register for an experience that’s completely dedicated to caring for YOU! If you have questions, you can send them to melissa@lifespringcounseling.net