So last weekend I finally packed my bags and drove out to this retreat spot called Living Waters. Honestly? My brain felt like overcooked noodles after months of nonstop work deadlines. Figured I’d give this nature therapy thing a shot.
The Arrival Rollercoaster
Got there Friday evening totally fried. GPS conked out near the woods, ended up bouncing down this dirt road for twenty minutes praying I wouldn’t pop a tire. When the cabin finally showed up? Total game changer. Smelled like pine trees and quiet – actual quiet, none of that city ambulance-in-the-distance nonsense.
What Went Down Daily
- Mornings started stupid early. Woke with sunrise somehow, no alarm needed. Chugged coffee staring at mist rising off the lake.
- Did the “digital detox” thing cold turkey. Phone stayed locked in my suitcase. Felt like my hand kept twitching for three hours straight.
- Actual manual labor happened. Chopped firewood Wednesday morning. Sweat through my shirt, found blisters later. Weirdly satisfying though.
Highlight was Thursday’s solo hike. Followed some deer tracks up a hill, sat on a mossy rock just breathing. Realized I hadn’t taken a full inhale/exhale cycle in weeks without checking emails midway.
The Unwind Effect
By day three, my shoulders stopped being earrings. Slept like a coma patient – no melatonin gummies, just pure exhaustion from actually using my body instead of my eyeballs scrolling. Cooked meals over actual fire, burned a grilled cheese black as my soul. Ate it anyway.
Drove home Sunday with muddy boots in the trunk and zero podcasts playing. First work email I opened Monday? Felt my jaw tense but didn’t actually rage-snapp my pen in half. Progress.
