Moments of Magic {Retreat Edition} + Weekly Workouts

Hi loves! Firstly, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful responses on last week’s post. I knew so many of you would find it helpful and relatable, which is why I wanted to talk about it. Currently, I’m doing very well mentally-speaking, though considering I have three giant exams this coming week, I am being very cognizant of my self-care. I also do want to get out a post on my best tips and tricks for managing anxiety this Thursday, but I won’t make any promises yet. 🙂

For now, I thought I’d share some magical moments from this past week, of which there were quite a few. I had my very last retreat this past weekend (for those who don’t remember, I lead freshmen in a reflective retreat in the beautiful Shenandoah valley). This was a retreat for just the leaders to bond and reflect on the entire experience of leading this year and just enjoy the escape from campus.

Though I cannot share too much about it, as I think it should remain between all of us who were there, I will say it just reminded me how truly incredible human beings are and how important it is for all of us to be vulnerable and connect with others. And of course, how unbelievably crucial it is to really pause and savor those little moments that pass too quickly. I also did not take any pictures while there, mostly because I didn’t really touch my phone. Plus, sometimes the mental images are so much more meaningful. Here we go.

Looking up at the sky and seeing more stars than I’d ever seen

It was the first night of the retreat, and it was so cold. My fellow leaders and I came outside and all stood stock-still, shivering and looking up in utter awe. Being from NYC, I’m not used to seeing more than 3 or 4 stars, but this was a sky that was peppered with stars in every crevice. The stars and space have always fascinated me, and so this was a truly special moment.

Reflecting with my fellow leaders on what this retreat program has done for us and taught us.

I touched on the major lessons above, but most poignant have been the value of connection and vulnerability, the importance of being present, and always being authentically yourself.

Staying up until 5am because we all couldn’t get enough talking.

We were all basically falling over by the end, and yet none of us wanted to leave to go to bed. The love was definitely felt tonight. 😉

Walking out alone to the edges of the property and for the first time in the 6 separate times I have been there, marveling at the beauty of the nature in the distance.

This was right before we were supposed to leave, and I just felt the biggest urge to walk around the property for what could well be the last time. Though many of the weekends this year, it’s been quite foggy and difficult to see the nature surrounding us, that day the mountains were clearly visible. I felt an indescribable sense of peace as I looked out at them, but also an awakening of something within me that is difficult to put into words. A kind of wonder and that familiar pull. A pull toward adventure and risk-taking and all those things that make me feel alive but that I don’t always do enough of. It moved me to send a couple emails I’d been hesitant to send, which I can’t say too much about yet, but that involve a heck of a lot of risk and adventure. 🙂

Watching the sunset over the Arlington skyline

Georgetown Bestie and I had a good friend visiting from high school, and as if his company wasn’t enough, we got to see the gorgeous sunset over the skyline as we walked back from dinner to campus. Magical. (I never take pictures of things like this because the photos don’t do it justice.)

Sitting in the dining hall for 2 hours with friends just talking and laughing.

Our high school friend joined us for this, and he fit so seamlessly into our friend group here! We all couldn’t get enough of each other and sat there talking and laughing until closing time. I even forgot about my mountain of work, which says a lot. Sometimes you really really need those moments.

Trying out a new to me coffee shop with MB and catching up over the greatest social beverage.

We went to The Wydown, which was recommended to me, and it was quite great! I had an iced pour-over with almond milk, and it was delicious and perfect for the sudden warm weather we had yesterday. After a couple hours of talking, we tuckered down to do some work and then took the bus back to campus, sharing earbuds and listening to my Looking Out the Window Spotify playlist. 🙂

Workouts

This was a super fun week of workouts; I tried a lot of new ones and just felt super excited to do them every day. That’s what working out should be about! If it feels like a chore or something you dread, you gotta change the way you’re doing it!

Monday- this fun cardio workout + this arm routine + this back one

Tuesday- this awesome Pilates workout + this great Victoria’s Secret one (will def be repeating both!)

Wednesday- this super fun hiit workout + this Pilates leg video+ this Pilates butt blast

Thursday- quick cardio warmup + this 20 minute abs and arms workout + this oblique killer routine

Friday- this quick hiit workout

Saturday- this strength-building yoga routine and this one

Sunday- rest + lots of walking around

 

That’s all for today! Have a fantastic week and remember to find the magic! <3

Linking up with Meg for Week in Review

 

Tell me some of your moments of magic!