Development and Transformation: Samos, Greece
My firm, Divorced Lady Smiling, is designed to assist individuals getting divorced discover good skilled sources, and that features divorce coaches. So, nearly each day, I’m referring individuals to coaches I feel will help them in progress and transformation. However what’s ironic is, I personally have by no means participated in a training program. I’ve by no means had one teaching session for myself. Ever. Till this journey…
I met Culinary and Wellness Coach, Hannah McKitrick by enterprise nearly a yr in the past, and she or he grew to become a Divorced Lady Smiling trusted skilled. I instantly felt a connection and each time we’d get off the cellphone or end recording a podcast collectively, I’d really feel wonderful–motivated, impressed, stuffed with pleasure.
I actually don’t know what made me do it, however signing up for her Embody Your Gentle retreat, which was happening in Samos, Greece (9 girls) simply felt extremely proper. The journey was to incorporate group teaching, culinary classes, and different actions. Hannah and I talked about it after which I signed up. Identical to that. I feel I informed her I had to consider it for a couple of days, however that was it.
Take into account, I hadn’t been in another country since 1987, (aside from a cruise to the Bahamas and journey to Mexico) and I used to be scared and uncomfortable touring internationally. The truth is, wanting again, I used to be afraid of so many issues. Additionally, do not forget that I had by no means had teaching, not to mention group teaching. And, I’ve all the time been a horrible cook dinner.
Under is the journal I saved from the day I left for Greece and all through the retreat. I wished to share it so as to see the expansion and transformation that befell in me. I’m actually blessed that I made this choice.
Right here is my journal from the retreat:
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
I began crying proper after I acquired by safety at O’hare. Strolling to my gate with tears working down my cheeks, I made a decision to cease within the rest room. As soon as in a stall, that’s after I simply bawled. I’m so scared. I really like my life. I don’t need to die. I don’t need one thing dangerous to occur to me. How can I’m going so distant? I don’t need one thing dangerous to occur to my household whereas I’m gone. I’m a wreck.
I don’t like myself for feeling this fashion. What if I name John and inform him to return get me and simply not go? That’s an choice. However after I play it out, it’s not the fitting alternative. If I don’t face this concern, I’ll really feel like a scared loser and don’t suppose I’d ever stand up the nerve to do that once more. I’m achieved crying and happy with myself for not calling anybody. I’m stronger than this. I’m getting on the airplane. That’s it.
Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 (morning)
Not solely was the flight fully advantageous, I discovered it to be an expertise. I discovered a couple of issues about worldwide journey vs. home journey on planes: the loos are bigger, the home windows don’t have shades, they’ve tint ranges. The flight attendants are loads nicer and don’t care in case you stroll round as a lot as you need. And, the flight is method too lengthy to take a seat there and stress out about turbulence, so that you simply type of give up and inform your self it will likely be advantageous. I additionally acquired fortunate sitting subsequent to the sweetest man on earth-a newlywed, who was simply lovely.
Akris drove me from the airport to the lodge. I acquired an entire historical past lesson, which left little time for getting nervous each time I assumed we would get into an accident – which was about 6 instances. He’s a proud Greek who cherishes the tradition and the information of this lovely place. The lodge is so quaint and chic and you may see the Acropolis from many elements of it, together with my room! I’m headed as much as the pool to chill out and go to sleep within the solar.
(Evening)
I spent the day on my own in Athens. I shopped within the outdated a part of Athens referred to as Plaka, and purchased all my children the cutest t-shirts with their names written in Greek on the again. I additionally purchased Sue a pair of earrings for her birthday. I went to dinner on the lodge on my own, which for me is all the time uncomfortable. Breakfast, lunch or espresso, and even a drink, I’m good alone. However dinner is all the time a challenge-which is why I by no means do it.
I used to be too drained to have a cocktail at dinner, and what was so humorous was, the waiter checked out me like I used to be loopy. It was like he had by no means had somebody not order a drink. Hilarious. There was a very nice wanting man consuming alone, additionally and he saved taking a look at me. I acquired a sense he wished to eat collectively. It was very flattering. Going to mattress.
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024
Slept 10 hours. I’ve to admit, I took a Xanie. The breakfast buffet was unbelievable. The issue is, I by no means eat breakfast. Nonetheless, I needed to get a full plate and check out the whole lot. The one issues I really ate have been a pear, a chunk of baklava and a chew of some raspberry moose factor that was ridiculously good. I had two coffees-regular black espresso and a café americano. One of the best half was, I sat out on the terrace overlooking the Acropolis. It’s unbelievable.
I talked to Isaac whereas ending my espresso. 7:30am my time, 12:30 am his time. He’s so humorous. He mentioned he thinks this journey will work out effectively since I can name him each morning and he stays up late. He’s simply darling. I’m so grateful for him. I really feel so distant from my beloved Isaac, Anna, John and Jackson. However that is going to be so wholesome for me. Subsequent flight is the flight to Samos, the place I’ll meet all the ladies for the retreat.
I discovered loads from my driver to the airport. The road we have been on was a essential road the place through the holocaust, the Germans would shoot Jews and aged individuals every day. He mentioned that annually they’ve a memorial on the high of that hill. I’m on a airplane proper now headed to Samos. It has propellors on it. Sure, I acquired on a propeller airplane and I’m a bit bit nervous however solely a tiny bit. I’m surrendering and it feels empowering. The view of the islands is breathtaking.
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024
I’m in awe of those girls. Every one in every of them with their uniqueness, life tragedies, and life joys brings lovely qualities into my life. It’s so humorous to me how girls are all so completely different, but we meet and immediately discover commonalities regardless of our various backgrounds and life experiences. Issues like we have been all confused about ensuring we had our espresso very first thing within the morning, the significance of weight lifting, husbands, ex’s, children, jobs, simply the whole lot you’ll be able to think about.
Final night time, we loved a 6 course dinner outdoors, overlooking the moon on the Mediterranean (really, it’s the Aegean Sea). It was fairytale-like. By the top of the meal, each one of many girls felt like an outdated buddy. The dessert was Knafe, which made me consider my Aunt Sonia, who not too long ago handed away. It nearly felt like she was right here with me, and put the dessert in entrance of me in celebration of this glorious time.
I spoke with Isaac this morning. Oh, how I’ve gratitude for that child. Anna and I talked for a minute final night time, as she was working. She is making an attempt to be so sturdy and supportive of my journey. It’s darling.
(Afternoon)
Simply completed our first cooking class, the place we made pita bread, tzticki, and Greek salad. The pita bread jogged my memory of rising up, after I’d come house from college and Teta could be baking bread, flour unfold on the kitchen desk, the entire home smelling scrumptious. I keep in mind how a lot she beloved me and it makes me completely happy.
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
I discovered loads about girls final night time—wonderful girls like those I’m with on this journey. So, we took a forty five minute bus trip to the highest of a mountain for dinner. The roads have been winding and hilly and it made me actually sick on the best way house. Movement illness is one thing I get even within the slightest of extreme motion.
So, we get off the bus and I’m going to the lodge foyer and simply sit on the sofa. Inside 3 minutes, 5 or 6 of those girls are giving me carbonated water, ginger, Pepto Bismol, and sitting round me like mama bears. It was so endearing and means the world to me. Girls are probably the most unbelievable individuals. They’re inherently sort and considerate and caring to everybody. Most girls I do know put everybody else earlier than themselves. It’s simply the best way we’re.
At present we walked to the cutest little city in Samos and it made me completely happy to purchase items for my household. I’m homesick. I miss my children and John and the canine. I really feel like I’ve been away for months. We then went out for lunch and our desk was actually 20 toes from the ocean. So we watched the waves crash and appeared on the mountains whereas consuming arugula salad with salmon, tsitski, fried feta, French fries, roasted peppers and extra.
I really feel like I’ve eaten all the identical meals since I’ve been right here. They’re all ready in a different way each day, however it comes all the way down to: olive oil, feta, peppers, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and pita. I may eat this fashion eternally.
There are many stray cats right here and there was a kitten that I actually wished to take house with me. And I don’t even like cats! One other factor that occurred, our bus driver was ready for us within the slim road and a automobile stopped and a man acquired out. I assumed he was going to yell at our bus driver and say “You’re in the course of the highway!” However he simply began speaking to the man. They have been pals. It’s unbelievable how completely happy and sort and affected person everyone seems to be on this island. Life could be very sluggish. It’s so good.
Friday, Oct. 18, 2024
I’ve to speak about final night time as a result of it was significant. As a result of there was a full moon, we had the chance for a ritual permitting us to let go of issues that weren’t serving us. So, we wrote down emotions and folks and conditions that we wished to launch, after which we put the record into a hearth pit. It felt so cleaning and empowering to have management of your happiness—which I imagine is the results of letting go of those poisonous issues that you simply simply don’t want. We then performed a card recreation, answering questions, exposing vulnerability and naturally, gaining belief, non-judgement and love. In fact, the meals was top-notch as all the time.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024
This journey is getting good! It was all the time good however these wonderful girls are working their method deep into my coronary heart. Each single one. I’m additionally adapting to the sluggish and easy tradition of Samos. It’s so lovely and feels wholesome. Yesterday, I used to be strolling and stepped on one thing that smashed. I spotted it was an olive! There have been olives falling off the timber and onto the deck! There are additionally basil vegetation, lavender and rosemary bushes throughout. You simply choose up smells whenever you’re strolling and that simply doesn’t occur in Chicago.
Yesterday, we went to the Casa Prepare dinner spa and did some physique therapies, together with one of the best therapeutic massage I’ve ever had, with scorching oil. Afterwards, we sat outdoors of the attractive spa on beds that have been proper over the pool. After a spa impressed lunch, we had our teaching circle.
We launched what we didn’t need in our lives the night time earlier than, so at this circle, we every shared what we need to usher in. I notice I want extra steadiness and I must cease dashing by life. I must cease and luxuriate in magnificence, identical to the olives and the lavender and basil and rosemary. Not fairly as lovely the place I reside, however there may be magnificence in every single place. The place isn’t what issues. It’s taking the time to note little issues. Oh, I’m additionally in love with cats now. I by no means appreciated them earlier than this journey.
We had a phenomenal Greek barbecue for dinner. All of the meals are being ready by Chef Alex, an lovely younger man who emits love and fervour for the whole lot he creates. He’s additionally our cooking college teacher. Alex made the whole lot on skewers final night time—from bread to greens, hen and even dessert. Meals simply saved coming- dolmates, spinach pies, and fried feta (that was my favourite).
I can really feel a closeness with the group, everybody much less guarded and we’re all changing into like outdated pals. I’ve began taking a selfie with every of the 8 girls, in order that I can inform John about each, and what she means to me.
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024
Yesterday felt like 3 days. We cooked within the morning and made eggplant rolls with cheese and tomato sauce with basil yogurt and loukimadis, I then went procuring on the town with one of many ladies and purchased items for my family and friends, or is it an effort to take again as a lot of this place as doable so I always remember it?!
Later within the day we went to a village referred to as Pythagoria. We shopped on an lovely road that led as much as the ocean and considerably of a harbor with yachts. The view was breathtaking. I purchased Mother figs, and purchased a phenomenal scarf for Vicki and different little items. We ate dinner at a restaurant dealing with the water, after which stopped for gelato on the best way again to the bus.
On the best way again to the bus, this girl appears at me and exclaims, “Hello! How are you?” At first, I assumed she thought I used to be a neighborhood (which might be not possible) however then one of many ladies informed me she labored on the spa we had gone to the day earlier than and acknowledged me! The individuals listed below are so sort and pleasant and completely happy. It’s a phenomenal tradition.
Monday, Oct. 21, 2024
I feel yesterday was my favourite day, though I may say that about many days on this journey. We went climbing on a mountain, on a path that was so distant, my anxiousness and fears have been in full gear, regardless of the stunningly picturesque backdrop of the ocean. Snakes, animals, bug bites, somebody slipping… these horrible issues occurred to me. For the primary half of the hike. Then, a magical sense of religion and empowerment came visiting me and I used to be in a position to actually relish the recent air, the sweetness, and naturally, the ladies throughout me. One in every of them mentioned yesterday that she’s felt “held” all week. That’s precisely how I’ve felt.
After the hike we sat on the seashore, ate a packed lunch (which was out of this world-veggie wraps, hen wraps, hummus, and chocolate desserts), and had our closing circle. Everybody shared what we need to take house with us and what we need to go away right here.
I shared that I wished to take house all my new pals, after all, but in addition the slowness and ease of the Samos tradition. The power to cease and go searching at the great thing about little things-not simply in Greece, however anyplace in life. There’s a lot magnificence and so many miracles occurring each second, and I don’t need to miss out on that anymore. What I need to go away right here is pointless anxiousness, the “what-if” mentality, the unfavourable.
All of us picked up a rock and threw it within the sea as a logo of what we’re leaving right here after which the lovely Hannah exclaims, “Who’s moving into?” She takes off her seashore cowl and runs into the ocean (which was freezing.) One after the other, all of them ran. Besides me. I stood there considering, ‘I don’t need to get moist and chilly.’ Then, in my yoga pants and sports activities bra, I joined them. Sure, it was freezing! However it was a plunge that felt extremely releasing for me—a leap of religion, the becoming a member of of my pals, and the empowerment that I can do something something something I need, and nothing ought to maintain me again. Taking that plunge and being chilly is getting out of your consolation zone. Stunning your physique, doing one thing you wouldn’t do prior to now.
Dinner was a wine pairing with 4 programs that included feta and tomato, octopus, pasta, and one of the best chocolate factor I’ve ever eaten. Severely. We took photos and laughed and talked like outdated pals. Now it was getting unhappy. All of them are leaving tomorrow, I’m considering.
I acquired again to my room to alter for the pajama celebration in our essential assembly house, after I noticed this big black spider on the ceiling; the one I think has been biting my legs all week. I had no concept what to do, so I went downstairs and one in every of my new pals got here up and acquired him out of the room-standing on a chair, utilizing a hanger to get him down, adopted by a glass with a card masking it. She refused to kill him. I really like this girl.
(afternoon)
Alone once more. Everybody has left. However this time, I really feel good. I really feel relaxed and happy-not insecure and scared. I labored out after which went to the pool on the lodge the place I’m staying tonight referred to as Armonia Bay. I simply completed lunch- an Aegean flatbread. The crust. That’s all I’m going to say.
I miss my new pals, now all on their method again house or to a different vacation spot for a final leg of trip. There isn’t a solution to describe these girls, all powerhouses, who I respect and adore for every of their distinctive personalities. That is nearly not possible to do, however I’ll try to explain every particular person in 2-4 adjectives. I do know it received’t do them justice, however I really feel like doing it.
1. Heat, welcoming, fun-loving, inclusive
2. Type, elegant, caring, therapeutic
3. The cutest, energetic, loveable, pushed, carefree in some ways
4. Sensible, wise, soft-side, chief
5. Completely happy, considerate, sturdy
6. Kindhearted, light, caring, darling
7. Guarded (simply in the beginning), resilient, kindhearted, pleasant
8. Charming, interesting, fantastic
9. nice, affable, motivated, lovely
I ponder what phrases they might use for me. I can solely hope they appreciated me half as a lot as I do them. I stay up for the brand new relationships I’ve gained.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024
I’m on the airplane from Samos again to Athens. Worldwide journey alone is a bit bit lonely, however there’s one thing engaging about it. I really feel very assured and funky. I is perhaps the one American on the flight. Persons are from in every single place. It’s very fascinating. I by no means loved flying at night time, however tonight is completely different. I’m calm. Kind of. Small airplane. Propellers…You get it.
I’m able to go house however I’m so unhappy to depart Samos. I’d have beloved extra time in Athens. I really like this tradition. I really like the meals. I’m so stunned at how nice the wines are. Every thing is so outdated. I actually respect that. I need to take my children right here. I really feel like I’ve cheated them and cheated myself by not touring extra internationally. I’m watching the sundown from a small airplane at 30 thousand toes. How lovely is that? Oh, additionally, there isn’t any airplane mode on flights in Greece. 🙂
I attempt to begin a dialog with this girl sitting subsequent to me. She speaks zero English. I supply her some walnuts and we turn into pals. She has no concept what I’m saying and vice-versa however I found out she’s lived in Samos her complete life. No concept why she’s going to Athens. I shared my images on my cellphone along with her and she or he mentioned she loves Kokkari. She has additionally been to the restaurant the place we ate in Pythagoria I do know that solely as a result of one of many images was taken in entrance of the restaurant and she or he acknowledged it. I get off the airplane and principally observe everybody to baggage declare. There are not any boards with indicators from the town you simply got here from, so that you principally simply search for individuals who have been in your flight to find out the place your bag is popping out.
(Earlier than mattress)
Actually humorous. I simply went out for dinner and ordered a Greek salad and it got here with onions (which I used to be insulted by as a result of true Greeks don’t put onions of their Greek salads, in keeping with chef Alex.) Additionally, I requested for bread and the waiter brings me these dinner rolls. I’m like, “Umm…no, I want pita bread, please.” Unsure I can ever have a look at a dinner roll the identical method once more!
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024
I’m not gonna lie, I actually appreciated being again in a semi-Americanized lodge. The Sofitel on the Athens airport was blissful, as I acquired my first good blow-dry in 10 days, and loved utilizing a washcloth within the bathe. (Apparently they don’t have washcloths within the Greek Islands.)
The Athens airport was complicated, and it took me awhile to search out my solution to my gate. However what I spotted is, I don’t suppose earlier than this journey that I had sufficient religion in individuals. In fact, each particular person on earth is exclusive, however individuals everywhere in the world are principally the identical in that they’re sort and useful in case you ask. I feel my lack of religion in individuals of different nations is likely one of the causes I used to be afraid of worldwide journey. I can’t communicate for some other nation than Greece, however these individuals have been superior.
I ended up in line for an hour and a half, so sadly I wasn’t in a position to store, which was a disgrace as a result of the shops within the airport have been incredible. I did handle to sprint into a jewellery retailer and purchased a buddy of mine a phenomenal reward to thank her for what she is doing for my children proper now, for which I’m so so so grateful. I additionally purchased one other bracelet, and haven’t determined if I ought to hold it for myself or give it to somebody.
The one remorse I’ve is that I left Greece with out shopping for baklava. There have been 10 locations that had freshly made baklava and I simply didn’t have time to cease. I nearly didn’t have time to seize one thing to eat, however I ended up getting a yogurt with granola, which was wonderful. These Greeks and their yogurt! I handed a Starbucks, by the best way, and located myself disgusted. 🙂 I’m going to settle into the flight, watch a pair motion pictures and attempt to nap.
Friday, Oct. 25, 2024
I’ve been house for a few day and a half and settling again into my outdated life. Then once more, life for me appears completely completely different. My perspective has modified loads. Nothing upsets me anymore. Little issues are little, the stuff that used to worsen me, I discover myself letting it roll off and saying to myself, ‘The universe will deal with it. Nothing I can do.’I pause loads and consider all my beautiful new pals. They’ve given me newfound power and help. I miss every of them loads. My outdated fears and anxiousness are very distant to me now, changed by gratitude, positivity and give up.
I need to shut this journal by telling you that wanting again, this retreat has modified my life a lot for the higher. The reminiscences are fantastic and I had a variety of enjoyable, however it’s greater than that. I really feel calm and at peace, and I maintain in my coronary heart new friendships and gratitude for my current life. It’s not excellent, however it doesn’t should be. All I can do is proceed my progress and transformation: to continue to learn, be my greatest self, make a distinction on the planet, and discover pleasure as a lot as I can.
I left a variety of baggage (and some individuals) within the Aegean sea, and took house probably the most lovely place I’ve ever been. (I say I took it house as a result of it’s going to all the time be in my coronary heart). I’m actually blessed and I knew that earlier than the journey, however that feeling is richer now, it’s extra alive, and I assume you can say it’s sweeter. Possibly I didn’t must carry house the baklava.
