Hey, love—let’s have a real talk about self-love. I know, I know, it’s one of those phrases that gets thrown around a lot. We hear it in self-help books, see it on Instagram, and maybe even say it to ourselves in passing. But here’s the real question—do you actually practice it?
Because let me tell you, for years, I didn’t.
Sure, I checked all the boxes of “taking care of myself”—exercising, eating well (ish), doing the occasional spa day. But true self-love is so much deeper than that. It’s not just about face masks and bubble baths (though those are fabulous and I highly recommend them). It’s about the way you talk to yourself, the way you prioritize yourself, and the way you treat yourself when no one else is watching.
And sometimes, the best way to reconnect with that kind of love? You have to step away. Away from the noise, the distractions, the obligations, and the endless to-do lists.
That’s why I’m so passionate about retreats—because they offer the space and the practices that help you not just thinkabout self-love, but actually feel it.
Why Self-Love Isn’t Just a Buzzword (It’s a Necessity)
Listen, we give so much of ourselves away—our energy, our time, our emotional bandwidth. We pour into our jobs, our families, our relationships, and we often forget that we deserve that same kind of love and attention.
Self-love isn’t selfish. It’s survival.
When we neglect it, we start to:
Doubt ourselves Seek validation in all the wrong places Feel exhausted and burned out Accept less than we deserve Forget how damn worthy we are
But when we actively cultivate self-love, everything shifts. We set boundaries. We speak to ourselves with kindness. We radiate confidence. We attract relationships and experiences that honor us.
And I’ve found that some of the most powerful self-love breakthroughs happen in the quiet, reflective moments of a retreat.
Self-Love Rituals We Practice on Retreat
When you join me on retreat—whether at the ranch or the beach—you’re not just coming for relaxation (though, yes, plenty of that too). You’re coming to reconnect with YOU. And that means practicing rituals that bring you back to your own love, your own worth, your own magic!
Here are some of my favorite self-love rituals either we do together on retreat or we encourage for you to do on your own while on retreat:
- Mirror Work – This one is powerful. Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and say affirmations like, “I am enough.” “I am worthy.” “I love myself exactly as I am.” Sounds simple, right? But wow, it can be emotional.
- Daily Affirmations – Words matter. And the way we speak to ourselves matters even more. On retreat, practice repeating affirmations that build us up rather than tear us down.
- Pampering & Nourishment – Whether it’s indulging in a soul-soothing massage, sipping ceremonial cacao, or simply taking a luxurious nap (because YES, naps are self-care!), we focus on honoring our bodies and minds.
- Movement as Self-Love – Yoga, dance, nature walks—moving our bodies in ways that feel good, not punishing. Because exercise isn’t just about fitness; it’s about celebrating what our bodies can do.
- Journaling & Reflection – Writing out our thoughts, fears, dreams, and gratitudes helps us tap into our deepest truths. I love guiding retreat guests through journaling prompts that bring clarity and confidence.
- Sacred Space for Connection – Whether it’s a women’s circle, a fire ceremony, or a heartfelt conversation under the stars, one of the most healing things we can do is see ourselves in others and be truly seen.
How to Bring These Rituals Home
Leaving a retreat doesn’t mean leaving self-love behind. It means taking what you’ve learned and integrating it into your daily life.
Here are a few ways to continue the self-love rituals at home:
- Start your day with an affirmation – Say it out loud in the mirror. Feel it. Believe it.
- Set a non-negotiable self-care practice – Whether it’s a five-minute meditation, a journaling session, or a walk in nature, make time for YOU.
- Listen to your needs – If your body needs rest, honor it. If your soul needs creativity, explore it. If your mind needs quiet, gift yourself stillness.
- Surround yourself with people who uplift you – Distance yourself from negativity and invest in relationships that nurture your spirit.
Final Thoughts: Love Yourself Like You Love Others
We show up for our loved ones without hesitation. We support, encourage, and pour into them with kindness. But what if we did the same for ourselves?
A retreat isn’t just a getaway—it’s an act of deep self-love. It’s saying, “I am worthy of this time. I am worthy of this care. I am worthy of investing in myself.”
So, my love, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to prioritize YOU, this is it. Come join me on retreat and let’s tap back into the deep, unwavering, unconditional love that YOU deserve.
With so much love,
Shannon
