Let’s talk about fear.
Not the horror-movie kind or the “what was that noise outside my yurt?” kind. I’m talking about the subtle, sneaky kind that shows up as doubt, hesitation, procrastination… or that gut-punch feeling that whispers, “What if I fail?”
I know that fear well.
I’ve felt it when I recently stood in front of a group of women at a prison in Arizona, preparing to speak about rewriting their stories and not letting their past define their future. I’ve felt it before my very first retreat—wondering if anyone would even show up or if I was “qualified” enough to lead. I’ve felt it every time I stepped into something new… something that meant growth.
And most recently, I felt it standing at a podium giving a eulogy for my mother.
Our relationship was complicated. Boundaries were necessary. But when she passed, I was the one left to honor her life. And wow… that fear hit hard.
Not because I was afraid of public speaking.
But because I was afraid of being vulnerable.
Afraid of being judged.
Afraid of getting it wrong.
But here’s what I’ve learned—and what I continue to learn every time fear creeps in:
Fear often shows up when we’re on the brink of something meaningful.
Retreats are one of the most powerful containers I’ve seen for helping people walk through fear instead of running from it.
Why?
Because they create space.
Space to finally hear yourself think.
To sit with discomfort instead of numbing it.
To get curious instead of critical.
To say “I’m scared” out loud… and be met with compassion, not shame.
I’ve had women come to Retreat Ranch terrified to speak up in a circle. Afraid to cry in front of others. Scared to be seen in their fullness. And by the end of the weekend? They’re doing yoga under the stars, dancing barefoot by the fire, or sharing parts of themselves they’ve never voiced before.
And I get it—because I’ve been there too.
We often think courage looks like bold moves and loud moments.
But real courage? It’s quiet.
It’s choosing to show up.
To keep going.
To try again.
To feel the fear… and still say yes.
That’s why I do this work.
That’s why we built Retreat Ranch.
And that’s why I continue to hold space—not just for others, but for myself.
Because even after years of hosting retreats, writing books, and mentoring leaders, fear still sneaks in.
And every single time, it reminds me—I’m growing. I’m expanding. I’m walking toward something sacred.
So if you’re feeling the nudge to attend a retreat—but fear is trying to convince you it’s “not the right time,” or “you don’t need it,” or “who do you think you are to take a weekend for yourself?”—let me lovingly challenge you:
What’s on the other side of that fear?
Is it peace?
Is it clarity?
Is it the version of you you’ve been aching to meet?
You don’t have to wait until you’re fearless to begin.
You just have to begin.
With love and courage,
Shannon
PS Want to experience a safe space to face your fears and rediscover your power?
Join me at one of our upcoming retreats—Retreat Ranch, the beach, or even Tulum. Let’s do the brave thing, together!
