This post launches the first installment of many into the personal diaries of a familiar warrior. It is the continuing story of a battle for wholistic healing and freedom. You are certain to identify with the agonizing conflict and magnificent conquest of this resolute warrior seeking peace one poised breath at a time. Step into her shoes. Become her…for she is you, she is me, and she will be free.
DAY ONE ~ ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Could I put any more exclamation points in that title? I adore road trips. The ride into the mountains is therapy itself, so full of wonder, awe, self-reflection, and of course singing at the top of my lungs. One time I actually lost my voice driving home from the mountains after belting it out for 3 hours. As a Boise local and lifetime resident of Idaho, the road to McCall holds a sweet familiarity. Every curve of its winding road brings with it a stream of endless memories. I expect this weekend to be no different. I have no idea what to expect and have a lot of reservations, but I'm never one to miss out on a forest adventure so I pulled the trigger and joined what was being called a healing weekend with a group of women warriors.
ARRIVAL
The cabin couldn't have been more perfect. An incredible space, complete with snowy pine views from every window, cozy seating for late-night chats, and a fireplace. I think we all felt a little anxious not knowing what to expect, but after enjoying dinner and laughter together we all felt more at ease. Food has a miraculous way of bringing people together.
WHAT A NIGHT...
We talked and shared so much before dinner that I wasn't sure how we could possibly find anything else to say, but as the night deepened, so did the conversation. Tears began to flow and bodies even began to react as stories were shared of trauma, abuse, grief, and loss. Each warrior was held for as long as they needed. It was a sobering space, but as tissues piled high on the coffee table we realized the value of sitting in this. It was part of the process. The night left our hearts full and minds thoughtful. A lot of the women were presently experiencing distance from family, an immense lack of support, and multiple misunderstandings due to their choice to walk in freedom. Some had written difficult letters because face-to-face was not an option. Some had cut ties in their relationships. It is beyond heartbreaking to hear yet, amidst the pain we heard the voices of hope and these words became the theme of our sorrow.
Joy comes in the morning...one could even say mourning.
This path to freedom is sometimes muddy with tears. The journey may not look like we want it to, but those who want freedom in full must sit in the ownership, vulnerability, and grief of life's wreckage with a healthy tribe. Healing is happening as long as we continue to press in. Though restoration may never come with some of these wounded relationships, we believe in the Divine for abundantly more.
I went to bed completely awestruck by the peace and safety that I felt in the midst of such discomfort. I drifted off and slept like never before.
This post is a sneak peek into some of what you'll experience at our Warrior Weekend coming up in October. More details at the link below.