August 12, 2011
Hello there friends,
To all who are looking to explore their purpose, the meaning of their life and an utterly divine array of spa treatments, I invite you to come to the first Letters To My Younger Self� Retreat at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA from October 16th - 19th.
My goal is to bring a "what I know now" moment to as many women as possible, in a variety of forms. This is the first time that I'll be able to lead women in writing a letter to their younger selves at such a relaxed pace. (See the agenda, below.)
I'll have four hours to guide everyone through the process--much longer than at corporate Letters To My Younger Self® Workshops, which are usually two hours long. What's more, those four hours will be broken into three parts over three days. My guess is that our insights will be richer as a result of the extra reflection time in between sessions.
During these meetings I plan to share my own letter to my younger self. I'll also join my retreat companions in writing a new letter.
On the fourth day, I'll hold an optional, last meeting, during which we'll look ahead. I'll start everyone off on one of two exercises: Writing a letter to your future self, or the "Eightieth Birthday Vision."
Altogether, my part of the retreat will run about 5 hours, spread over four days.
By my calculation, that leaves 63 hours to spend however you like!
Here are some of my admittedly ambitious thoughts:
Hike amidst spectacular New England foliage
Sleep whenever I want to, as long as I want
Try a different kind of massage every day
Get a holistic health evaluation and recommendations
Take two different exercise classes each day
Meditate daily
Start to ruminate on my three personal and work goals for 2012
Write letters of gratitude to my friends and family
Experiment with my camera
Establish new, unique relationships with the ladies who join me on the retreat
Laugh a lot
Okay, now that you know what's lurking in my head, you can all hold me accountable if I accomplish none of those things!!
Oh yes-I don't want to forget to mention that all attendees will receive an inscribed, autographed copy of one of my books in advance of the retreat.
Here are the rates for four days and three nights, all meals, use of facilities, all fitness and outdoor activities, presentations by CR wellness experts, a $260 spa allowance and the LTMYS Sessions:
Double or Triple Occupancy: $1,580
Single Occupancy: $2,020
You can sign up by calling The Spa Connection (888.580.8388), whose wonderful leader, Lori Goldberg, has arranged for LTMYS Retreat attendees to receive a 46% discount off of standard Canyon Ranch rates.
And here's another special treat: Lori herself will be joining us at the LTMYS Retreat!
I know it can be hard to justify spending both time and money on our own personal development. But unfortunately, if we don't make it happen, it's unlikely that anyone else will do it for us. Take the plunge into reflection, renewal and some much-needed nurturing!
I think that's everything. I'd really love to see you there. Please send me a note if you think you may be coming so I can give the tentative tally to Canyon Ranch.
'Till then...
XO
Ellyn
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Agenda
Sunday
Oct. 16th: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Welcome
Introductions
Everyone--Why We Came
Poem
Ellyn shares her story and the origins of the LTMYS Concept
Ellyn describes meeting and working with some of the celebrities in her books.
We'll read some of your favorite letters from the LTMYS books and discuss them.
Step One
Choosing the time in your life you'll write to: First thoughts and Brainstorming.
Monday
Oct. 17th: 2:30-4:00 pm
Step One (continued)
Choosing the time in your life you'll write to: Partner Interviews
Step Two
The Introduction: Guidance and Tips
Writing the Introduction to your Letter
Step Three
The Letter: Guidance and Tips
Writing Your Letter To Your Younger Self
Tuesday
Oct. 18th: 3:30-5:00 pm
Step Four
Titles & Pull Quotes
Sharing the Letters
Ellyn's Letter
Retreat Attendee Letters (all who want to share)
Discussion
Dinner: This session will be followed by dinner together.
Wednesday (Optional)
Oct. 19th: 10:00-11:00 am
Looking ahead: Ellyn will outline the steps for writing a Letter To Your Future Self or, alternatively, The Eightieth Birthday Party Exercise.
We can begin either experience at this last meeting together.
Farewell-until we meet again.