Mud & Guts

Murietta Hot Springs is a far cry from the golf courses and cigar bars where men often gather to talk about their work and lives.

I just returned from 48 of the most high-impact hours I've spent throughout my career -- forging new relationships, solidifying existing ones, and having an incredible amount of fun. No golf or cigars involved!

17 women -- ranging from 20s to 70s and from throughout the U.S. gathered. We

• Soaked (in the many tubs throughout the property)

• Sipped (as in wine and other libations)

• Scaled (expanding our personal and professional insights) and

• Shared and supported (as the women of SOS often do)!

And we slathered too (as in the mud-like substance that we spread on ourselves and our

friends and then rinsed off.) Not a fan of cold plunges, I skipped the shivering in the bath house or icy pools, but I heard they were invigorating.

We are teachers, entrepreneurs, sales leaders, creatives, and consultants. But we focused on our common goals and experiences, rather than titles.

Said Tiffany Strzykalski, who came to the Retreat with a friend:

"I feel like I made a ton of new friends! I loved the first night where we were at different tables so we engaged in new connections and then just slowly meeting everyone through new experiences. What attracted me to these women was their openness to sharing their lives with me."

The SOS Retreat was a perfect blend of work and play. We learned:

• How to relax, with the help of a former Olympic skater and a speech therapist turned expert in sound-based meditation

• Goal-setting techniques

• Ways to leverage nutrition and sleep to become our personal best

• The relationship between style and self-esteem, brand, and success

• How olive oil is made during a field trip to the Temecula Olive Oil Company

But, most importantly, we learned about connection and the insights, support, perspective, and humor we have to give each other.

Ashley Perdue, a sales professional and SOS board member, brought with her one of her oldest friends, but also made new ones. She says she was "attracted to the way they carried themselves and offered support and good humor throughout the weekend."

Many women discovered commonalities within the group. Katrina Mack-Oteyza said she found that some of the women were also mothers and had similar life experiences.

Stripping down (literally and metaphorically), we gathered under the moon for our nightly soaks and talked about everything from business challenges to funny dating tales.

Like all SOS live gatherings, it was real, unfiltered, supportive, intimate, and uplifting. We all emerged with bigger hearts and brains (and softer skin!)

A big shout-out to the organizer behind the retreat, Alison (Bright) Garber!

Don't despair if you have a touch of FOMO.

Watch for our summer programs and an amazing digital event this fall!

P.S. A special thank you to our terrific retreat organizer, all our speakers, and sponsors!