The Domino Effect of YES

The Domino Effect of YES

How many of you said YES last week to something you might have normally said “No” to? The above photo is what YES looked like for me last week, as I embarked on a spontaneous, 36-hour advance notice backpack adventure to Norway with my son. Did you miss last week’s email about Saying YES? If so, click here.

Throughout our seven day/six night trip that was planned by my son in one day, literally the day before we left, I stayed amazed that it was really happening. I couldn’t believe I left everything behind, except what was on my back, and that my body could keep up. Being absent of baggage was life-changing in many ways. Oh there’s so much still to unpack about this experience!

One lesson that became evident during a hike in Finse, Norway (heaven on earth) is the importance of blazing our own trails, going off the beaten path when necessary. That’s exactly what my son and I had to do when we came to a place where the trail unexpectedly ended. This photo was taken after we decided to keep going and were rewarded in a big way for being bold and brave.

I can’t wait to write more about how that decision unfolded and the fruit that came from it, but it will have to wait until next week for three reasons. 

Number One: I’m tired! With a seven-hour time change, twice in seven days and with the cross-country, coast to coast itinerary we accomplished, I need more rest. I’ve been back in my own bed five nights now, but I’m just starting to feel like myself. Sleep at normal bedtime hours is still touch and go.

Number Two: It’s Labor Day weekend. I want to give my husband and family my time and attention, and hopefully set an example to encourage those values in you. 

Number Three: it’s my birthday! Well, tomorrow is my birthday as I write this, but today is my birthday, as you read it. I’m celebrating all week, and maybe all month! 

Seems like my celebration of life began during my solo business/pleasure trip to Florida last month, when I decided it was time to take my “living experiences” up a notch. Wow, talk about the domino effect of saying YES! 

When I think back to writing Go to Grow and then Paddle Board Lessons, I am amazed. Those YES’s felt big at the time, because they were big at the time. Now, fast forward … backpacking through Norway, what?! 

Life will continue to stretch us, as one YES makes it easier to say YES again, to even bigger things further outside our comfort zones. As I said last week, openness leads to willingness, which leads to grand adventures beyond what we can imagine. I hope you are saying more YES’s with me.

How can I support you with your next big YES? Whisper “yes” if that’s all you can do right now, but say it, take any action that’s yours to take, and then watch heaven and earth rise up to meet you. 

Thanks for understanding why I am going to keep today’s email short, and continue to re-charge from my big adventure. If you’d like to see a fifteen-second video recap my son made of our trip, click here. 

Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share with a friend.

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Cynthia Pesce

“My hopes for Paint, Paddle & Play exceeded what I expected! I particularly enjoyed how we all were free to express ourselves in all the activities and I was surrounded with such genuine support. The variety of food was perfect! The goodie bag was an added bonus and the contents were so thoughtful.

Angela was so attentive to all of us. I was at ease and comfortable and I would 100% yes do another retreat with her. I took her Introduction to Mindfulness Abstract Painting Session and loved it! I have already checked into painting supplies!! To be in an inspiring and judgment-free zone with ladies like I met is a blessing every woman deserves to experience! I’m ready to go back and have already booked for 2024!”
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Belinda Schrupp

“Paint, Paddle & Play was definitely above what I expected. Angela was very welcoming from the moment we showed up, helping unload and introducing us to the ones that were already there. I loved my goody bag! I loved all the food, and the variety of teas was fantastic! 

I have a desire to focus on my wellbeing with my mind body and soul, and at the retreat, I had a shift in my outlook for my future. I would recommend something like this for women of all ages. Women tend to invest in other people besides themselves, but when you feel a nudge, go with it and invest in yourself! This retreat ignited me to look inside and give myself grace. Just having other women around me encouraged me to quit hiding and allow myself to be who God created me to be. 

Even though I had never painted before, I felt that nudge to go on this trip anyway and I’m very grateful I did. I had an infusion of love, kindness and passion poured into me that caused a shift in my overall wellbeing. When you put powerful women together, it ignites a fire and a friendship that no one can put out. As a group, you become elevated to a higher level! You learn to enjoy the next step to becoming a better YOU. I’m very, very thankful I went. I’m already registered for 2024 and I upgraded myself to an oceanfront king room this time because I’m worth it!”

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Suzanne LeBeau

“I booked this retreat hoping to get relaxed and inspired. Paint, Paddle & Play definitely delivered on both! Angela is the whole package! She is creative and organized, and she attended to our every need. The only thing that would have made it better would be if she could talk to the dolphins in advance and explain that they should come even closer and hang out with us all day! lol!

The food in the house was great. It is actually difficult for me to do group activities, so I was stretching myself and was glad I did. I appreciated the Zoom meeting before the retreat and I felt well prepared. I would have been terrified to go into a retreat where I hadn’t “met” some of the people in advance. As a result of the retreat, I am more rested, and I have lots of photos for painting inspiration!

This is what I would say to someone considering Angela’s retreat: “Have you ever wanted a vacation that hit a bunch of your “to do” marks that YOU didn’t have to plan? Try “Paint, Paddle & Play!” Angela plans a ton of activities that you can choose to do or not, as you are so inclined. We stayed on St. George Island, where high rises are not allowed. It felt like our own private beach to stroll, swim, photograph, paint, or just relax!

Activities included paddle boarding (NOT in the waves), dolphin watching, YOGA on the beach, eating local cuisine, a trip into Apalachicola to see local art/shops, and an intro to mindfulness painting for those who wanted to learn more about it. With food, lodging, and activities already planned, all I had to do was get there and then relax! I had been saving up my money to do trips when I retire. However, recent health concerns made me realize that I might NOT be able to travel when I get to retirement age. Do it NOW!”

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Denise H.

“Paint, Paddle & Play was everything I hoped for, such a relaxing time and was both educational and creative. It was wonderful getting to know these beautiful ladies. I felt like it was the perfect amount of activities and free time. I don’t know how she pulled it off, but the food was amazing and Angela makes the most delicious salads. 

I loved the pre-retreat zoom calls, so important when you have a trip planned with people who do not know each other. I felt more comfortable in my decision after attending Angela’s welcome zoom calls. Had it not been for the zoom calls, I wouldn’t have realized that I had an acquaintance who had signed up for the trip. We got to plan traveling together and now that acquaintance is a dear friend! 

I felt like Angela was a wonderful retreat facilitator. There was nothing left to want or need. I really enjoyed the trip and was able to unwind. Angela’s retreat was very meaningful to me and I loved the changes that I saw in the other women as well. I can’t wait for next year and have already reserved my spot!”

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Amy J.

“Paint, Paddle & Play was a loving and welcoming group of women. Angela did a great job, the goodie bag was wonderful and I had everything I needed for food. I stayed in an oceanfront king room and enjoyed reading in bed while watching the dolphins swimming right outside.
The studio space created for us was perfect. It was wonderful to show up and paint and not have to worry about set-up or clean-up, other than my own materials. The price is right for what is offered and so well worth it! I left inspired and rested, and am likely to do another retreat with Angela. I would absolutely recommend to others.”
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Gina Parris

“My hopes for Paint, Paddle & Play were to feel refreshed by the ocean, enjoy some creativity and meet some lovely women and each one was met. Angela was amazing! Even though I didn’t use the mindfulness bowls a lot, I liked having them there. The food options were great. I loved it all, especially with the chances to eat out and eat at the home together. The pre-retreat zooms were wonderful and definitely helped me feel comfortable booking. 

I know many people take beach vacations all the time, but for me, it had been way too many years. I can honestly say that I’ve never had such a fun and fulfilling vacation as I had this week at the beach with my peers. The ability to not just rest and relax, but also to build deep friendships, laugh till we cried, create beauty together and celebrate each other was amazing. The unconditional love in the house was palpable.  

And the physical beauty of the sunrises, sunsets and beach time was unreal. I ACTUALLY SWAM WITH A POD OF WILD DOLPHINS!!!! This was the most euphoric moment of my life. Booking for 2024 was a no-brainer and I’m so excited to return!” 

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