Inspiring reviews from our retreat participants ❤️
If you enjoyed last weekend’s video testimonial, you’ll love these success stories from our retreat participants! Here’s a glimpse into their transformative experiences:
Alyssa’s review on Google:
“I had an amazing time on this retreat Anna created. It had all the components of a trip I was looking for and more. A very relaxing trip with new and adventurous excursions with also a learning aspect. Not only did I have so much fun, it also allowed me to think deeply about myself. I highly recommend Anna’s retreat if you are interested in what the retreat is providing.”
Starting a business from the ground up is no easy feat. No clients, no following, no reviews, and no prior successes. I’m immensely grateful to the eight wonderful individuals who took a chance on me. Their leap of faith made my dream possible. They could have attended any other retreats, but they chose mine. I’m deeply honored and thankful for their support, trust, and belief.
These participants have been incredibly generous with their reviews and testimonials. Not only did they provide video recordings (braving the discomfort of being on camera and online), but they also wrote Google Reviews, and completed my 38-question post-retreat feedback survey. As a first-time retreat host and an A-type perfectionist, I wanted to understand every single detail of their experience, what they loved, and how I can improve.
If you're like me — someone who reads reviews religiously, researches thoroughly, and does their homework on Google — you’ll want to hear the alumni success stories in their own words. I believe in quality over quantity, valuing care and authenticity over mass-produced content. Our business is young, but every venture has to start somewhere.
Navigating post-retreat reflections:
After completing my first retreat and moving to Puerto Rico, I’ve had moments of doubt as the dust settled. With the goal of hosting my first retreat finally achieved, I found myself wondering, “Now what?”
Announcing the new January 2025 retreat dates, charging what my work is worth, and aiming for a bigger goal feels like starting from zero again. During moments of questioning, like “Maybe I need to push harder this time, do more social media posts, write more email newsletters” (but they take hours, so I YouTubed ‘batch content creation’ and felt unaligned and discouraged), I turn to these testimonials. They not only help attract future clients but also remind me of my achievements and capabilities.
For example, here is what a participant wrote on Google Reviews:
If it was possible, I would give more than 5 stars!
I was part of the first cohort of participants in the Healing Journey Retreats, April 21-28, organised by Anna Li, at a resort near Tulum, Mexico. It exceeded my expectations in every possible way, and in ways I never expected. Anna is kind and giving, both an astute business woman, carefully planning every aspect of the retreat and ensuring all details were dealt with prior to the retreat, as well as an empathetic person devoted to healing and sharing her wisdom from her own journey.
What I liked about the retreat is that it balanced healing oriented learning rooted in neuroscience, using a collaborative workshop approach involving all participants, with daily planned activities to different venues engaging the senses that were healing and nurturing - from swimming with turtles, swimming in cenotes, visiting a monkey sanctuary and sound bathing.
The venue was perfect, off the beaten track, secluded, peaceful with amazing food that was prepared fresh for every meal using local ingredients. There was also daily yoga. I felt grounded, rejuvenated, and supported, and came away feeling centred and calm.
Would I attend again? In a heartbeat!
Now, I’ve added a new section on our retreat website showcasing these heartfelt reviews from the April group. Check it out to see more inspiring stories!
Embracing the journey
We’re often our biggest critics. I wondered, “Why didn’t this ‘high’ of confidence last longer? How come the imposter syndrome came back so soon?” I have to remind myself that it’s normal to feel this way, like post-travel blues. My healing journey is ongoing, and I’m not perfect.
Some reminders for myself from the last week:
Taking action counters doubts and fears
Action leads to motivation and inspiration; do it tired, do it not-good-enough, do it scared, do it anyway
Let go of perfection; allow for “good enough” more often
Find a balance between my ideals (150% quality, authenticity, vulnerability) and the opposite (AI, automation, batching)
Make it easier for myself, don’t try to fight the world on everything
I’ll continue to strive for a successful and profitable business while staying true to my values and beliefs. Everything is a journey 😮💨, but I know I’m not alone.
In the meantime, if you’re interested in the January 2025 retreat:
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me ❤️,
Anna
