“The bright Texas sun filters through the trees overhead, bathing the outdoor courtyard where I’m standing in light. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin, I’m surrounded by a handful of women – some new friends and some old – all with eyes sparkling with excitement, anticipation and promise. As we exchange hugs, share heartfelt laughs and our joyful nerves start to calm down just a bit, I push my heart down out of my throat just long enough to breathlessly say, ‘Welcome to the Illume Retreat, sweet friends!'”

This fall, I’m honored to have our April 2016 Illume Retreat featured in Belong Magazine. In this issue, I share a heartfelt inside look at the heart behind the retreat, and the thoughtful details that go into making this retreat a one-of-a-kind experience. I delve into the meaning of our signature approach we like to call, “productive rest,” and why that ultimately matters.

Copies are available in Barnes and Nobles stores nationwide, or online via Belong Magazine. Issues are available in print and digital versions, and I would be overjoyed to have you read my humble words on an experience that is so close to my heart.

Photography by Shalyn Nelson of Love, the Nelsons