I’ve talked about this a few times before, but I frequently dream about escaping to a personal retreat. I’m still dreaming about one now, even though there’s no way I could take one.

I know the biggest reason I want to escape into a retreat right now is because I am overwhelmed by everything that is happening in the world right now. Every time I open social media or hear a news broadcast, it’s just more decline and negativity with very few bright spots of hope. By taking a retreat, I could move away from all of that for a bit and just breathe.

So what would that retreat look like for me if I took one? Here is the fantasy I have created right now.

First of all, my retreat would be for at least a week, though a month would be amazing. And I would either stay in a cottage at the beach or in a cabin on a lake. Just a small place with a comfortable bed, places to sit and read, a small kitchen to prepare food, and a view of the water. Preferably there would be either a balcony or patio where I could sit at watch the water, feel the wind, and breathe in the freshness.

I would bring in some good food, lots of fruits and veggies, cheeses and crackers, and the ingredients to make some delicious meals and desserts. I would spend some of my time trying new recipes and puttering around in the kitchen.

Most of my time would be spent reading or writing, maybe a little painting. I would do some yoga and stretching, maybe a few light workouts or short walks. And lots of sleeping.

That’s the dream anyway.