There’s something powerful about stepping away from the everyday, to create space for focus, creativity, and healing intentionally. That’s exactly what this retreat is: a much-needed pause to reconnect with my writing and recenter myself. I’m especially grateful that, despite the intense heatwave, we’re still able to meet remotely for class, it helps ease the transition into our focused space and keeping the sense of connection alive.

At the center of my focus is the memoir I’ve been working on. I still have a long way to go in terms of clarity, figuring out exactly what I want this book to say and how I want it to be structured. And yet, the more I write, the more ideas seem to flow in, uninvited but welcome. It’s like the story is revealing itself to me piece by piece.

Writing, I’ve realized, isn’t just about telling a story. It’s also about healing. This retreat is my opportunity to slow down and sit with myself: to reflect, to process, and to create. I hope to tune out the world for these two weeks and immerse myself in the work: How do I bring shape to the emotions and memories that live in my head? What will the final format look like? Etc. 

After just two days, I can already feel something shifting. There’s a sense of momentum building just like Dr. Zamora mentioned. It’s not just about writing more, but about becoming more connected to the work itself. I feel more grounded, more open, and more ready to face the complex material. 

Part of this journey also involves research. I plan to spend time reading memoirs that resonate. Learning from how others have crafted their stories. I also want to explore the topic of trauma more deeply, and how my own experiences connect to broader narratives. Understanding these themes better will help me write with more intention and honesty.

This retreat is more than just a writing getaway. It’s a space for self-exploration, healing, and creative commitment. And now that I’m finding my rhythm, I’m excited to see what unfolds in the days ahead!

See you all on Zoom!