The Joy of Retreat

Dells Retreat
The view out my patio window. A perfect day to be inside writing.

Oftentimes, there’s nothing better for our mental health than getting away from it all: our work, volunteering, classes, family. I’m blessed to have a bucolic place I can escape to. About once a year, usually in January or February, I head off to Christmas Mountain Village in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin for three to four days. It’s a cozy resort nestled among the trees and hills in Wisconsin, so even though I don’t venture outside, I know my surrounding is peaceful.

The Dells are about a 3-1/2 hour drive from the northern Minneapolis suburbs–the drive is an escape in itself. I plug in my mp3 player and sing out loud to all my favorites from Kutless to VeggieTales. Ahhh.

After checking in, I head to the nearby SuperWalmart for groceries (all the units have full kitchens). Then it’s time to get to work.Dells Retreat 2

There’s no TV. No radio. No people. Only blessed solitude and silence.

(Oh, and did I mention a fireplace and jacuzzi tub?)

I get more accomplished in those few days than I do in a week at home. But, best of all, I’m recharged and ready to take on the rest of the year. Or, part of the year anyway. 😉

What do you do to cleanse the stress from your life? How do you re-charge?