I spent most of last weekend at the Georgia Writers Museum, helping with their first Annual Writers Retreat. As a member of the Board and the Programs Committee, I was thrilled to see how well-attended it was, how enthusiastic and involved everyone seemed to be, and how smoothly the entire event flowed. As a writer, I appreciated the knowledge I gained, the other writers I met, and the inspiration I received.

As I drove home from the retreat each day, my mind was filled with things I learned, things I did, and things I needed to follow up on or prepare for the next day’s sessions. And it felt great!

Have you ever taken part in an activity or event in which you were so engaged that time and the rest of the world seemed to just melt away? That’s how it felt for me while I was at the retreat. It made me realize how important it is for us to shift gears every so often and take some time away from our regular routine and everyday activities, from our jobs and chores and tasks and “to-do” lists, and from the 24/7, always-connected world we live in today. It also made me realize how good it can feel to totally immerse yourself in something that you love to do, that piques or placates your curiosity, or that leaves you exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

The benefits of such activities go well beyond the purpose of the events themselves, although that’s a good place to start. For me, anything related to writing – and writers – grabs my attention and holds my interest. So the Writers Retreat was a perfect place for me to be. But anything and anywhere that you find rewarding and fulfilling, to the point that you lose all sense of time and place, can do wonders for your mind and body, heart and soul. It can rejuvenate your energy, refresh your spirit, and recharge your batteries, in addition to rekindling your joy and enthusiasm – for the specific program you’re taking part in, or for life in general.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s Writers Retreat, but I’ve got a lot of other interests and activities I intend to pursue in between now and then. Some have to do with the work I do, some are closer to hearth and home. Some are related to health, others to hobbies. And whenever I find that an event involving any of these is something I can get totally immersed and lost in, I’ll consider it a special treat.

Or retreat.

March 7, 2022
©Betty Liedtke, 2022

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