When was the last time you did something that truly pushed you outside your comfort zone?

In this episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, we share our experience attending a hiking and endurance retreat on Vancouver Island and the powerful lessons we brought home from it.

This was not your typical retreat. It was not about relaxation or escape. It was about challenge, growth, community, and reconnecting with yourself in a deeper way.

We open up about the fears, self-doubt, and mindset shifts that showed up, along with the unexpected moments of joy, connection, and clarity that came from being fully present in nature.

This conversation is about more than one experience. It is about why stepping outside your routine, disconnecting from distractions, and surrounding yourself with new people can be transformative, especially for women in midlife.

If you have been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or craving something different, this episode will inspire you to take that next step.

Key Takeaways

• Why getting outside your comfort zone leads to growth

• The mental and emotional benefits of being in nature

• How disconnecting from your phone improves connection and presence

• The power of community and meaningful conversations

• Why midlife is the perfect time to try something new

• How self-doubt shows up and how to move through it

• The impact of challenging your body in new ways

• Why you do not need a full retreat to create transformation

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

00:00 A question that sparks growth
02:30 What this retreat was really about
06:00 The power of nature and disconnecting
10:00 Letting go of distractions and being present
13:30 Facing self-doubt and physical challenge
18:00 Pushing past comfort zones and mindset shifts
22:00 The importance of community and connection
26:00 Why meaningful conversations matter
30:00 Lessons from being around different ages and backgrounds
34:00 Why you deserve experiences like this
38:00 How to bring these lessons into your everyday life

Resources and Links

Join our hiking community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368978181038556
Website: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/
Email: theartoflivingwellpodcast@gmail.com

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Good Health Saunas, offering commercial grade infrared saunas designed to support detoxification, muscle recovery, relaxation, and better sleep.

Visit https://goodhealthsaunas.com or stop by their Mall of America, Appleton, or Waukesha locations. Be sure to mention The Art of Living Well Podcast® for exclusive pricing.

Follow and Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Connect with Your Hosts

Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching
Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/