When was the last time you got some rest? I mean real rest: No schedule, agenda, or checklist. No one else to take care of. No obligations. Peace and quiet. Time to catch your balance, renew your spirit, and rediscover what’s really important to you...

I took my first personal retreat a year after my first child was born. To back up a bit, I have to tell you that the transition to motherhood did not come easily for me. In a big step of faith, my husband and I moved from Oklahoma shortly before my baby’s due date. I left my career, my friends, and my home in the country to move “back home” to Minnesota.

When our baby arrived, life was suddenly very different--and my expectations were very, very wrong. (During my pregnancy, a friend asked, “What are you going to do with all that extra time while the baby is sleeping?”) Boy, was I surprised when reality showed up.

This new addition to my life, precious as she was, consumed every waking (and sleeping) moment. She was colicky; I was cranky. To make it worse, I was too stubborn to ask for help. What is wrong with me? I thought. All I have to do is take care of this one little person! It was quite humbling. Although things slowly improved with time, I was not getting the rest I needed. I needed a break.

Then a coherent thought came to me: Take some time away. Even Jesus Himself made it a practice to take time away to be alone when He needed to, so I figured I could at least give it a try.

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest..." (Matthew 11:28)

I searched the Internet and discovered several retreat centers within an hour or so of my home. After a few phone calls and dozens of questions, I made a reservation.

The weekend of my retreat, I felt apprehension as I left my one-year-old daughter and husband at home. This would be my first night alone since our baby was born, and it was a little scary, even though my previous career had me traveling alone internationally! My husband assured me that everything would be okay, and I headed out.

I chose a retreat center out in the country, so even the drive itself was therapeutic. Finally settled in my room, it took me a while to get accustomed to the stillness. It had been so long since I had time to just sit. This was a true vacation for me: Eat when hungry. Sleep when tired. Go for walks. Read, write, and pray. Enjoy the rest and the quiet.

Someone wisely advised that I stay a minimum of two nights, which I did. I was surprised at how hard it was to leave. But when I returned home, I had new energy and appreciation for my life and the people in it. After taking time to take care of myself, I had more to give. Now I make it a priority to schedule two personal retreats each year.

Where to go... Here are a few places to consider. Call to find the best fit for you. Pacem In Terris St. Francis, MN (763) 444-6408 Clare’s Well Annandale, MN (320) 274-3512 The Dwelling in the Woods McGrath, MN (320) 592-3708 Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center Marine on Saint Croix, MN (651) 433-2486 Holy Spirit Retreat Center Janesville, MN (507) 234-5712

Where to go...
You’ll have to decide what level of convenience you want. Most of the places I have stayed have been very simple, which helps me to “de-materialize.” It inspires and motivates me to live more simply at home and to create a more restful, peaceful atmosphere for my family.

Look for a neutral place--not your own home or family cabin, where there are too many distractions. An Internet search tailored to your state or geographical area is a good place to start. Retreat centers tend to be the most simple, peaceful and economical way to go. You can also check out state parks, which often provide “camper cabins” for a low fee. Even a motel or a friend’s vacant house could work; you just need to be somewhere you will feel no obligations.

Questions to ask:

• How many other guests will be there? What level of interaction, if any, is expected?
• What are your fees? (Some places are by donation only.)
• Are any meals included? Where can I keep my own food?
• What other amenities are included?
• Do you have electricity and/or running water? Will a phone be available in case of an emergency?
• Are you associated with a particular religion? Am I welcome if I hold a different faith?

If you have any special needs, be sure to discuss them. If this is your first personal retreat, tell them. Ask for other recommendations of how to spend your time to make your retreat more restful.

Packing list:
Remember, your number one goal is to get some rest. Decide what rest looks like for you, and make sure you have what you need to get that rest.

• Comfortable, seasonal clothing and footwear, including rain gear and hiking boots if you want to go exploring
• Swimsuit and towel (some places have saunas and/or pools)
• Food and meal plan (if food is not provided)
• Favorite healthy beverages
• Water bottle
• Vitamins/medications
• Pillow and bedding (if needed)
• Bible and concordance
• Journal and extra paper
• A good book
• Relaxing music (this is very optional; sometimes it's best to avoid all noise entirely)
• Checkbook and/or cash for payment
• Maps and directions

You can enjoy the benefits of a private retreat any time of year. Weekend reservations tend to fill up first, but you can always call to see if someone canceled. The first step is to pick a date and write it on your calendar in ink so it becomes a priority.

Let me know where you go--and what you discover. I'd love to hear your story.

Best wishes,

Jennifer Swanson

Editor's note:
Thank you to everyone who has responded to this article so far; I have been blessed to be that “last push” many of you needed to try it yourself.

The photos in this article were taken at Pacem in Terris (St. Francis, Minnesota). The story of this place is truly amazing; make the opportunity to visit soon. --JS

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