A Breath of Fresh Air: Reflections from Tranquil Waters

A couple of weeks ago, I took a short trip to a retreat near Nottingham called Tranquil Waters—a name that couldn’t be more fitting. Just a 30-minute drive from the city, nestled in the middle of nature and run by a truly lovely couple, this place felt like a world of its own. Surrounded by lush greenery and even a park where deer wandered freely, it was the kind of setting that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.

The retreat lasted only three days, but somehow it felt like I had been away for a full week. That sense of timelessness only happens when you’re deeply present, and that’s exactly what this space allowed for. I arrived with the intention of pausing, grounding myself, and reconnecting—and I left feeling relaxed, renewed, and incredibly grateful.

During those three days, I also had the chance to connect with two amazing women who, like me, had come to Tranquil Waters seeking something. One of them shared how she had to cut ties with her family—a painful but necessary choice in her case—and had recently had a challenging dynamic at work. She’s now in a moment of self-discovery, trying to figure out what’s next and how to live more in alignment with who she truly is.

The other woman opened up about a difficult situation she’s currently experiencing with part of her family. As she shared her story, it was clear how much she needed a break—a moment to breathe and be with herself. We all held space for her, offered support, and listened with compassion. She’s just beginning to understand the importance of boundaries, but learning how to put them into practice is still a work in progress. Her story reminded me of how often we’re not taught these things growing up, and how, even as adults, we’re still learning how to honour ourselves in relationships that feel complicated or draining.

What struck me most about them and the conversations we had was how much they mirrored the themes I work with in my coaching practice: boundaries, identity, self-worth, and the courage to make tough choices in order to live more authentically. These women reminded me why I do what I do. We don’t always get to choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond, how we heal, and how we move forward.

Sometimes, all we need is a little space—a pause, a breath, a weekend away in the quiet—to hear ourselves again. And in that stillness, we can begin to rediscover who we are and what we need to thrive.

So here’s a little reminder from Tranquil Waters: it’s okay to take a step back. It’s okay to prioritise your own well-being. And you never know who you might meet on the journey—maybe someone who helps you see your own story a little more clearly.

Until the next adventure,

Teresa

During the Cacao Ceremony