Category: Travel

Exploring English Settlements: Hamlets, Villages, Towns & Cities in the Cotswolds

June 24, 2025

A view of the Cotswolds village of Naunton.

Here in California where I live—and also back in Western Canada where I grew up—the terms village and hamlet aren’t part of everyday vocabulary when it comes to describing different settlement sizes. But in England, these terms—along with town and city—carry very specific distinctions. I didn’t fully appreciate these differences myself until I began exploring, and eventually guiding others through, the Cotswolds—an officially recognized Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just two hours northwest of London.

Curious what each of these designations means? Let’s dive in…

A thatched cottage on the edge of Broadway in the Cotswolds.

Hamlet

A hamlet is typically a very small cluster of houses or farms, usually without community services such as a church, school, or shop. These tiny settlements are often just a scattering of homes nestled into the landscape. Some of the hamlets we pass through on my Women’s Walking Retreats include Stanway, Hailes, and Widford—peaceful, quiet corners of the English countryside that I absolutely love.

Village

A village is larger than a hamlet and traditionally includes a church. You’ll often also find a pub, a school, a shop, and perhaps a village green. Populations usually number under 10,000, and villages often have a parish council. Some of my favorite Cotswolds villages include Lower and Upper Slaughter, Stanton, Naunton, Snowshill, and Winchcombe.

Then there are the iconic, postcard-worthy villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe, which tend to attract busloads of tourists. While they’re undeniably beautiful, I generally avoid them on my retreats to preserve the tranquility of the experience. If you do want to visit these gems, I recommend going in the evening—once the crowds have dispersed and the day has quieted down.

The River Eye meandering through the Cotswolds village of Lower Slaughter.

Town

A town is a larger settlement that, historically, would have included a market and often features a range of shops, services, and churches, as well as a local council or governing body. In the Cotswolds, classic market towns like Cirencester, Tetbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh, Burford, and Chipping Norton are rich in character and history.

I particularly enjoy beginning my Cotswolds adventures in Stow-on-the-Wold—the highest market town in the region—and wrapping them up in Broadway, affectionately known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.”

City

A city in England was traditionally defined by the presence of a cathedral, though today, city status is granted by royal charter from the monarch. The only city officially within the Cotswolds boundary is Bath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), though even its historic center lies just outside the region’s formal borders.

Gloucester—with its stunning cathedral that’s long been on my personal bucket list—is culturally connected to the Cotswolds, but like Bath, it sits beyond the area’s official boundaries. Interestingly, Cirencester—often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds” and once the second-most important Roman settlement after London—is still considered a town, not a city, despite its historical significance and size.

A quiet morning on the square in the Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.

Want to Explore the Cotswolds With Me?

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Why I Keep Coming Back to the Cotswolds

June 7, 2025

“Why do you keep coming back to the Cotswolds?”

This is a question I frequently receive when asked about the Women’s Walking Retreats I host deep in the heart of the English countryside.

It’s a question I love to answer, as I am truly passionate about what these retreats, and the Cotswolds, have to offer the women who join me as guests.

The short answer to this question, is that I’m a big fan of tweaking something until it’s refined, learning more about an area I love, and providing a quality experience for the retreat attendees.

However, if you wanted the longer answer, the one that draws on the deeper reasons for why I gravitate to the Cotswolds when it comes to creating a time of restoration and inspiration, well then you’ve come to right place.

The Cotswolds are comprised of gentle hills and lush valleys, unfurling across 6 counties and their sheep-speckled farms, and honey-hued villages, just 2 hours (yet a world away) from the the intensity of London. This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) features countless miles of public footpaths, providing walkers with the opportunity to criss-cross the tranquil landscape in an intimate style and at a leisurely pace.

Along these ancient paths, I have sat amidst a flock of curious sheep at sunset, enjoyed a break from the sun’s rays while exploring stone churches with medieval origins, and stood ankle-deep in the cool waters of the quietly meandering River Windrush. Every corner turned and each hill crested offers a feast for the senses without over-stimulating the body and the brain.

As one veers off of a country lane and onto a well-marked footpath, the sounds of modern traffic evaporates and are replaced by birdsong and babbling brooks, wind in the literal willows, and church bells tolling in tiny villages. Pubs lack the city sounds of stereo speakers and sports commentary. Instead the murmur of camaraderie and friendship provides a soundtrack for the cozy setting. As the noise of modern life recedes into the distance, it becomes easier to hear the voice of God speak through Creation or the intuitive nudges whisper to our souls.

Every walker tracing the Cotswolds on foot is bound to enjoy views of undulating hills dotted with sleek thoroughbreds and shaggy sheep, minding their business under skies of ever-evolving cloud shapes and all manner of meteorology. These painterly landscapes invite the viewer to gaze up and out at nature’s artistry instead of downwards at a device, to gain clarity and perspective beyond everyday routines and ruts. The Cotswolds feature a distinctive harmony between nature and architecture, offering inspiration for those who appreciate the seamless blend between natural beauty and handcrafted design. The visual feast is endless without overwhelming the senses.

As one navigates gravel footpaths and clambers over stone stiles, swings open wooden gates and shuts tight heavy timber church doors, texture and touch become integral to the Cotswolds walking experience. The feel of lush green grass underfoot, the coarse sensation of brushing up against a dry-limestone wall, the silky smoothness of a rose petal between the fingers, all ignite the walker’s connection to the natural world and a sense of wholeness at being immersed in a tranquil setting quite unlike anywhere else.

While walking in the Cotswolds, aromas waft through valleys and villages that trigger past memories and inspire new ones. The scent of woodsmoke curling out from a chimney or a hayfield freshly cut combines with the perfume of lilacs and lavender in bloom. The scent of dewy fields, wet fleece, and dry cow pies mingle to create an earthy cologne. Nature’s perfumery is layered, complex, and intoxicating.

To explore the Cotswolds is to whet the appetite for fresh and local cuisine. The cows one passes in verdant fields offer up the most sumptuous butters, cheeses, creams, and yogurts. Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs infuse dishes with sweet and savoury flavours. Locally-raised beef, lamb, pork and chicken are roasted, minced, and stewed, then turned into classic pot pies, traditional roast dinners, and hearty breakfasts. Eggs are farm fresh and fabulous. Desserts like fruit crumbles, Eton mess, and sticky toffee pudding, along with drinks like ciders and ales punctuate the meals with indulgent and celebratory notes. To walk the Cotswolds is to taste nature’s provision and appreciate the seasons for their specific offerings.

Why do I return to the Cotswolds again and again? Because whenever I do, the cacophony and pace of the modern world are replaced with the peacefulness of a pastoral landscape and timeless setting. Because my guests are able to enter into a space where they can process the past, dream for the future, and be exquisitely present, all without distraction and interruption. Because the combination of luxurious accommodations, fantastic cuisine, and serene settings invite guests to slow down and experience deep, restorative rest. Whenever I spend time in the Cotswolds, I am able to linger in the sublime, and when I return home, the Cotswolds linger within me.

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Finding Margin on Mondays

October 1, 2024

Mondays might be my most favourite day of the week. We usually have no plans for Mondays other than to delve into a fresh week of school and begin making our way through weekly chores and projects. As an introvert, I’m typically relieved to have a social break after the weekend. I also find that my energy for getting things accomplished is at its zenith on Mondays, so I like to get meal prep and bigger chores done early in the week. I don’t know about any other moms out there, but I tend to feel pretty wiped out by Friday afternoon, and am rarely the finest version of myself at that point in the week!

On this bright, blue-sky Monday morning, I was rather pleased about the day’s progress as I turned on my gas stove’s third burner and began boiling water for that night’s dinner. Veggies for mine and Will’s lunches were sautéing in one pan while bone broth was simmering in the stock pot. Travis was playing outside, burning off some energy, before I sat down with him for his schoolwork. Lauren and Natalie were already making their way through math and piano practice. There was a hum to our hive that felt purposeful and positive.

As I basked in the glow of a morning going strong, about to lower almost five pounds of chopped Yukon gold potatoes into a pot of boiling water, a sharp CRACK jolted me out of my reverie, and a simultaneous spray of shattered glass from along the back of the stovetop was sent flying into the potato water, across the range, and onto the kitchen floor. My efficient morning had been eradicated in an instant.

I sighed deeply as I switched off all three burners on the now crystalline-covered stovetop, shooed curious kids away from the blast site, and began sweeping up the debris. In spite of feeling utterly deflated, I was grateful that no glass had found its way into my eyes or skin. My middle child assessed the situation with the pragmatic reminder that, “At least we don’t have anywhere to be today.”

“Quite right,” I agreed. If today had been a busy day, I would have had far less capacity to handle the hiccup with grace. I might have let my irritation with this fiasco affect my interactions with the kids in a negative manner. Instead, as I slowly began to clean up, I realized that this interruption was essentially another reminder to slow down and plan for more days like this one: days with enough margin for plans to go awry, schedules to shift, and for me to pivot.

So, how do I go about scheduling my days with maximum margin? It comes down to a simple question I can ask myself as often as I need to:

“What ACTUALLY NEEDS to get done?”

While I’m becoming better at assessing how much I can realistically get done in a specific period of time, I still have to regularly reassess my list of to-dos and weed out the things that can truly just wait.

When I consider what needs to get done versus what I would like to accomplish, it’s much easier to give myself permission to slow down and carve out space for life to ebb and flow.

In the long run, my responses to how I handle the unexpected hiccups and hardships will matter far more than what I accomplished on a day-to-day basis. How I treat others (and that’s not to say I’ve always done that well – far from it!) is always going to outlast whatever I achieve. When I pare down all my reasons for wanting to slow down more, the ones that matter most are these: to love God and love others as best I can.

Looking for more slow living inspiration? Check out the blog posts below.

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3 Ways to Develop Your Intuition

September 2, 2024

When it comes to integrating slow living strategies into our lives, I believe that tapping into our intuition is one of the most important processes we can adopt. Becoming attuned to our intuition can enable us to course-correct, gain clarity, make better decisions, reflect on the past, and prepare for the future. Sometimes we intuit for our own benefit, but at times we are also required to intuit on behalf of, or in cooperation with, family members, staff, ministry partners, a business or program, students, clients etc.

Tapping into my intuition has helped me discern my body’s needs and my brain’s logic, differentiate between desires that are selfish or selfless, and recall the wisdom of God’s Word or those who have spoken into my life from a place of wisdom and experience.

Becoming attuned to my intuition has required the following: stillness, silence, and solitude. I cannot intuit well amidst the clamour and chaos of busyness, noise, and the needs and expectations of others. So how do I find stillness, silence, and solitude when the days are full and the nights feel short? Below are 3 methods that have helped me to tap into my intuition amidst the roller coaster of parenting, homeschooling, and running a business.

Time in nature, specifically a walk or wild swim, allows me to breathe deeply, reset my nervous system, observe lessons from nature, escape the noise, get off my device, and hear from God through his creation. This is one of my favourite ways to gain clarity and tap into my intuition.

Early mornings before my family needs me or the rest of the world has a chance to fill my brain via emails, texts, and social media are essential. Spending time in prayer, journaling, and meditation on Scripture as a way of both communing with God and hearing His voice provides me with peace and the opportunity to intuit my next steps or a greater vision.

The pursuit of a creative outlet no matter how insignificant it might feel or how poorly it is attempted, increases my ability to hone my intuition. Whether it’s painting or photography, piano or cooking, setting a beautiful table or pruning a rose bush, any opportunity I have to do something creative helps me become more acquainted with sensing nuance. It’s a training ground for developing my intuitive sense. The more I engage with a creative outlet, the more I become attuned to my intuition, which I can then utilize throughout all aspects of life.

As I become more intuitive, I become better able to understand my purpose, use the gifts God has given me, and endure difficult seasons. Tapping into my intuition has also helped me decide on and hone a number of slow living strategies that have made my life feel less chaotic, more in sync with natural rhythms, and more aligned with my desire to lead a peace-filled life.

For the story on how I lost my connection to my intuition during the pandemic and gained it back during an unexpected season, click HERE.

If you’d like to follow along on my exploration of slow living strategies, you can subscribe to my newsletter for weekly inspiration, travel tips, offers, and opportunities to increase your rest, creativity, and natural rhythms. Join me on the journey HERE.

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5 Ways to Increase Rest & Decrease Stress

August 12, 2024

As we prepare to launch into another school year, I’ve been thinking about what I what want this year to look like. It includes the following:

Increased time in nature
Less screen time & device dependence
A schedule that is oriented around restorative rest
More automation in order to reduce decision fatigue
Improved sleep quality

I’ve recently addressed the first two issues in my regular newsletter, which you can read here (nature edition) and here (screen time edition) but am diving into the other topics on my blog, as this is where I intend to spend more time exploring the concepts of rest and creativity that fuel and restore me whether I’m at home or on the road.

I am passionate about going out into the world (whether that be to far-flung locales or to just-around-the-corner antique stores and markets) and bringing inspiration back home. The cycle of going out into the world and being inspired, then weaving that inspiration into my rhythms and routines helps to ignite my creativity, which in turn enables me to thrive in various seasons and spaces.

If this appeals to you, I invite you to explore this space and stay tuned. You can also subscribe to my weekly newsletter which will keep you updated with my latest offerings (retreats, travel tips, slow rhythm strategies, and favourite finds) and links to fresh blog posts and photo collections.

I’ll be sharing very shortly about my thoughts regarding a schedule oriented around rest and how I intend to apply that to this coming year. One thing that I’ve been considering lately is how I seem to experience the best mental rest once my body has had a chance to slow down. My husband Will, however, told me that he functions best with the opposite approach.

Which works best for you? Slowing your body down first and letting your mental burdens lighten as a result, or letting go of your mental stressors in order to let your body rest? Feel free to share your personal preferences in the comments below or send me an email at: hello@bringinginspirationhome.com I’d love to chat further about why some of us slow down better one way and others require the opposite strategy!

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My Favourite Place to Stay in the Cotswolds

June 22, 2023

It would seem appropriate to kick off my Cotswolds Travel Journal series with where most stories start: at the beginning.

But I’m going to hold off and start somewhere else. I’ll circle back to the very beginning soon, but I’m going to start with my most favourite place to stay in the Cotswolds. I’d prefer to share about the sense of home that washed over me when I walked up to, then into, and finally out of (it will all make sense in a minute) the Stanton Guildhouse on Day 3 of my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds.

I felt a kinship with this house, its gardens, and most obviously its views overlooking the English countryside the instant I arrived last year. When I returned this June, a flood of something that felt akin to a homecoming swept me up in its momentum and held me there in a cocoon of rest until we departed two days later.

The Stanton Guildhouse is a newer build that was completed in 1973, but constructed with the local (yet internationally renowned) Arts & Crafts movement in mind. Everything about the place is hewn using local building materials and traditional Cotswold styles, from the limestone facade to the hand-turned light switch pulls, from the enormous inglenook fireplace to the bank of mullioned windows peering out over the story-book setting below. It is truly magnificent, but in a decidedly comforting manner that makes you want to curl up with a good book, cup of tea, and cozy blanket.

This year, knowing what I would be returning to, I was eager to finish the final climb from the village of Stanton and gaze upon the guildhouse with its gardens spilling over in mock orange and roses aplenty. We let ourselves into the great room, instantly dropped our bags on the cool flagstone floor, then flung open the set of arched double doors revealing a stone terrace draped in blossoms and framing a feast for the eyes. Panoramic views of the Evesham Vale swept across the horizon. Sheep dotted the sunlit hillside nearby, and just below the property, a mare and her foal enjoyed a verdant pasture.

“The birdsong began early and the bees buzzed late, as they are prone to do throughout the long, languid days of an English summer. Rest felt effortless, guiltless, and good. The inspiration that surrounded us was simple yet stunning“

In all this, I sensed a feeling of home, though the space looked nothing like my home in California. It did, however, remind me of homes from my past. The views easily mimicked the vantage from my parents’ home where I spent my teenage years in British Columbia. The gardens reminded me of my Grandma’s floral paradise that she so expertly cultivated for many decades. The house itself, with its limestone walls, central hearth, and heavy wooden doors featuring beautifully forged iron hardware, echoed my Grandparents’ rural home set in the Canadian prairies. Collectively, aspects of the Stanton Guildhouse reminded me of some of my most beautiful childhood memories. This felt like an especially precious gift, as those homes from my past are no longer in my family’s possession.

The best part about being in a place that reminded me of the most beautiful parts of my childhood meant that I felt instantly at ease in my surroundings. Talk about an ideal setting for inspiration & restoration! As our 2-night stay at the Guildhouse included a day of rest from our village-to-village walk through the Cotswolds, we all had the opportunity to bask in the beauty of our surroundings. At one point while relaxing in a massive free-standing soaker tub, I heard strains of the score from Pride & Prejudice wafting up to the second floor. One of my guests, Brianne, was playing the baby grand piano set snugly in the corner of the great room. For just a moment in time, I felt like Elizabeth Bennet after a long walk. But then the Downton Abbey score was carried in through the window on a breeze and I imagined Lady Mary lowering herself into the warm water after a dramatic hunt across the countryside. Ah how a soundtrack plus the English countryside can set one’s imagination adrift!

Throughout our rest day, women on the trip enjoyed coffee on the terrace, journaling with a view, a leisurely rest under a shade tree. Someone arranged fresh cut flowers in a window sill, enhancing the already impossibly lovely view. Three of the ladies hired a taxi and explored the surrounding villages for the afternoon. A few of us enjoyed a long pub lunch overlooking the valley. One of my guests pulled together a fantastic charcuterie spread for us to enjoy throughout the evening. We sat and discussed creativity and the effects of decision fatigue on our ability to thrive. The birdsong began early and the bees buzzed late, as they are prone to do throughout the long, languid days of an English summer. Rest felt effortless, guiltless, and good. The inspiration that surrounded us was simple yet stunning. I could have stayed in Stanton for a month filled with days like this, but as reality insists that is not to be, I will take everything I embraced that day and bring the inspiration home.

During my first few days back home, I am tempted to get all the things done. Be efficient, productive, make up for ‘lost’ time. Then I remind myself what the Guildhouse gave me and find time for books, pruning roses, and quiet moments with nothing but bees and birdsong to enjoy.

If you can see yourself taking in the beauty and being restored with time at the Stanton Guildhouse, click HERE for more details on my next Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds.

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Reviews: Women’s Walking Retreat in the Cotswolds

June 4, 2023

The opportunity to reflect on the words of those who have trusted me to lead them on my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds is such an encouragement to me. It is my hope, that if you are considering joining me on this incredible adventure, the words of past guests will encourage you to take the leap and try something extraordinary. Like slow down and walk. Observe the details around you. Pray, meditate, and process. Dream for the future. Live in the moment. Stop scrolling and turn off all your notifications. Let the rhythms of nature take over your body and allow the beauty of the English countryside to nourish your soul. All at the SAME TIME. Doesn’t that sound incredible? But don’t take my word for it. Instead, take a glance at what a few of my guests have had to say about their time on my Women’s Walking Retreat in the Cotswolds.

“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least – and it is commonly more than that – sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” – Henry David Thoreau.

Cotswold-walker-at-Hailes-Abbey

Are you ready to step into a time of restoration & inspiration? Join me next summer as we explore the Cotswolds together. Click HERE for details on my Women’s Walking Retreats.

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Tapping into Creativity in Spite of Decision Fatigue

March 12, 2023

Who is my Women’s Walking Retreat For?

February 26, 2023

When I first set out to design a retreat for women who wanted to join me on a multi-day village to village walk through the English countryside, I knew I wanted inspiration and restoration to be at the heart of the experience: restoration from past hurts, struggles, and failures, and inspiration to move towards healing, new dreams, and creative expression.

As I crafted the look and feel of the trip, and arranged the logistics accordingly, women I knew who had been through specific seasons came to mind. In the same way that I had been impacted by my experience walking through the Cotswolds, I wanted to provide women with the opportunity to reflect on their past, be present and unhurried in the moment, and dream for the future.

I’ve created my Women’s Walking Retreat with the following women in mind:

A woman on the edge of, or engulfed by, burn out.

This was me when I first walked the Cotswolds, so I knew what an exhausted woman would benefit from: fresh air, minimal distractions, non-strenuous activity, nourishing food, and restful sleep. Plenty of time to be present and do less. More disconnection from the world in favour of connection with God, nature, and her own mind and body. If you’re a mom, career professional, student, caretaker, ministry worker, volunteer, or servicewoman (or likely some combination of the above) you know what it’s like to put others first and shelve your own dreams and desires. Maybe you’re at the breaking point…or you’ve broken down already and need some respite. We all need green pastures and quiet waters from time to time. My Women’s Walking Retreat offers opportunity for rest and restoration in abundance.

A woman with big decisions on the horizon or plans to map out.

Perhaps you are on the verge of a major life change or a shift in seasons. Maybe you have some dreams that need exploring and refining. It can be difficult to process big ideas and new realities on the go, or with distractions competing for mental square footage. At the end of the day, you lack the mental capacity and energy to shift gears and get into a mindset of creating, dreaming, and planning for the future. With minimal decisions to make, and all logistics taken care of once you arrive in the Cotswolds, my Women’s Walking Retreat offers plenty of opportunities daydream, jot down your thoughts, and maybe even bounce ideas off others in the group. My daily Creative Coaching sessions along the way can help guide your approach to developing your ideas and making your dreams a reality.

A woman who’s always wanted to travel internationally.

If you have always had the desire to travel internationally, but haven’t yet embarked on that sort of adventure, it can be daunting to know where to begin. That’s why my Women’s Walking Retreat is a perfect starting point. I’ll come alongside you to help with your flights and packing lists. Our group threads on Slack can help facilitate ride-sharing from London airports to our first stop in the Cotswolds. On my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds, you’ll be able to enjoy the adventure without worrying about logistics.

A woman who longs to tap into her creative gifts.

Every one of us posesses a river of unbroken creative potential. If your creative output has plateaued, evaporated completely, or just been on the back burner for so long you don’t know how to access it, I’ll be providing daily coaching on how to tap into your creative gifts. Prior to the trip, you’ll receive access to the Creative Catalyst, an online course I’ve designed to help you reignite your creativity. The harmony between nature and architecture in the Cotswolds, unfolding drama of the English weather, and sheer beauty of the settings we will traverse throughout my Women’s Walking Retreat are a wellspring of inspiration for your creative endeavours. Hone your observation skills and attention to detail while walking through a landscape rife with inspirational jewels.

“A truly fantastic experience – highly recommended for the scenery, the company, and the time away where your only responsibility is to put one foot in front of the other, find joy in nature and breathe deeply. Thanks for following your passion and leading us Jaime. I think I left a piece of my heart somewhere on the Cotswold path.” – Laura W.

A woman who wants to celebrate the wins!

It’s tempting to finally reach a goal, give yourself a pat on the back, then barrel towards the next milestone without ever stopping to acknowledge the efforts, sacrifices, and connections made on the journey. My Women’s Walking Retreat serves not only as a reward for ambitions achieved, but an opportunity to take time for gratitude and reflection. The beauty of the Cotswolds will compel you to pause and drink in the stunning surroundings. Cozy accommodations and delicious locally-sourced food and drink round out the experience in a celebratory fashion. If you’ve accomplished something big, or overcome obstacles on your path, join me in the Cotswolds and we’ll toast to your wins!

A woman who loves to travel and meet new people.

If you’ve always wanted to visit the English countryside, you’re intrigued by the idea of walking from village to village, or you like the concept of slow travel as an alternative to a whirlwind tour or jam-packed holiday, my Women’s Walking Retreat fits the bill. It also attracts women from a wide range of age groups, cultural backgrounds, and walks of life. While the retreat is perfect for someone new to travel, it’s also designed so that travellers who want to strike out on their own can venture further afield or have an experience that is more tailored to their preferences. As I’ll be teaching about tapping into your creative gifts along the way, there will be opportunities to delve into the creative process which can provide seasoned travellers with new perspectives and experiences.

A woman experiencing heartache or loss.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, a season of life, a home, a job, or a dream, my Women’s Walking Retreat is designed so that those who are brokenhearted can be cared for and encouraged. From the serene landscape that beckons you to breathe deeply, to the quiet old churches that invite you to bask in their beauty and light, to the company of other women who can offer their support and presence, I designed this retreat to serve as a balm for the soul. My dear friend Yanez, a registered clinical counsellor, will be walking with us throughout the trip, and can be sought out by anyone who would like to utilize her services. I want to be especially sensitive to your loss, and want you to know that my Women’s Walking Retreat is an opportunity for you to experience the space and support you need during this time.

You may fit into one or many of these categories. I certainly did the first time I set foot in the English countryside. Maybe you don’t fit into any and still want to come. You are absolutely welcome no matter what your season or situation! God used this tranquil slice of countryside to touch me in such a lasting way that I can’t help but want to share it with other women. I hope you’ll join me on my Women’s Walking Retreat thought the Cotswolds — an extraordinary adventure that I trust will impact and inspire you for years to come.

Ready to book your spot? Click HERE for all the trip details you need!

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40 at 40

February 15, 2023

With my right hand nervously gripping the throttle of a lime green snowmobile, I tentatively circled a snowy clearing high up in the Sierra Nevada mountain range while Will and a couple of friends looked on. I spent my childhood in the Canadian prairies around snowmobiles but had never driven one myself until that moment. It dawned on me while I was maneuvering the machine over the serene white glade that it was the second weekend in a row I had done something new, and with some success to boot.

The weekend prior, I had, for the first time in my life, swam 50 laps while visiting my parents in Arizona. It was a new record for me, and came after at least a couple of years away from the pool. There were quite a few people around but I tried not to let that affect my momentum. I mentally held my insecurities at bay with each stroke, and kept adding more laps until I’d reached a number that left me stunned (and more than a little winded!). That experience gave me the confidence I needed to try taking the snowmobile out for a spin.

I generally don’t like to try new things in front of other people. I’m a perfectionist and I’m also fearful of being embarrassed. But I find that when I take small steps to build my confidence, I’m more willing to give things a go.

My husband has the sort of confidence I envy: he instinctively believes that he can attempt most things, and, if he works at them hard enough, experience some level of success. He isn’t cocky, takes advice well, and plows ahead regardless of others looking on or insecurities he might have. I admire his quiet confidence and want to to adopt this mentality more consistently over the next decade.

I’ve been excited about turning 40 for many years, and have wanted to find a way to commemorate this new decade for a while. But rather than force some contrived idea into fruition, I decided to just let an idea come to me. Finally, last weekend an idea clicked into place during that snowmobile drive around an alpine meadow.

“I know it’s easy to settle into the comfort of routines as one gets older, and there’s something very reassuring about being content within the rhythms I’ve created, but I also don’t want to become fearful of change and risk losing out on the adventures to ahead.”

This year, I am going to try and tackle 40 new things. Things I’ve always wanted to do, things that come up spontaneously, things I’ve never considered before, things that push me forward into this new season of life. They don’t always have to be physical, they don’t even have to be that exciting, they just need to inspire me and help me take small steps towards a more confident approach to life.

I believe this endeavour will not only help me to fight back against fear and insecurities, but help me live life to the fullest, tapping into gifts and abilities I’ve never fully recognized. I also believe that this approach to the coming year will help me discover new outlets for coping with anger, grief, and stress when they arise. It’s a preventative approach that I am confident will serve me well in the years to come. I am also hopeful that this pursuit will serve as an example to my kids, who I hope will live their lives with less fear of failure and embarrassment than I have.

Here is the list of things new things I’ve done since turning 40 two months ago:

Took a road trip to Mexico with Will, the kids, and some friends of ours.
Hiked in the desert among saguaro cacti (always wanted to see and photograph those!) with my mom.
Swam 50 laps in the pool while visiting my parents in Arizona.
Skied a new mountain for the first time, and skied for the first time in about 20 years.
Drove a snowmobile by myself.

And, here are some ideas of things I might want to do during the year ahead:

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge.
Take voice lessons.
Spend some time sketching art in the Legion of Honor.
Take the kids to Yosemite.
Sew the girls a couple of simple nightgowns.
Go shark watching for great whites in Monterey.
Bake a two-layer chocolate cake (if you have recipe recommendations, please send them my way….I am quite a novice baker).

This is not the beginning of a to-do list for the year. If I don’t accomplish any of these ideas before I turn 41, I’m fine with that. However, being naturally inclined to list-making, it felt appropriate to come up with a few possibiltles. In addition to a list, I want to be on the lookout for opportunities I may have never considered before, or that scare me just a little. I know it’s easy to settle into the comfort of routines as one gets older, and there’s something very reassuring about being content within the rhythms I’ve created, but I also don’t want to become fearful of change and risk losing out on the adventures to ahead.

If any of this resonates with you, and you too want to take a leap into a new adventure, perhaps my Women’s Walking Retreat is just the right opportunity for you. It’s low-key, filled to the brim with beauty and inspiration, and offers the perfect setting and pace to dream for what the future might hold. I would LOVE for you to join me so I can help make that a reality for you!

Click HERE for trip details.

Want to know how the year turned out? Click HERE to subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll send you the issue with the final list and photos from the experience!

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