The Get Real Retreat was wonderful, far beyond my imagination. Not because I’m so talented but because people came to the event with an open heart but in planning and in participation. The easiest way to explain it is through images. Enjoy the experience you see and think about when you want to sign up!

Thanks Liz Nead for organizing a great retreat! The confidence course was so fun and it was even more rewarding to help others on my team who didn’t think they could do it. With just a little help and encouragement we all made it through the obstacles (confession: didn’t get to try the one behind us). I think we all felt exhilarated afterward. It was like recess for adults!!

Dani Lin

THE SET UP

decided to host the retreat at Camp Dodge. As I attended conferences over the years, I looked for inspiration but as most vision-inspired thoughts, I came up with an anti-conference theme. Gone are the luxuries and resort feel. Here is a place you come to release your comfort zone physically, to open the visionary door, mentally and spiritually. I did not lock up the phones but I did keep them busy enough, technology wasn’t necessary.

Everyone slept in barracks and we held the classroom portion in a small building nearby. The day was centered around release and action—at the center the anxiety-causing Confidence Course.

This last weekend I had an opportunity to attend the Get Real Retreat with Liz Nead. It’s taken me a couple days to process my experience and emotions into words. There was an amazing group of people from around the country that came together as strangers and left deeply connected and supportive as friends. The goal of this retreat is to learn how to live your best purpose driven life by overcoming the barriers that hold us back in life, business and relationships. There was even a physical challenge on the confidence course that taught me that you can be successful even when you have help… You don’t have to go it alone always. The gratitude for being invited into this experience and for the beautiful and inspiring people that I now have the pleasure of knowing is humbling. Also, Liz provided me with an opportunity to design the decor for the event as I am working getting my event design business back on track. Thank you Liz, from the bottom of my heart… You are truly amazing!

Therresa

THE GOAL

ith only 24 hours, I wanted to be focused and intentional. I had another motive. While I am committed to getting people moving, I also wanted to touch souls, investing in their power in the hopes they could return to their life and create momentum. So, I had four ideal outcomes:

• To pour into each person and fill them up, spiritually, physically and emotionally.
• To help each person get real about where they are, what they want and where they are willing to go.
• To support a strong bond and create a movement of lovers and doers.

To help each person make hard decisions about next-step actions before the end of the year and a vision for the future that is bigger than your work or your family.

NOURISHMENT

e decided not to cater the event traditionally, instead tapping into and lifting up the talents and passions of a clients who are health and wellness coaches. Dani Lin (DaniLinWellness.com) fed us at breakfast, charged with the task of teaching us how to eat foods filling and nutritious. She served us a variety of fruits, completely tasty gluten free and dairy free “overnight oats,” and mini quiches. Kristine Lies (AllAboutMyKitchen.com) was in charge at lunch and filled us up after being out in the cold at the Confidence Course with two kinds of yummy soups, a spicy black bean and meatball. It was fun to see them support each other, alternating as head chef and sous chef. We walked away feeling full and satisfied in a healthy way.

I rolled out recipes from my upcoming cookbook, “Curry Up” on Friday night. French-Dip sandwiches, a traditional chicken and veggie curry, golden raisin rice, pineapple salsa and samosas. From the look of the empty plates and the glowing testimonials it was a hit! And a few more people are interested in pre-ordering the cookbook.

The other essential nourishment came from release and meditation. I wanted them to let go of whatever it is they carry around, the dark box of doubts, doubters, self-sabotaging rules and guidelines. We turned down the lights and sat together in a guided meditation, digging out the thoughts that don’t serve our vision. After opening our hearts, Art-facilitator Nancy Case (MirthandMelodyDesigns.com) guided us by creating leaves and then hanging them on branches and burning them.

The nourishment was truly sealed with a shooting star. Check out the video!

#GetRealRetreat This 24 hr experience has helped me recognize sooo many things. Who would have thought you could eat well, release, refocus and plan next steps in 1 day! Liz Nead words cannot express my appreciation! Major Nead thank you for all your support and instructions!

Melissa Russell

THE CONNECTIONS

ixteen people committed to the vision-get-away. I knew the power would not come from me and my ideas, but their ability to open up, connect and surf the powerful, positive energy that comes from facing fears and triumphing over their own doubts, in 24 hours. They traveled from all over—Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Omaha, DC, Grundy Center and Des Moines. Touchingly, graciously, they dug in and connected. There are stories of people laying in bed together, talking about plans, trading ideas. An early morning walk with two people who had never met previously. Silly mixers, fully embraced by the group.

They have named their movement. You see it didn’t come from me. They are the power. #GetRealTribe.

I don’t know why I do this to myself, always on a tight schedule. I had to leave Liz’s GET REAL retreat! a little early but the time I spent was priceless. I got this wonderful tee and made some great new connections!

Jewane

THE WORK

‘m a speaker and learning the basic, foundational elements of powerful, life-changing vision is my passion. We spent time together learning new ways to look at ourselves, our relationships and our future. The Powerful People Positions helped us see what drives communication and provoked each person to choose to aspire to a change. If you notice an attendee paying extra attention to detail or trying to connect, don’t discourage them. They are putting their lessons into action.

I challenged them to take advantage of the privilege of social media and technology, to stop worrying about what others thing and start thinking about what their community needed.

I met with everyone in person and together, we created an end-of-the-year plan and a 2017 direction.

THE CONFIDENCE COURSE

his idea of putting civilians with a wide variety of ages, and athleticism was brilliant yet scary. What if it didn’t work? What if it was cold? The day was gorgeous, sunny and a bit windy but doable. The group rallied each other and with their Get Real tee-shirts made their way down to the course about a mile away.

Thankfully, my husband Ken (retired 20 year Army Major) was waiting for them. We didn’t go through the whole course. Rather, I chose 5 key elements and paired them up in groups. At first, they began a bit slowly and then hearts opened and people started to step into action with freedom. Holding hands, just leaping and trying, crying, encouraging, high-fiving. Facing the elements together! group, It was almost strange to watch, people opening up, stepping into their power. Around the course you could hear their voices rise, laugh big belly laughs and a powerful release of confidence.

Thank you to Liz Nead, Kristine Lies, Danielle Aoki Lin, and Nancy Case for their fabulous contributions to make the retreat such a success. Shout out to Ken for being there when we needed him and for all his support to Liz and the 180 group! Special thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome and for your care, concern, and input over that 24 hours. It was great getting to know you all. I left feeling spiritually, emotionally, AND physically fed!;) Here’s to the next 50 days of crushing out goals and action items! This is the essence of vulnerability. Not sure what I’m doing. It’s hard. It’s awkward. My muscles are burning. My team is cheering. I want to quit. I ask for help. I release when my mind is telling me to hold on for dear life. And like ✨that✨I’m over the final hurdle, smiling like a kid. #transformation

Janelle

TAKING VISION TO 3D

enlisted talented artist Nancy Case to help me create unique vision boards to remind them of this moment in time. I wanted each person to be able to “call up” the rest and empowerment gained from our time together. She brought selections from her storeroom, whimsical chachkis—little bits and buttons and gears to bring their core vision to life. Each person was given a wooden board, papers and paints and pencils and asked to create a visual depiction of the “direction” of their journey.

It started out slow, but slowly each person unfolded a beautiful representation of their intention. Even those not accustomed to influencing their business with art got into it. Nancy did an amazing job helping people create symbols of their dreams. I created a tailored affirmation set for each person.

MY HEART IS FULL

hat a weekend. It was full of love and action and courage and vision. I have to thank every person in the group for their open hearts and energetic love. I see you, each of you that faced your fears to grasp your best life. And I can’t finish this blog without thanking my dear husband for being so committed to showing each person how to get through the Confidence Course, for just being there to run around. And, my sweet girls who can’t wait to get on the payroll. I do this for you, my legacy.

Now, on to the next one? Want to learn more? Just put your name in the comments below with a YES! and I will send you additional information!