The Pause That Changes Everything: The Why Behind My EPIC Joy Retreat

Why We Need to Step Away to Return to Ourselves

There’s a moment—maybe you’ve had it—when you realize your days are running together. The pings never stop, the calendar is overbooked, and the idea of resting feels like a distant luxury. You tell yourself you’ll slow down eventually. But “eventually” never shows up on your schedule. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to pause—not the kind of pause where you just collapse on the couch and scroll for an hour, but the kind that allows you to hear your own thoughts again. The kind that reconnects you to something deeper. It turns out, there’s science behind this need to unplug. Studies on decision fatigue, attention residue, and even creativity all point to one truth: our minds are not meant to function in constant motion. Taking intentional breaks—especially in nature or communal settings—doesn’t just feel good. It changes us.

We’re Wired for Connection, Not Just Conversation

Despite all the ways we stay “connected,” a lot of us feel... disconnected. Maybe you’ve noticed how exhausting small talk can be. What many of us are really craving are high-quality connections—the kind that go beyond surface-level exchanges. Researchers in psychology and neuroscience have shown that authentic connection boosts oxytocin levels, improves resilience, and even strengthens our immune systems. That’s powerful. And yet, it can be hard to come by. What would it look like to spend a few days surrounded by people who aren’t interested in pretending everything’s fine—but who are ready to talk about what it really means to grow, to heal, and to lead joyful lives?

Happiness Fades. Joy Stays.

One of the biggest insights I’ve gained in recent years is the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is wonderful, but it’s usually tied to external circumstances—a promotion, a vacation, a compliment. Joy, on the other hand, has a way of showing up even in the messy, complicated chapters of our lives. It’s rooted in meaning, connection, and the quiet courage to keep showing up. What’s even more exciting is that joy isn’t something we either have or don’t have. It’s something we can practice. Research in positive psychology shows that joy thrives when we align our actions with our values, engage in daily gratitude, and carve out space for awe and reflection.

When You’re the Giver, Who Gives to You?

Let’s talk about something many people don’t say out loud: the exhaustion of being the strong one. The caregiver. The reliable one. When you’re the one others count on, it can be hard to admit that you’re running on empty. But burnout doesn’t announce itself with fireworks. It creeps in slowly—through irritability, brain fog, loss of motivation. The antidote? Radical replenishment. Not a quick fix, but real restoration—mentally, emotionally, physically. And yes, that means giving yourself permission to receive.

What if You Could Build a Life Where Joy Wasn’t an Afterthought?

We often think of joy as a bonus—something we’ll get to when everything else is handled. But what if joy was the starting point? What if we designed our lives around the practices, people, and places that make us feel whole? That question is what inspired the creation of the EPIC Joy Retreat—an experience designed not just to offer a temporary escape, but to help you build a more intentional, joyful way of living. Yes, it includes immersive workshops, wellness practices, and time in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. But more than that, it offers the space to come back to yourself—and leave with a blueprint you can carry forward.

The Bigger Picture

Whether you join a retreat, take a solo day away from your regular routine, or simply carve out ten minutes of silence this week, remember this: choosing yourself isn’t a detour from your purpose—it’s a return to it. If you're curious about what that could look like in community, I’d love to share more about the journey we’re curating this July. But either way, I hope you find your way back to what lights you up. Because joy isn’t something we stumble upon. It’s something we choose—again and again.