by Julie Spears
In the depths of grief, one can feel isolated, lost, and overwhelmed by emotions that words can barely describe. The journey of a mother who has lost a child is often a solitary path, where the world seems to fade away, leaving a feeling of profound emptiness. For many, grief is an awkward and lonely experience.
But amidst this darkness, a ray of hope emerges. A group of extraordinary women, who have experienced the unimaginable pain of losing their children, came together in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, to find solace and support in an unexpected place—the Grief Retreat.
The brainchild of Julie Spears, this retreat was designed specifically for those mothers who had lost children in their later years, aged 9 to 18. It was a haven for moms within their first one to five years of this painful journey.
“The best part was seeing the moms come in with their shoulders down and defeated and seeing them leave with their shoulders held back and renewed,” said Spears, owner of Julez’s 30A Paddleboard Tours which provides private paddleboard tours and lessons as well as one-on-one grief coaching,
The retreat, which was held September 17 to 22, was a culmination of Spears’ dedication and a testament to the power of community. Thirteen grieving mothers gathered for a week of healing, support, and connection. The retreat included a diverse range of activities, from breathwork to paddleboarding, from soul collage sessions to bonfires on the beach. The group also paddle-boarded from Fort Panic to Grayton Beach, raising $2,000 in the process for the retreat’s expenses.
Spears, who has suffered the loss of her own child, knew the desperate need for tools and resources to soothe the relentless turmoil within her own body. It wasn’t just about healing; it was about finding a way to quiet the constantly frazzled nerves, to find calm amidst the storm. It was about finding a path back to life, for herself and for others who were struggling with this unimaginable loss.
With unwavering determination and a deep spiritual conviction, Spears embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. She sought knowledge and wisdom from various coaches amassing certifications in trauma biology, life and health, mindset, and grief. But her journey was not solely for herself; it was a quest to reach out and lift up other grieving mothers.
“You could see the friendships connecting,” Spears said. “They found somewhere they fit in.”
The Power of Community
What truly set this retreat apart was the support of the community. Around 20 local businesses and individuals rallied behind the cause, providing meals, transportation, and even birthday celebrations to mark the beginning of new journeys.
Community support was not merely a footnote; it was at the heart of this transformative experience. It showed that even in the darkest moments, the light of compassion can shine through. In the words of one participant, “Being lost in grief and isolation is not the best place to be.” The retreat was a testament to the incredible power of unity.
As this mission continues to evolve, Spears is resolute in her belief that there’s no need for a rigid plan. With faith and guidance, the path will reveal itself.
This retreat, held for 13 brave women, was just the beginning. If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child and is seeking support, consider joining this mission to build a new and better world for grieving mothers. You don’t have to walk this path alone; a community is here to uplift you.
For more information or to become part of this mission, connect with a community that cares. Together, we can find hope in the midst of grief and turn brokenness into strength. To learn more about the retreat and other opportunities follow @julez30a on Instagram or email julie@juliespears.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
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