The Walk That Changed Everything

One summer evening, when we were both feeling the weight of work, life, relationships, and all the usual pressures, we decided to go for a walk. Normally it would’ve been a run — we were training for a marathon at the time — but that night, we both craved something slower. Something calmer. It was either a walk or a bottle of wine (which we also love), but instinct told us that nature’s therapy was what we really needed.

That walk changed everything.

Our conversation started as a bit of a moan — getting things off our chest, venting, being honest. But as we walked, something shifted. Without realising it, we began giving each other advice, reframing our frustrations, reminding one another of our strengths. We talked about what we admired in each other, what inspired us.

It hit us, later, that we had been so hard on ourselves. We were self-critical instead of self-loving — quick to lift each other up but slow to do the same for ourselves. It was a powerful reminder that we so often see ourselves through a distorted lens, missing what others see in us. Sometimes, we just need that reminder — that we are capable, resilient, and worthy of believing in our own potential.

For that one hour, we had completely unplugged — not just from our phones and laptops, but from the negative energy we’d been carrying. As we approached home, we felt lighter. Energised. Motivated. That walk reconnected us to what truly matters: our bodies, our minds, and our human connection.

It was in that moment that Unplugged Retreats was born.

We realised the power of nature, movement, and mindfulness — and how transformative they can be when combined with community. What began as a spontaneous walk became the spark for a shared passion project: to take what makes us feel good and bring it to others.

Our journey since then has been one of manifestation, serendipity, and friendship — and it all started with that one simple walk that changed everything.