The first night at Casa Alternavida, I lay in bed listening to the coquí frogs serenade the rainforest. Their voices were so loud and layered, I thought I’d never sleep! But by the end of the retreat, I found myself recording them on my phone, knowing I’d miss that symphony of nature when I returned to the buzz of everyday life.
That’s the thing about stepping away from the whirlwind of work and family—what feels overwhelming at first can transform into a source of peace and clarity.
As someone balancing a hybrid work schedule, two middle schoolers, and a marriage that thrives on strategic planning (we do date nights twice a month—on a good month), it’s easy to lose yourself in the shuffle. So when Blanchard offered me the opportunity to attend a wellness retreat in Puerto Rico, I felt profoundly grateful—not just for the chance to recharge, but for what it signaled about the company’s commitment to whole-being wellness.
This retreat wasn’t about escaping life, but about reconnecting with it—mind, body, and spirit. And what I learned has already started to shape how I show up as a leader, a mom, and, frankly, a person trying to do it all.
Learning to Be Present
Casa Alternavida, tucked along the edge of El Yunque National Forest, feels like something out of a dream. Every morning started with restorative yoga on a rooftop deck, surrounded by lush greenery and views of the ocean in the distance. The days were filled with nature adventures, nutritious meals, mindfulness practices, and lessons in conscious leadership—all designed to help us pause, reflect, and find balance.
One of the most surprising lessons came during a simple walk on the beach. Our facilitator asked us to mimic each other’s walking pace to uncover our “essence pace”—how we naturally move through life. It felt silly at first, but as we tried different speeds, something clicked. My essence pace wasn’t rushed or overly purposeful; it had a bounce, a sway, and a lightness. It reminded me that I’m at my best when I bring joy into the way I move through the world. Whether it’s brainstorming with my team or walking my dog, that sense of lightness and presence helps me stay grounded and connected.
Nature as a Teacher
The rainforest itself became a source of inspiration. During a hike, I marveled at the towering ferns and the way tree roots stretched above ground to adapt to their environment. Even decaying tree stumps were sprouting new life. Nature, I realized, doesn’t fight change—it thrives in response to it.
At one point, we reached a river. The water was turbulent and rough on one side, but when I shifted my view, I saw calm, smooth water flowing just a few feet away. It was such a clear metaphor for life: sometimes, all it takes is a slight change in perspective to find peace amidst chaos. I’ve already found myself making that shift when work projects get bumpy and stress begins to creep in.
Breathing Through the Chaos
Back home, chaos greeted me with open arms. For one day, my post-retreat Zen bubble held strong. But soon enough, I felt the mounting pressure of constant decision making, an ever-growing workload, and balancing after-school activities. Overwhelm crept back in.
Then I remembered one of the simplest yet most powerful tools from the retreat: deep breathing. I paused, closed my eyes, and took a few intentional breaths, bringing my mind back to those peaceful moments—the warm ocean breeze and the awe of the giant forest trees. It didn’t make the laundry fold itself, but it gave me the clarity to tackle one thing at a time. That small act of grounding has already become my go-to in moments of stress, both at home and at work.
Even if you haven’t spent five days at a wellness retreat, you can do this: Take deep belly breaths, five counts in and five counts out, as you focus on a memory or place that makes you feel safe or calm. Try this for four minutes and see how you feel.
Gratitude for Whole-Being Wellness
This experience reminded me of how much better we show up when we take care of ourselves—our whole selves. Blanchard’s belief in holistic wellness isn’t just about improving productivity—it’s about fostering creativity, connection, and happiness. From offering wellness days (extra PTO when there’s no holiday in the month) to supporting initiatives like this retreat, Blanchard demonstrates what it means to value its people fully.
I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my team and colleagues. Whether it’s hosting a lunch-and-learn on mindfulness practices or encouraging short meditation breaks, I’m eager to champion the idea that taking time for wellness benefits everyone—not just the individual, but also the teams and communities we’re part of.
Lessons for Leaders
Here are three small changes I’ve started integrating into my daily life that I’d encourage others to try:
1. Breathe with Intention: In stressful moments, take a few deep breaths. It’s a simple practice that can completely shift your mindset.
2. Find Your Joy: Whether it’s your “essence pace” or a hobby you’ve neglected, reconnecting with joy makes you a better leader and a better person.
3. Shift Your Perspective: When life feels turbulent, take a step back. Sometimes the calm you’re looking for is just a few feet away.
Bringing It All Back
The Casa Alternavida retreat wasn’t just a break from my routine. It was a reset—a chance to remember how powerful it is to care for your whole self. It’s taught me that when we’re grounded and present, we’re not only better leaders but better teammates, parents, and friends.
I’m deeply grateful to Blanchard for this opportunity and for the way we prioritize wellness as part of our company culture. Because when we’re well, we’re able to inspire those around us—and that’s what leadership is truly about.
About the Author
More Content by Stefanie Hincks
