The Magic of a Solo Creative Retreat 

How stepping away from daily life on a solo creative retreat can spark fresh ideas, boost gratitude, and strengthen your sense of connection.

Writing, or any creative work, can be hard. 

It’s hard to step away from your “normal” life and your responsibilities, to quiet the noise, to just get started, and then to find that elusive flow. But oh when you get there, it’s magic -  time disappears, curiosity awakens, and you float on a cloud of infinite possibility. 

One way I have learned to make it less hard (let’s be honest, those daily responsibilities- job, parenting, family, pets, etc. are heavy) is to change my surroundings. Even a short break, a walk in the park, a meander into a new bookstore, a weekend away, can allow you to pause and see things with fresh eyes, a new perspective.  

Last month I was given the gift of a creative retreat. A “solotreat” that was thoughtfully and personally curated for me. It was the reset I needed and I’d love to share my impressions so that you might be inspired to create your own when you’re feeling creatively stuck.

My Weekend Adventure at The Curious Louise

From the moment I stepped inside, my senses were heightened. First by the jolt of refreshing cool air in complete juxtaposition to the hot and humid Baltimore summer afternoon. Then visually by the rich colors, the lush green, the richness of the navy bookcases, gold accents, and the splashes of deep crimson against the fresh white walls. 

And the textures… the 3-D-ness of it all and decor ideas swirling. The baby shoes. Handwritten letters with their envelopes to show off the postmark and stamps. Photos of loved ones displayed alongside treasures that evoked wonder.  

Whose pocket watch was that? What is the story behind it? What was their day-to-day like? What did the world look like when it was tucked in someone’s pocket? Was it reserved for special occasions or an everyday time keeper?

What is the tale behind the keys and the car they started? What adventures did those keys unlock?

It felt approachable, touchable and wasn’t just beautiful, it was personal. Glimpsing into another’s life, so open heartedly shared, I was humbled. I felt draped in a quiet sense of community, although I was there alone.

Unexpected Connections 

What struck me next were small, familiar things that made me feel instantly connected.

The exact polka dot glasses we once had a full set of, that now whittled down to one unbroken, claimed as “hers” by my daughter. Spotting ladybugs, my daughter’s nickname and the inspiration for our matching tattoos. Thieves spray, a scent that represents both comfort and cleanliness to me. A bottle of essential oil (santal) that is the main note in my new favorite scent, perched on a shelf displaying beautiful glasses, both for drinking and for seeing (antique eye glasses.) 

The CDs artfully framed and the industrial light I knew my son would love. The lovely local chocolates and a fridge full of beautifully colored vegetables and fruits and my favorite sparkling water. A lovely handwritten note (my love language) waiting for me on the table. 

The quote on the wall that took my breath away because I felt like it was speaking to me, just me, so clearly.

I lingered at the bookshelf for ages, revisiting old friends I had once read and loved and discovering so many new ones that I was compelled to write a list. A beautiful oracle deck, the card I chose could not have been more perfectly timed; it felt like a whisper from the universe. 

The Gift of Space 

For an entire weekend, I had a place to explore, write, dream, rest, and to just be. I was enveloped by all of the little personal touches like my book on the dresser and a white board and markers for me, and the daily prompts that invited creativity to flow. Lia, my gracious and thoughtful host, even shared local gems, a mix of historic and touristy places, markets, art galleries and neighborhood restaurants.   

And to see and touch THE table, the Traveling Table, a symbol of unity and shared humanity, I was deeply honored. 

It was a magical experience that gave me something rare: space. The space to step away from daily life, the space to clear the constant mental chatter, and the space to allow surrender into inspiration. 

Create Your Own Creative Reset

You don’t have to travel far or spend days away to experience the same magic. Your “creative retreat” could be:

• An afternoon in a park relaxing on a blanket with your journal.

• A day exploring a local museum or garden or trail.

• A cozy corner in a coffee shop with your phone off and your imagination on.

• Swapping homes for a day with a friend for a change of scenery.

But if you’d like to try a curated experience like mine, connect with Lia at And Human Space or book The Curious Louise directly here and allow it to surprise you.  

Give yourself the gift of space. You never know what inspiration you’ll find there.