No, I didn’t join a sex cult (at least not yet!) but I did curate a wellness retreat with @houseofwaris at @etereoauberge. Yesterday a friend teased: “If there’s someone who really doesn’t have time to plan a retreat, it's you!” There’s truth to that: I’ve spent the last two years working way too hard, so that begs the question as to why I did this in my spare time. On the surface, it seems obvious — I’m a camp counselor in spirit. I love to herd friends into activities– swimming, tennis, hiking, meditation, dancing, bonfires, sing alongs, mushies, and waterfalls (as Waris jokes, “another fucking waterfal!”). My girls' school years and first job at the “National Organization for Women,” also make building connection and community around women feel both natural and needed. Mercifully, that’s exactly what we did this weekend despite having received soul crushing news. When faced with the question of how to cope with what we have lived through the last five years, one sentiment keeps coming to mind — be open, stay open and love. “Love with word, love with deeds, love with action. Love one another so fiercely that our love is spent, that our chests are no longer hollow, that the lump in our throats hurts a little less. Love for those who hurt the most, who have lost the most, and then love them even harder.” Being authentic, and vulnerable is a courageous act. Thank you to everyone who came to Etereo with open-hearts and open-minds (despite being on a brand-driven trip which, in itself, is challenging); thank you Waris for sharing the love you put into your tea; @camillebecerra for spreading the joy that is in your food and for cooking a @drnigmatalib approved meal! @brinkleycapriola your photographs are beautiful!