Lessons from the Field: Vacation Edition

In July, among our top tips to start the new fiscal year off right, I invited our community to pause, reflect, and rediscover joy—because caring for ourselves is how we sustain our impact. Because I’m a big fan of walking the talk, I took my own advice and booked a bucket-list trip I’d been dreaming of: a week-long wellness retreat in Bali with 40 badass women who were strangers to me. The retreat was as much about meditation, yoga, and quiet reflection as it was about laughter, adventure, and play. I had the time of my life and returned home more hopeful than I’ve felt in ages.

 (Also, I hilariously ended up doing a video recap in the airport with an Instagram influencer—Lolo from @BigStacheEnergy—the universe has quite the sense of humor. Did I mention I hate being on camera?!)

Here are the two biggest lessons I carried home with me (and all of the beautiful Balinese goodies I picked up during my adventures):

1. Do More Things That Scare You (Just a Little)

Neuroscience and psychology tell us that stepping into manageable fear—and even discomfort—does more than get the adrenaline going. It catalyzes personal growth, boosts satisfaction, and strengthens confidence. A study in Psychological Science found that people who lean into challenges—even uncomfortable ones—report higher levels of personal growth and fulfillment.

That rainforest “adrenaline swing” that I climbed onto in response to joyful peer pressure – it required a full-body harness and two grown men to launch – to get a better look at the rushing river below? Terrifying. Exhilarating. Transformative. It reminded me that I am far more adventurous and capable – physically and mentally – than I’ve been letting myself believe.

2. Play Keeps Us Youthful (Lack of Play Makes Us Old and Grumpy)

My inner child met me in Bali for a long overdue playdate.  In Bali, I didn’t just do yoga and meditate— I played dress up, danced, laughed with new friends, and briefly shed the weight of my daily grind as an entrepreneur, fundraising expert, Coach and responsible citizen/friend/daughter/sister/partner. 

And in that playful freedom, I found a deep reconnection—with myself, with others, and with the untethered joy I’d put on the backburner.

There are plenty of scientific studies that underscore that playful, leisure activities sharpen creativity, enhance memory, and slow cognitive decline—especially as we age (National Institute for Play). My anecdotal first-person research – and the attitude adjustment it provided – are evidence enough for me to commit to creating time and resources for adventure and travel. 

I’m deeply grateful that at this phase of life, I was blessed to take this incredible trip. Of course, I understand not all of us can pick up, pack a bag and fly 8,000 miles to Bali. But we can choose to make space—right here at home—to reconnect with our joy, our playfulness, and the parts of ourselves that exist beyond the deadlines and demands of the very serious work we choose to do.

Because You Deserve Joy: Mini Retreat Coming Q1 2026

We’re channeling all the rejuvenation and insights I gained from that full-week retreat into something super accessible. In the first quarter of 2026, I’ll be hosting a one-day local mini retreat in Los Angeles. 

I’m pulling together some of my most trusted coaches and mentors – healers, guides, and kindred spirits who have been instrumental in my personal growth – for a day that invites you to stretch, reflect, laugh, and rest, without pressure or pretense. More details to come very soon, but for now: consider this your gentle nudge to prioritize yourself, and consider what a joyful, beautifully curated, one-day experience might do for your spirit and your leadership.

In closing, I would like to offer you a Self-Coaching Prompt and an invitation. 

Consider this:  

What’s one thing that gives you that delicious kind of fear—one that’s been whispering at you for a while? (Is it time to go back to get that degree? Maybe invest in those dance classes?) 

And how can you let yourself play, even just a little this week? (Post-Zoom session dance breaks perhaps?)

Interested in joining us for The Reset mini-retreat? Join the interest list here.

Hannah Berger
The Philanthropy Coach