In our fast-paced, always-on lives, it’s easy to lose touch with that quiet inner knowing—the part of us that nudges toward change. Over time, it gets buried beneath busyness, responsibility, and the pursuit of certainty.
Eventually, we look up and realise: we’re not where we thought we’d be. And we’re not quite sure who we are anymore. We feel stuck. Disoriented. A little lost.
This can feel like a crisis. But as our friend Chip Conley says, it’s not a crisis—it’s a chrysalis. You’re not falling apart. You’re in transition. And that’s a very different thing.
Transitions aren’t just about new jobs or ventures. They’re about identity, purpose, and belonging. They raise bigger questions—and deserve bigger answers.
That’s why retreats can be powerful. But not all retreats are created equal.
What should you look for when you’re lost in transition?
1. The Hosts: How They Show Up Matters
The energy of the hosts sets the tone. If they’re grounded, real, and open, they create a space where you can be the same.
The best retreats aren’t led by gurus, but by guides—people who walk beside you.
Before you book, connect with them. Learn what drives them. Trust your gut.
2. The Right People: Curation is Key
You’re not just joining a retreat—you’re stepping into a temporary community.
Surrounding yourself with generous, curious people also navigating change makes a difference. You learn from them. You remember you’re not alone.
Ask who else is coming. Is there a shared theme? A values fit?
As David Brooks says, “We can’t heal ourselves. We can only be healed by other people.”
3. Space: Make Room for Emergence
It’s not about packing the schedule. It’s about making space—for rest, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
The best retreats give you time to land, breathe, and hear your own thoughts again.
Ask how much room there is to just be.
Again, David Brooks: “When we’re in the valley, we find out who we really are.”
4. The Setting: Let the Land Work Its Magic
Mountains, forests, oceans—wild places shift our perspective. They remind us of beauty, of scale, of something bigger.
But the emotional setting matters too. You want a space that’s kind. Real. Safe enough to drop the armour. Open enough to share and receive.
Let your body decide: Does this place call to you?
In Summary
If you’re feeling the tug toward change—but don’t know where to start—maybe this is it.
If you’re navigating a life quake, or sensing a quiet call toward something deeper, you don’t have to do it alone.
Find your people.
Find your place.
Find your pause.
It might just change everything.
The good news? You don’t have to look far.
This June, my partner Laurence and I are heading back to the Alps for Alptitude—our week-long retreat for midlife professionals and entrepreneurs seeking clarity, connection, and direction, much like MEA, but in the French Alps.
We’ve been running these retreats for over a decade. They’ve helped hundreds of people step back, tune in, and see what really matters next.
Mention MEA to fast-track your application. Applications are now open. Click here to apply.
-Carlos
Carlos Saba is a midlife startup coach who helps experienced entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals find clarity, purpose, and a sense of belonging in their next chapter. Through his Vision 20/20 coaching program, transformational retreats, and joyful business festival, he fosters community-driven businesses that prioritize connection, meaning, and impact—without burnout.