Back in August, I did a small work project with mindbodygreen and as it was wrapping up, my contact there surprised me by tossing an invitation to revitalize my way. I honestly hadn’t heard of it until that moment, but after looking into it knew this opportunity was too amazing to pass up. Revitalize is an invite-only weekend in Arizona that’s one part wellness retreat, one part conference. Attendees range from world renowned doctors and healers, to athletes, to VCs and investors, to Instagram-famous yogis, to health food entrepreneurs to … me. Not sure how I got thrown in the mix LOL. 
Each day there were content sessions split into several talks and conversations covering a variety of wellness topics. The rest of the day was filled with activities: group hikes, yoga, mediation classes, one-on-one sessions with doctors and life coaches, cocktail hours (gluten-free beer only, of course ;)) and more. The meals were incredible, the gifting suite on another level, and the spa at the Ritz open to all guests at a discount. MBG thought of everything.
It goes without saying I enjoyed myself, but from a professional standpoint, my big takeaways from the weekend were actually a bit unexpected. I flew out West thinking, “Wow this is going to be an amazing networking opportunity–this could be huge for my blog!” and ended up realizing that my professional goals maybe aren’t what I thought. I’ll get to all that, but first: the talks.
My Favorite Revitalize 2016 Talks
MBG streamed all the content sessions and has uploaded them to their site. Here are a few to check out:
How to Change the Labels that Tear Us Apart – Adi Jaffe, PhD
Adi shared his powerful personal story but also talked about some fascinating research around the ways labeling affects performance. One of my favorite talks from the weekend!
How to Fix What’s Not Working in Your Life – Beth Weissenberger
Sometimes it’s not the message, but the way in which it’s delivered that resonates. I could have listened to Beth talk all night about pretty much anything. She’s a tell-it-like-it-is life coach, and drove home the message that we need to get out of our own way. Something holding you back from accomplishing what you want? Guess what, that “something” is probably you. 
Why We All Need Sexual Healing – Psalm Isadora & The Ultimate Transformation – Natalie Egan
What resonated with me about these two speakers was the power of sharing your story. I was captivated and moved by Psalm and Natalie, both shining examples of overcoming difficulty and finding/creating/living your most authentic life.
Closing Remarks – Hill Harper
Hill Harper’s talk was the one that probably resonated with me the most. I honestly hadn’t heard of him before this weekend but I am now a huge fan of him and his work–the guy was amazing. As a blogger, I loved when he talked about creating and the importance of continuing to put your content out there–you never know who it’s reaching and affecting. I’ll talk more about his talk at the end of this blog post as well. If you click the above link, just fast-forward to Hill.
My Two Big Takeaways from the Weekend
I don’t want to work with Gwyneth.
My biggest takeaway from the trip was ironic. As I settled in for my second meditation of the day, belly full of superfoods, skin soothed with organic essential oils, wrists donning beaded strands of good energy, a crystal in my hemp-spun handbag, it hit me:
I am such a fucking cliche privileged white person right now.
I MEAN C’MON. Sitting crosslegged on an eco-friendly yoga mat sipping organic green juice in a meditation geodome decorated like the inside of an Anthropologie listening to Gwyneth Paltrow’s psychic consultant give a speech. Tell me that isn’t the most ridiculously stereotypical upper-middle-class chick shit you’ve ever heard. It’s almost comical! 
There’s no need to apologize for having the privilege of being able to go to weekend retreats like this; to eat 100% organic, local produce from a farmer’s market; to hire private meditation coaches and herbalists; to spend $300+ a month on fancy boutique gyms and fitness studios–those things are all great! Appreciate them if you can do them! Your health is the best thing in which you can invest! But I think we (I) need to acknowledge that doing all those things is, at least to a certain extent, just that: a privilege.
Being spoiled with a weekend of such “extreme health,” if you will, ironically made me realize that that’s not where I want to be professionally or what I want to focus on. I don’t want to be too caught up in health trends or extremes when there are so many people (I’m talking the majority of the country) who are still working at the basics of eating better and exercise. By the end of the weekend, I found myself thinking over and over: How can I be of service to those who don’t have such unrestricted and seemingly unlimited access to wellness? 
And I don’t mean to imply that revitalize was about wellness for some snobbish elite–not at all. Everyone I had the pleasure of speaking with was so kind and genuine (the mbg community is amazing!) and the talks and information sessions were relatable and applicable to all. Speakers and presenters there don’t just cater to the Gwyneths of the world (although literally half of them are friends with her, no joke haha)–they work with a variety of communities and are truly inspiring. Revitalize wasn’t about “elite health,” the guests were just treated to it. Which I appreciate–are you kidding me?? I got to drink green juice, practice yoga in the sunshine, meditate and learn all weekend in a luxury resort. It was incredible. It was also the most unrealistic three days imaginable for the majority of this country and, for whatever reason, that struck me hard and has stayed with me. I’m grateful for the insight and it’s helping me refocus my professional and personal goals.
Dreaming big may mean something “smaller” to me than I thought.
In his closing talk, Hill Harper had us take out a piece of paper and write down a goal or two we had–what do we want out of life? Without putting any thought to it, without the tiniest little moment of hesitation, I wrote down (to my surprise):
- Have a family
- Write more
- Lead a community fitness/yoga program focusing on positive body image for young girls
Wait what? That’s it?? I could write down ANYTHING and there’s no mention of six-figure blog incomes, massive social media followings and influencing millions across the globe?! Nope. If this weekend taught me anything it’s that the stuff closest to home means the most to me. (Or maybe I’m just ridiculously unambitious haha).
I wrote my mom an email telling her about the weekend, my gained insights, and how it kinda had the opposite effect on me as I’d assumed it would. I think her response is a great way to end this post:
“We are all here to find ourselves, who we are, which eventually leads us to God. Enjoy the journey!”
I’d say revitalize was a definite stepping stone on that journey–even if not in the way I’d expected. 
Hey there! I'm Nicole, a group fitness instructor, healthy lifestyle blogger (you probably figured that one out by now) and Certified Personal Trainer living in Boston, MA.
Very honest (unexpected) realizations. Thanks for sharing! It only makes you that much more relatable to your blog audience. Sounds like a wonderful weekend/experience, but at then end of the day, it’s true that your reality is maybe just wanting to chase after a couple of kids — and that’s okay too 🙂
This is one of the most refreshing posts I’ve read in a long time! LOVE it!
Sounds amazing! Love your takeaways! In response to your goal to lead a program that helps young girls with body image, have you ever looked into Girls On The Run? Such an awesome program that I think you would love volunteering for.
Thank you so much for your honest take on the weekend — while it sounds like a seriously amazing weekend (I loved seeing people’s posts through the retreat on insta!) I’ve totally been thinking a lot about the whole privilege of wellness thing too. I certainly see A LOT of that in the NYC fitness scene. I look forward to hearing about your future program for young girls, I think that could be SO powerful and something I wish I would’ve had.
Kayla
http://www.kaylainthecity.com
I’ve always enjoyed your blog, but I have to admit. I love it even more now! The fact you are able to step back and realize what a privilege a weekend away at Revitalize is (or any high-end health retreat) is just so nice and refreshing to see. It’s really cool that an experience like that made you realize and rethink what you want to set out to do and the change you want to create.
I really loved this post. Nearly 99% of the time when I am consuming something on health and wellness, whether it be Rich Roll, Fitsugar, Headspace or blogs like yours, I always think about how truly transformative this information could be if privilege were, at the very least, acknowledged and, at best, addressed. Speaking about injustice, especially when it comes to access to resources, (and information is a resource) is a powerful tool. Making those resources more accessible to everyone is justice in action. I love your blog and spirit.
Wow! An amazing experience. Ps I kind of love your mom!
She’s the best! I may have to force her into doing some guest posts here and there… 😉
I’ve been a reader/social media follower of yours for awhile but I’m a first time commenter here. This was a really great post, especially because I often feel that health/fitness/lifestyle blogs portray somewhat of an unattainable, pie in the sky idea of life. This fellow Bostonian thanks you for keeping it real! Unrelated, I LOVE your snapchats – they always make me laugh 🙂
Thank you, Diane–you’re too sweet! And I’m glad to hear at least one person enjoys my random, weird snapchats haha. xo
I’m a longtime reader (and occasional commenter) but this post struck a chord with me. First, thank you for sharing your experience in such a levelheaded and honest way. I’m trying to find the balance in the “wellness world.” Along the way, I’m learning a lot about myself and what I value. I saw so much of the weekend on social media and had some FOMO, but for just the reasons you said (who wouldn’t want to do that stuff?!). I love your blog and your posts are always a bright spot in my day.
This is such a sweet comment–thank you, Emily! I’m constantly trying to find that balance as well–it’s easy for it to tip, especially when wellness isn’t just personal but also my profession! 🙂
Sounds like an amazing trip!!
This sounds like an amazing experience, and good on you for checking your privilege, that was really refreshing! I love your goals, they seem really healthy and grounded. I would love to do a retreat just to try and figure out what the hell it is I want from life in the next few years. But in the meantime, I have running!
Thank you so much for your honesty and for sharing this! The wellness/nutrition/fitness/yoga/running community holds an incredible amount of privilege, and it is refreshing to hear a voice within it address this. As someone who has had the (privileged) opportunity to study public health, but also as someone who personally drifts towards loving the basic af running, workouts, green smoothies, natural healthiness, etc. habits, I have come to recognize just how few people in our country have ACCESS to these discussions and to these opportunities.
So many people cannot work out or eat healthily not by choice, but because of the availability in their grocery store, the safety in their neighborhood, the lack of education, and crazy schedules where people need to work full time or two jobs and take care of kids.
Thank you for bringing this to a larger audience and go make it happen!
Wow! So many thoughts on this but #1 – THIS is why I love you! This is why we all love you. You’re so authentic and you care about the shit that actually matters. You are also an incredibly talented writer )and your abs are on fleek).
Such a cool experience and your takeaways are SO, SO great. I’m excited to see what amazing things you do in your life. You are a superstar.