Let’s Talk About Failure (For Real)
Aug 11, 2025
Let’s just get this out of the way: I cancelled my retreat this year.
I had every intention of running it. I had the venue, the waitlist, the team, the vision. I even had 30+ women excited and ready to go.
And yet… it's not happening.
Not because I don’t care. Not because I didn’t plan. But because sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things just don’t work out the way you imagined.
Ten years into entrepreneurship, I’m no stranger to things not going as planned. But here’s what’s changed: my relationship with failure.
Early in my career, I took every cancellation, every quiet launch, every “no” as a reflection of who I was. My ego was so tied to the idea of success that even a bump in the road would send me spiraling.
Now? I see failure as feedback. It’s not a verdict, it’s data. It’s information that helps us move forward with more clarity and wisdom.
This retreat was no exception.
What Went Down
The short version? I planned the retreat. I built the interest. I got 30+ women on a waitlist for eight spots. I worked with a TICO agent (because, surprise, Ontario requires one to legally book accommodations). I jumped through the hoops. I did the work.
But the delays were long. The process was heavy. My gut? Screaming at me.
By the time I could legally launch the retreat, many of the women who were most excited had already made other plans. And on top of that, the cost had crept higher than I wanted—because of the agent, the logistics, the timelines.
It stopped feeling light. It stopped feeling fun. And in my business, fun and light are my non-negotiables.
So I gave myself a deadline. If I didn’t have five confirmed spots by July 1st, I was pulling the plug.
And I did.
Why I’m Not Calling This a Failure
Listen—my ego can handle this. This isn’t about shame or hiding or pretending it never happened. It’s about being real with myself and with you.
The retreat didn’t go forward because it wasn’t aligned. It didn’t feel right. And when that happens, I believe the brave thing to do is not to push harder, but to pause. Reflect. Pivot.
The decision to walk away wasn’t easy—but it was necessary.
What I’ve Learned (And Maybe You Need to Hear This Too)
Here’s what this experience reinforced for me:
- Success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, the most powerful move you can make is stepping back from something that no longer feels aligned.
- Failure is data. What can this teach you about your offer, your audience, your timing, your energy?
- It’s okay to be disappointed and still be confident. Both things can be true.
- Protect your capacity. Burnout isn’t worth it. Not for a retreat. Not for anything.
I love this community deeply. I love our time together in real life. And yes, I’m sad that I won’t get that this year. But I also know this isn’t the end. It’s a pivot.
What’s Next?
I’m already thinking about 2026. With more lead time, more intention, and hopefully more flexibility in how I can bring it all to life. I’m also committed to having the next April event dates in your hands by the end of this month so you can plan ahead.
And hey—if you were one of the people on the waitlist and didn’t end up registering, I’d love to hear from you. Not to pressure you, but because I value your feedback. I want to know what didn’t click or what might have made it a yes for you.
If You’re In a Season of Struggle
This is your reminder: we all fail.
And if someone tells you they don’t? They’re either not taking risks… or they’re lying.
Failure is a part of growth. It’s a part of trying. And it’s a part of leadership.
I didn’t host the retreat this year. But I did protect my peace. I did honor my intuition. I did lead myself through a tough call.
If that’s failure—then I’ll take it.
