I came to the 2025 late fall retreat knowing that something had to change.  I was going to therapy, but nothing was happening to influence my behavior, my thinking, or how I reacted to those around me, and I was deeply unhappy.  

The peaceful, warm. welcoming setting of the retreat was the first thing I noticed.  The property is lovely.  The second thing that struck me was how open to connections Shawn, her helpers, and the retreat goers were.  As a socially reserved person, I was unsure about going into a group like this, but I felt supported to be who I am, to share or not share as felt right for me.  

Shawn teaches the tools from The Work by Byron Katie during the retreat, and also her Wheel of Self Forgiveness and Self-Solidarity concepts.  There is a lot of material to absorb and consider, a lot to process.   There is also a lot to be learned from the women who are willing to share situations that triggered them, find turnarounds, and look at things from a different point of view.  Shawn is very good at asking insightful questions and prompting you to really look at your thoughts, without being judgmental.      

The retreat accommodations were very clean and comfortable, and the food was good, with plenty of  healthy options.  

I came away from the retreat feeling that I had found something that could really help me, but thought that I needed more support to be able to apply the tools and methods that had been presented.  I joined the Master Mind program, and have been thrilled with the progress (and friends) that I have made.  I’m very thankful that I found this retreat with Shawn Mashie online!

I attended Shawn’s September retreat after beginning private coaching and joining her Mastermind a couple months prior. Even with that foundation, I was extremely nervous. I’m not naturally social, and I tend to avoid group settings altogether. Part of me was convinced I wouldn’t fit in — or that I would somehow do it “wrong.”

From the moment I arrived at Chesapeake Paradise, I felt at ease. The setting itself is breathtaking — the water views, the quiet mornings, the way the light hits the Bay at sunset. It created a sense of calm before we even began. The meals were nourishing and thoughtfully prepared, which made it easier to settle in and simply be present.

The retreat was clearly organized, with an intentional flow to each day. There was structure, but never rigidity. I always knew what to expect, yet there was space for real, human moments. Nothing felt chaotic or uncontained. Shawn is an exceptional facilitator. She holds the room with steadiness and care, even when conversations become vulnerable or emotional.

I have spent decades in therapy without feeling fully comfortable opening up. During this retreat, I felt supported — not exposed. She made time for each of us individually, listening deeply and asking thoughtful questions that helped untangle things I’ve struggled with for years. I never felt dismissed, rushed, or too much.

What surprised me most was the connection between the women. Different ages, different life paths — and yet we could see ourselves in one another. There was authenticity, compassion, and a noticeable absence of judgment. For someone who has often felt like an outsider, I felt welcomed exactly as I was.

I left feeling lighter and steadier. More confident in my voice. More accepting of myself. For someone who has spent decades believing I needed to fix myself before belonging, this experience felt profoundly different.

I am deeply grateful I said yes despite my fear. I’m looking forward to continuing my work in the Mastermind and private coaching, and I would absolutely attend another retreat. This has been a meaningful part of my growth, and I’m excited to see where this work continues to lead me.

The group calls have also been incredibly impactful. In the past, even in group therapy, I often felt alone. But in the Mastermind community, I feel truly seen, heard, and supported. It’s a space where I don’t feel alone in my struggles.