I BELIEVE we all need to be intentional about taking time out to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. I usually make an effort for self-care because the congruence of my mind, body and soul is vital to my awesome new season. The Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development hosted a retreat at Isika recently. Mr Stanley’s mind is always supportive of people’s development and he invited us. I believe we have to be creative in finding a balance with our personal and professional lives, while keeping our sanity.

I found getting out from my usual surroundings always led my mind to declutter and think sizes bigger. When we change the way we think, we change our lives. Atmospheres such as these remind us that we are one decision away from living our best lives.

I was noticing the excitement in the WhatsApp group as the days got closer and they were in awe when they got to the venue and started their photoshoots instantly. I have been there a few times and I am still in awe of beauty but the heart of Mr. Ming. The word Isika is an Amerindian word meaning “share” and he shares his knowledge every chance he gets because knowledge has power only when shared and applied. Thank you to Eric Phillips for dropping some useful nuggets. Melissa Payne had us going with the electric slide and it was fun to see even the guys join in. I conducted the meditation and visualisation session, which always pushes the mind out of my comfort zone. Sitting on the sand, I shared a few personal stories of my experience over the years and the results I got. It blessed my heart the next morning waking up to Onecie’s post on FB.

“24 hours have passed and I’m still hearing Ms Noel’s voice saying “check-in with your commander in chief. Check-in with your commander in chief.” Many days have passed where I think my schedule is too busy to stop at intervals just to say thank you. To say thank you for another day in the land of the living, thank you for health, thank you for my support group, for my job, for my business, for my family, for my customers, for my peace, just five minutes to stop and glorify your name. For I see myself going places and touching lives, making a difference, and taking up my place. Before I am no more on this earth, I must reach my fullest potential. There must be nothing left of me, for I have given it all to society.” That session propelled her to engage in reflective thinking and also to project what she wants to do with her life. These sessions make you go so deep you start thinking about the youth soul profile.”

Ms. Toppin has shared her experience. “The experience at the Isika retreat with Ms. Noel and Mr. Stanley, and Mr. Eric Phillips was surreal in my opinion. It was so beautiful to experience these accomplished individuals in their respective roles, giving back to young entrepreneurs from their life and experiences. Mr. Ming, Ms. Noel, and Mr. Phillips all encouraged us in their own way, sharing inspiring nuggets, and quotes, and principles. It was so wonderful to see cohesion, support, and cooperation among my fellow entrepreneurs. The experience was nothing short of amazing. Many thanks and much appreciation to Mr. Ming for opening up his place to us and Ms. Noel for constantly creating and actively using all resources available to develop and create greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs. I was truly blessed and inspired by this event, and I truly looked forward to more opportunities as such.”

I am not easily impressed, but a young man has impressed me from our first meeting in Lethem over a month ago. Leroy Hendricks is a medical student and the founder of Lethem Apparel. He travelled all the way from Lethem to join us for this retreat. The young man certainly knows how to be intentional and I am thrilled that the long travel paid off.

“Being the first business retreat, I was not sure what to expect, but the minute I arrived the much anticipated Mr. Stanley Ming was already on the floor, motivating the participants to think big and work without any limits. We also heard from Mr. Eric Phillips who expounded on the importance of planning futuristically as the day it seems was very well planned ahead. The day really allowed me the opportunity to rethink, strategise, to reorganise the way I do things, as that ultimately will influence my work, the success of my business, and my general interaction. The humble and ever vibrant Ms. Noel shared from her wealth of experiences and the value of having faith in what we do as the saying goes faith builds and destroys. Although, I did not have a chance to interact with all the participants, I felt the energy of a dedicated group of young individuals ready to take the mantle of self and communal development. It’s an event I hope will be repeated as we build from strength to strength. Last but not least, I must acknowledge the work of Ms. Noel and Dr. Raquel Thomas as they continue to create an avenue for Guyanese youths to work on their skills, craft, and passion! Thank you for doing what no one else was willing to do.”

The jetsking was fascinating because it was the first time many took that ride and captain Stanley those all fantastic manoeuvres that are great for TV. One of the great things about this venue is, you can do many things simultaneously without disturbing the other group. Imagine having a massage( Martin Benjamin) in the most peaceful exotic nature spot at Isika? PRICELESS!
I must mention the variety of delicious dishes, although I got the impression that the soul food was much more important. Maybe you can do some reflection where ever you are as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey BEYOND THE RUNWAY.