Moxie’s First Retreat
Last September, Moxie Adaptive hosted our inaugural in-person retreat just outside of Chicago. Seven courageous women arrived, embracing their authentic selves for an entire weekend. The retreat featured structured discussions centered around self-talk and the narratives that individuals with limb differences or disabilities often internalize. The conversations flowed naturally and openly, allowing these seven women, who were strangers prior to the retreat, to share their personal stories and candidly discuss their struggles and frustrations. The guided discussions created a space for us to bond, share experiences, and support one another on our journeys toward acceptance and self-love.
Amid the profound and heartfelt conversations, we also made time for fun with a photoshoot. Each woman encouraged the others to step out of their comfort zones and, most importantly, to proudly showcase their limb differences and disabilities in front of the camera. Often, we tend to hide these aspects of ourselves unconsciously but being surrounded by women who truly understand allows you to feel completely yourself, which is incredibly liberating. We also enjoyed delicious dinners and happy hours, continuing to share our stories with one another.
The weekend focused on embracing our true selves, adapting, and stepping outside our comfort zones. We all took a leap by participating in a private Barre class tailored to our individual needs. It was an enjoyable experience, leaving us all pleasantly sore afterward.
The retreat concluded with a Moxie family brunch, where we met six families, many of whom brought their little ones with limb differences to celebrate our unique traits. It was inspiring to witness the confidence of the children, who can see people who resemble them. Hearing the kids discuss how they navigate the world with their differences was truly an honor and inspiration.
Overall, the weekend was absolutely MAGICAL! We are eagerly looking forward to hosting our next retreat. If you're skeptical about how AMAZING this retreat was, just read first-hand experiences from women who attended.
There’s something truly rare and empowering about being in a room full of women who genuinely understand the unique journey of living in a different body. From the very first night, as we gathered to share our personal stories, an instant and profound bond was formed. It wasn’t just soul-nourishing—it was a fun, unforgettable experience! We laughed through a fun photo shoot, explored wine tasting and shopping, and even tackled a workout class together. What made it so special was the freedom to try new things without fear of embarrassment, supported by a group that just gets it. I’m profoundly grateful to Moxie for creating this space, fostering connection, and bringing us all together for such a beautiful experience.
Ashley
I'm so happy to have found Moxie! Gathering with this community of women like me has been the biggest blessing. It is so nice to be able to authentically open up and know that these women truly understand me. It is a safe space where we can share ideas and really learn from each other.
Courtney
