Dance like EVERYONE is watching

Two weekends ago, I attended the MTHR Collective Retreat in Ukiah, CA. I was surrounded by 35 other moms—and I didn’t know a single soul. I had booked it on a whim months earlier, drawn in by its promise: a space for creative, entrepreneurial moms. With the launch of Sunshine & Agape, I knew I fit the mold. Plus, the retreat had all the makings of a dreamy long weekend—spa night, delicious meals, massage therapists, journaling, hiking, and more.

Let me just say: MTHR Collective DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. It quickly became a non-negotiable for me—something I’ll prioritize every year. A sacred pause. A gift to myself.

When friends ask what my favorite part was, I don’t hesitate: the dance workout classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Both were led by the incredible Christine—an energetic, magnetic dancer who brought pure joy to the room. On Saturday, she guided us through a Kinrgy class (yes, trained directly by Julianne Hough herself!). Kinrgy blends breathwork, movement, and dance into something that feels like a soul reset. On Sunday, we dove into a hip-hop choreography class that had us sweating, laughing, and fully alive.

We moved nonstop for over an hour each day, but I barely noticed I was working out—I was just living. Christine had us shaking our groove thing like no one was watching. And for once, it truly felt like no one was. There was no judgment, no comparison. Just 35 moms, letting go of the weight we carry and dancing it out together.

At one point, we paired off in a big circle and had 30 seconds to dance however we wanted. And in that moment, something clicked. I felt free. I felt me. Loud, raw, sometimes unfiltered—but also vibrant, full of energy, deeply empathetic, and unapologetically colorful (IYKYK). I realized: I really love who I am.

Those classes reminded me of something I want to pass on to my kids:

Don’t worry about what others think or what they might say. Be unapologetically you. You are the only you this universe has ever had—and ever will. Not everyone will get you, and that’s okay. Your people will find you. And when they do, they’ll love your loudness, your color, your dance moves, your everything.

So, here’s to me—for doing something bold like attending a four-day retreat with strangers.

And here’s to Christine—for reminding me that who I am is someone I love - deeply and unapologetically.