From One Woman to Another
We know that women love to hear from other women about their experiences and about their favorite things (think Oprah’s Favorite Things). That’s why we love to share insight from other Wayfinding Women about their experiences with our coaching and travel programs.
Trip and Travel Testimonials
Shelley’s Story
I received the WFW Greece email several months before the trip. I let Annie know that Greece was most definitely on my bucket list but had total knee replacements scheduled and probably would not be in any shape to go. I had watched the WFW emails for years thinking that would be fun, but I couldn’t because of this or that. She replied she would put me on the wait list because “you never know”. That was the last time I thought about it until the day after I had cancelled my other knee surgery. Annie called saying she had an opening but would need to know rather quickly because there was someone else interested. I took a deep breath. This was a big trip. I hadn’t ever done anything like this before. What had been an “oh that would be fun” was now an “are you in or are you not?” I looked at the itinerary and discovered I would be in Santorini for my 63rd birthday. Due to covid I didn’t get to properly celebrate my birthday and I jumped. Something called to me deep in my soul. On the surface it felt pretty impulsive, but I knew the universe was holding me and gently urging me.
When I committed, my knee was not healed. I was having daily migraines that had kicked up from surgery. To be honest I was feeling like a hot, hot mess. I felt anything BUT being in what I call FLOW. I had experienced being in flow with life and longed to be there again. The first night together, I set this as my intention.
Annie created so many fabulous experiences for us and held the space for us to safely grow. I had the utmost faith that no matter what happened she would either have an easy answer, or if not, she would walk beside me until we figured it out. I always felt 100% cared for and looked after. I believe is why I could let go to grow.
I had the time of my life. I gently dropped back into flow. I had two glorious weeks of just being me. I can’t tell you how healing and inspiring that was. I am home now and I have changed. I truly notice things. I see the sunsets differently. I notice the trees and feel at one with life again. I remembered how to pause. I released a lot of things that were not serving me anymore. I took risks and accomplished so many things personally.
If you are being called loudly or if there is a whisper in your soul, don’t hesitate to go. You won’t regret it. We began as a loving leader and a group of strangers. We left connected as sister souls. We may or may not see each other again but the experiences and lessons will live on in each of us.
- Shelley
Becky's Story
People ask, after they’ve seen my Greece Album on social media, “Becky how did you hear about this Greece retreat”? Immediately I smile, knowing how wonderfully the universe orchestrated me to go and grow.
Backstory, I was in the midst of planning a solo trip to Iceland, when a friend suggested I look at Annie’s Greece itinerary lineup of things we would explore. She had been on the Ireland trip and spoke so highly of her experience that I would be foolish not to listen. I answered the call when the spirit was pushing me to answer, it wasn’t the Iceland trip, it was Greece!
I had an inner knowing, without a doubt it felt so right, that I made the decision to go, I committed to a 12-day trip to Greece with a group of complete strangers. I placed a deposit and then had to tell my husband I had switched gears and Iceland was off the table after 6 years of wanting to go. I closed the book after paying the deposit, it would be almost a year before going, so I didn’t think much of it.
The excitement really starts when the flights are purchased, and the discussions of packing start coming in. If you are considering the next adventure in your life, you may find Wayfinding Women’s retreats the perfect fit for you.
Annie holds space for anyone on their spiritual journey, for anyone wanting to connect with other amazing bright brilliant women, or anyone just looking to find themselves again.
For the best trip and outcome, plan on coming with NO expectations, an open mind, and pack for pure discovery mode. Pencil in being completely surprised, jot down your desires and intentions and close the book, buy the ticket and plan on being moved, and changed for the better.
I know for me, I showed up raising my hand for all the new senses, new faces, and new tastes, and most importantly, I showed up to connect. I ended up being cracked open, willing to learn, humbled, and vulnerable to be a changed woman so that I could give to my family, I could walk my life’s purpose with more passion, and be fulfilled in everything I pursue.
Our days were filled with culture, food, exploration, relaxation, and an abundant amount of love! Expression of Love from our hosts, from our director Annie, love from strangers and love from all the women. As an outgoing woman, I wasted no time in connecting, as a spiritual teacher and novelist for the universal signals I volunteered to learn more lessons, layers of my life revealed in ways I thought were already mastered.
There was so much laughter, discovery, and pure joy I had never got to experience as a solo traveler. We were treated to first-class, red-carpet rollout at every excursion and experience. The itinerary was filled with so much that we often left full, full of life, full of food, and full of love. We didn’t have to think about details. The details we did need to focus on looked like… What to pack for the day and what to wear for the evening. The only stress we were faced with, was how much we could pack from our shopping spree and if we made it under 50lbs for our suitcases. The days were filled with experiences you will not get from the mainstream.
I invite you to set aside the excuses you’ve set up as barriers in the past, like cost, or the personal guilt that may arise when you make big decisions to love yourself and to put yourself first. I challenge you to take a leap to discover a bigger part of YOU. Allow yourself to be held, supported, and encouraged to explore what you want, and what you don’t want when you are on these beautiful well-thought-out travels through Wayfinding Women.
Annie is truly serving her life's passion and purpose, her gift to stay chill when most would have lost their shit when traveling internationally. She has it handled, no thought on your part, just show up.
She gives you the space to see the mirror, she holds your hand when you feel trepidation, she honors where you are in your journey and she always carries herself with grace and compassion. If you feel it in your heart to take the plunge into one of the adventures, I hope you bring your floaties and come willing to get wet. Be vulnerable and open to let your soul sing.
I know I have truly had a life-changing experience that I will continue to cherish, until my next adventure with Annie. I walked away with 20 new friendships and to think, there were only 14 of us.
What’s holding you back? Where will you be going next with Wayfinding Women?
Lead with Love,
- Becky Dembowski
Jane's Story
Having now been on two Wayfinding Women retreats, I can honestly say they were above and beyond my expectations.
Not having travelled abroad on my own before, from the moment I booked in the initial trip, I felt supported and connected as a WhatsApp group was initiated which meant you also had a repartee with the group you were going to join.
From the moment I left the plane it was as if you were transported into a comforting and truly well organised bubble. All the accommodations on each trip were so special, as were the dining experiences; the food and drinks were so amazing and tempting.
The arranged outings were varied and so well planned - wine tastings, museums, hot mineral baths, an exclusive jewellery store where you could choose any items to wear to dinner with the option to buy or not, massage, cooking demonstration, honey and olive oil tasting with 2019 Masterchef Winner, authentic Greek dinner and dancing, biodynamic farm visit, pottery making. personal and group photo shoot, catamaran trip with barbecue - to name a few! There were also added thoughtful and welcome treats with each trip.
Not only are these retreats so unique and truly well researched, they are also spiritual and thought provoking journeys, providing coping mechanisms to take home with you. In addition you can make friendships and connections which are so special.
I would have no hesitation in highly recommending Wayfinding Women to anyone looking for unique and amazing experiences.
- Jane Barrow- Cumbria, England
Cheri's Story
“My trip to England was everything I hoped it would be - castles, quaint villages, tiny roads lined with hedges and rock walls, beautiful gardens, pubs and hills full of sheep. As a dog lover, I got my dog fix nearly every day. And meal after meal of deliciousness that I didn’t have to cook.
I wanted this trip to expand me, and it did just that. I had daily opportunities to observe and learn more about self-love, and to find the courage to delve deeper into my inner world. I felt a measure of healing that continues to grow.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reflected on what you taught me in two weeks, simply with your example
First by honoring and supporting people where they are right now. It was no act of “This is how I need to act”. It was for real.
By gentle nudges in the direction of “here’s something to consider”.
I watched how you set boundaries for yourself- gently, naturally.
And I saw how you treat life as a banquet. Eat up!
Your many authentic friends are a testament to your own authenticity.
I think of you every day and am grateful for your example and our time together.
I can’t wait for my next Wayfinding adventure!”
Marcia's Story
I loved Annie’s trip to Cumbria England, the Lake District, May of 2023. Originally, I was supposed to go with my very dear friend who had been on one of Annie’s other trips. Unfortunately, at the last minute my friend was unable to go. I was disappointed and of course would have loved her there with me. I will have to say, Annie sure made me feel comfortable, as well as all the other ladies, on the trip.
I have an extremely demanding job and this was a once in a lifetime sort of thing for me, to do on my own. I do get to travel with my husband as he organizes trips like this for our local Chamber of Commerce, so I have been fortunate to have seen so much of this beautiful world.
I think what separates Annie’s trips is the careful attention to detail, as well as a sprinkling of special touches along the way. We were able to see so many beautiful places that were off the beaten path, not encumbered by tourism. The restaurant selections and the accommodations were luxury mode for sure! There is time to be alone, which I needed and liked more than I thought; or to be with the group, as you like. Dinners were special and the conversations around the table were meaningful.
Annie has a gift of bringing people together and asking deep, thoughtful questions to ponder, which I enjoyed. Celebrating all the strong women in our lives stands out as a special dinner conversation. I would recommend this trip to anyone who really needs to get away from it all, it is the sort of trip where everything is take care of and you feel like royalty!
- Marcia McMullin
Amy's Story
I’m not sure I’ve properly taken the time to tell you how essentially to my being Amy it was for me to travel to Ireland with you.
I’ve had so few minutes in my own mind to think and love and live and be the way of Amy
Ireland was all me in the best way from the minute I stepped off the plane and was greeted by my dearest Marcia.
My international intention is to get to a place where I can continue to be fully aware of what exactly my joy will be in the co-creative world I am meant to create. Tonight as I sit at my kitchen counter at 1111 pm I’ve put in a full 8 hours of work with 5 full hours of parenting and myriad moments of responding to my partner. At 1111 my little Brennan (13) leans at my elbow asking me to go watch a show …. My little Kayla (20) sends me a text and asks me to add things to a shopping list. My partner ( grown ass man) sighs and pouts because I’m not coming to bed. And I love each of other human so much more than I have ever taken time to love myself.
Travel with you is how I will love MY SELF. My words when I wish to speak. My bites of food that are chosen. Walk or rest. Rise or sleep. Stay up all night. Cry or be giddy. Dance or stare into space or write or do absolutely not one thing. This is how I will receive what has been kept from me as I have kept from myself pure pleasure for my own pleasures sake without a task or hardly a goal attached.
- Amy Palmerton, Ireland 2022
Mary's Story
“With Ann’s extraordinary planning and preparation, our retreat (aka adventure) was flawless. From planned activities, unplanned sharing, world class touring, exceptional food and ‘like-home’ courtesy and hospitality at our incredible private villa, all was amazing. I could write a long chapter just sharing the highlights!
Our group of accomplished women, each from different ages, stages and desires created a bond that I wish for every woman to experience. I had asked the universe for an opportunity to check out of my normal routine and into my ‘being’ – to get more clear about what the next phase of my career and life could look like. This retreat provided the change of pace that was essential to that mindfulness.
Truth be told, I didn’t really want the experience to end and I keep the memories close to my heart. Who doesn’t love getting away? Going with Wayfinding Women makes it easy, fulfilling, fun and truly memorable.”
Louise's Story
"I'm typically not a joiner, and I've most certainly run fast and far from kumbaya ('touchy-feely') group experiences through the years. However, I'm deeply grateful that so many compelling factors came together to bring me into Ann and Heather's Wayfinding Women's 2016 Gathering in Tuscany.
To begin with — the group of us gals meshed beautifully, sharing immediate and unconditional love and appreciation for each other. I felt surprisingly at ease and unexpectedly comfortable in to letting down my guard (—unaware it was up).
Personal bravery has helped me soldier through challenging times, but there, among sweet, respectful and savvy sisters...I didn't have to be brave. I felt the group personal growth exercises were valuable, gifting me with some powerful insights. Ann nudged us gently, purposefully, and intuitively toward those kinds of deep realizations with well-crafted coaching skills.
I also felt that careful pre-planning resulted in the perfect balance of scheduled 'work' and play time, free/personal time, and the right assortment of delightful excursions and surprise adventures. Such a joyous relief to have all that planning, all those tedious details handled — not by me! We were definitely in good hands.
I came home from that trip energized and excited about life and what it is that I’m supposed to be doing with it. And I began doing it. I am here, writing to you and making the plans that I had imagined on that trip. On this journey to Italy not only will you experience the rich Italian culture, the food, the wine… oh the food! But more importantly you will explore what is calling you from deep inside yourself and identify what you want more of in your life. You will clarify what your blocks and barriers are and identify your resources and superpowers. You will also create an clear and useful action plan to bring your vision to fruition when you return home.
Going to Italy with Ann was a trip of a lifetime for me. One of the best parts was how quiet my mind was during that week and this was due to Ann’s amazing organizing of everything. All I needed to know was what time I needed to be ready for that days activities. The week was a perfect blend of activities like wine and cheese tasting, amazing dinners at incredible restaurants, behind the scenes tours and down time at our incredible villa. Oh our villa, sigh. Imagine being awoken by the sound of church bells across the valley and opening the wood shutters in your private ensuite room to gaze out onto the green Tuscan hillside and grapevines that the owner produces his own wine from. This really happened. I felt as if the birds should start singing like in Cinderella! One of the other amazing elements of the trip is the connection with incredible women. Deep conversations, laughter until your belly aches, singing, dancing. Even now, 4 months later moments from that trip pop into my mind almost daily. If the idea of travel and connection with women pulls at your heartstrings, join Ann on one of her unforgettable trips. I promise, you won’t regret it!”
I belief that like does attract like, which would explain how Wayfinding Women has landed at such an amazing Villa outside Florence. It's the only way I can figure that Ann found such a truly amazing family, who run the place with such amazing elegance (and attention to details), prepare such amazing food, and shine with their fun (and amazing) authentic selves. I can only speak for myself — but that said, I didn't hear one complaint from any of us...only praise.
Thank you for including me in this meaningful and wildly fun adventure. (My 'higher self” is insisting that I do it more often!)”
With love and gratitude,
- Louise Hauck
Heather's Story
“Early last year, I read an email that made my heart leap with joy. Everything I had been aching for was summarized right in this one little email describing a once in a lifetime journey to Italy. I immediately started to think of all the reason why I didn’t deserve to go. It’s to much money. It would be selfish. I didn’t deserve it. I stared and stared at this email, basically drooling all over my computer. I desperately wanted this. A chance to step out of my life and rediscover what it was that I really wanted to accomplish in my next chapter. Lately I had been feeling burnt out and exhausted by life. Then my heart began to beat just a little bit faster. I was excited by the idea of going back to a place I love while taking the time to look inward and find myself again. I forwarded the email to my partner, certain he would agree that it was to much money. I said timidly, “this sounds like something I might like”. He replied instantly with, “THIS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LOVE”!! I was dumbfounded. I responded back, “are you for reals”???? And as he began to tell me all the reasons why I SHOULD go, I began to open. I began to believe. I began to dream. And I went on that trip in October 2015 and on it I began to visualize what it was that I was aching to create in this world.
Pam's Story
Going on an adventure with Annie and Wayfinding Women is just that…an adventure around every corner! Annie has an unquenchable thirst for the exciting, magical and beautiful experiences, even in the most seemingly mundane settings. In Ireland, she saw the wonders of donkeys, dogs and dirty boots to wander the vast places we went! From sacred spaces to spacious places, from the Burren to the Irish Sea, to Glendalough to the Cliffs of Moher, she sees wonder and majesty…and you will experience it, too!
Ireland was NEVER on my bucket list, but I’m so happy that I went and experienced it with Annie! I would go again!
- Pam Feldhues
Kim’s Story
Wayfinding Women retreats are the perfect combination of experiences and exploring combined with camaraderie and self care. They are wonderfully planned and flexible, all at the same time. I love not being in charge!
- Kim Patton
Coaching Testimonials
Christine’s Story
“I had never worked with a life coach before and I didn’t know what to expect, but I had met Ann through a group of women and had gotten a sense of who she was as a person, so when I felt that I needed outside help to sort out some issues I did not hesitate to contact her.
Ann was really wonderful to work with – from a scheduling standpoint, she was very flexible and I loved being able to talk to her on the phone from the privacy of my own home. In terms of working on my issues, Ann always made me feel comfortable and introduced me to certain thought and physical “exercises” which allowed me to delve into the issues which had been weighing on me, some of which had been eating away at me for decades.
What was most valuable, however, was that rather than telling me what to think, she allowed me to discover the links between my behavior, thoughts and actions myself, which, of course, is the most effective way to learn anything. Ann helped me come to an understanding about several important relationships and themes in my life and I now feel much freer and happier and ready to face the rest of my life. Thank you, Ann!”
Lisa’s Story
December 1st to 3rd, 2017 is a weekend I will never forget. It is hard to explain the feelings that this weekend holds for me. One of the BIGGEST takeaways is the courage I discovered.
I met Ann December of 2016 online, although not through Wayfinding Women, LLC. We only met in person a few times but just though those few encounters she was able to make me feel safe with her. In November of 2017 I mentioned to her I would love to do a "retreat" but couldn't make any of the Wayfinding Women retreats. This awesome lady put together a weekend retreat just for me at a cottage on a lake in Ohio.
The weekend arrived and I was a nervous wreck because I don't spend weekends with people I don't know. LOL. I was so eager to experience a retreat. I was at a point in my life where I needed time away, answers and guidance. I wanted to find joy again as I had experienced a major loss of a family member, trauma from the elections of 2016 and dealing with life crap.
I arrived early in the afternoon to find Ann welcoming me with open arms. There was a swag bag for me that included the most comfy socks and pj's. I got settled in and the weekend began. It was beyond anything I could have dreamt of. We talked, cried, laughed and sat in silence. I rested, walked and learned to just "be". We had a schedule but it was VERY flexible.
One of the things that I treasure most was learning the "SIT SPOT". It was uncomfortable at first, but I learned to just sit and listen. To quiet my mind.
I would recommend if you are on the fence about joining Ann to go ahead and take the leap. This woman is so good at what she does.
Maggie
Ann's insight, kindness and acceptance are extraordinary. Her advice is grounded and authentic, and the tools she offers me to examine my beliefs and assumptions is helpful beyond measure. I wish everyone I know and love could benefit from her wisdom and beautiful heart.
- Maggie M
Michaelle
Thank you, Annie. It’s been a life changing experience. No more playing small and silencing my voice. Your light shines on us all helping us open up and grow to become our true selves. I’m truly grateful for you!
- Michaelle Van Linden - Illinois
Sherri
Thank you so much for this amazing amazing heart opening experience with these beautiful souls. Nothing less than priceless. This is what I feel has changed because of this trip. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ What has changed for me from the trip is to Live Out Loud without explanation, permission or excuses. Just get into the flow and let it go. This is my journey and my choice let it be so. 🧚♀️
- Sherri Weibye - Idaho
What Others Have to Say
“Brilliant, empathetic, inspiring, nonjudgmental, and loving! A miracle worker!”
“Ann has the ability to help you change life challenges that are beating you down, unacceptable, and no longer work.”
“Ann helped me change my limited perspective to a more peaceful, relaxed place. Teaching me about self-compassion, in addition to ways in which to challenge old, outdated, unhealthy belief patterns.”
“Ann has a toolbox full: other gurus including Brene Brown, Martha Beck, Byron Katie, fabulous book suggestions, articles that are meaningful, seminars, and workshops that will have you feeling pampered along with accomplished goals, glorious travel to the loveliest destinations in the world, and more…”
“She works hard for me and my healing. I’ve made inroads toward a better life with light and faith, a life full of blossoming into all I can possibly be..”
“Ann doesn’t miss a beat in getting back with a text, email or phone call. I can count on Ann to be there for me! I never feel alone!”
“Initially, I worked with Ann to heal the relationship with my daughter. During the process my mother passed away, and without Ann I would have been lost. She even offered to fly out to attend the funeral with me! She saved me from my dysfunctional/toxic family, called and checked in with me daily, and helped me grieve in a healthy, caring way with self-compassion for myself.”