There are moments in life when everything feels like too much.

For Melanie Smith, that moment stretched across an entire year—caring for her terminally ill husband, managing teams of palliative support workers, and barely catching her breath.

Then, ten days before a major surgery of her own, she did something unexpected:

She signed up for the Vital AF Retreat.

“I had spent virtually no time on myself… When I found out about the retreat, I recognized the opportunity to do something for me. It was essential.”

Melanie was told not to travel at the time. She felt exhausted and uncertain about her future alone.

But she knew one thing—she still had so much living to do.

What happened next surprised even her.

From the moment she stepped into the warm, welcoming space of the retreat, something shifted.

“Every detail had been thought through. It was peaceful, tranquil… and I felt comfort when I entered Janet’s home.”

At the retreat, Melanie didn’t just learn about health.

She reclaimed her vitality.

For the first time, she wasn’t seen as a patient, a widow, or a survivor—she was seen as a woman with a future.

A woman who could play and enjoy life again.

“I hadn’t played in a very, very long time… And I knew that moving forward, learning how to have portions of play in my day would be really helpful.”

She walked out of that one-day retreat with a personalized Vitality Playbook, written goals, a clear vision—and more hope than she’d had in years.

And then? Melanie got a puppy.

She started playing daily.

She felt her spark come back.

Seven months later, she’s doing things her doctor told her she couldn’t do.

“I went to Mexico with my son Seamus. I went deep-sea fishing. I climbed a mountain. I swam in the ocean.”

Melanie didn’t just survive.

She came alive.

Her message for anyone on the fence to put themselves first?

“If you have the money to spend on dinner out or a new outfit, consider this: Those things won’t stay with you. But this? This experience will carry you forward. You’re your greatest asset. It’s the best money I’ve ever spent. I couldn’t have made a better decision.”

The Ripple Effect Continues…

Melanie now revisits her Vitality Playbook often. She reflects. She realigns. She receives ongoing support through my weekly emails.

Melanie went from caregiver to comeback queen!

“Had I not attended that retreat, I wouldn’t be the recipient of these really fantastic weekly reflections. It’s an indication of the ongoing benefits of that one-day program.”

Ready to create your own Vitality Playbook? The next Vital AF Retreat is May 9.

Your transformation starts with a single, bold “yes.”

Let this be your moment.

Because, like Melanie says, “You are worth caring for.”

Two weeks today is the retreat. Grab your spot HERE.

PLAY ON!

Your friend and coach,

Janet xo

P.S.   If you prefer doing this kind of work together 1:1 reply with ‘COACHING’ in the subject line. I have an idea for how we can make sure you stay accountable and on track. Talk soon.