Dancing Under the Moonlight: A Lesson in Growth and Authenticity

I just returned from a five-day trip with eight women. It was beautiful, intense, and everything in between. When that much energy comes together, especially the strong currents of feminine energy, it can sometimes get turbulent. There were moments of joy, love, and laughter, but also times of anxiety, unsettled energy, and even conflict. No amount of breathwork or meditation completely shielded me from the waves, but in hindsight, that was part of the lesson.

Even in the midst of those moments, there was so much beauty. We danced barefoot on the beach, laughed until our sides ached, watched pods of dolphins swim past our boat, and bathed in moonlight during impromptu photo shoots. We shared a sacred ritual by the ocean, released old energy, walked labyrinths, and let the moonlight carry our tears, our laughter, and our prayers.

What stood out most to me wasn’t just what happened on the outside but what I discovered on the inside. In the past, I was the party girl. I drank hard, sometimes blacked out, and often did wild things without care for consequences. This trip was different. I was fully present and sober the majority of the time, and I realized something beautiful: I can experience joy, connection, and fun without being drunk or lost in substances. I enjoyed a cocktail here or a glass of wine there, but I no longer needed to numb myself to belong or to have fun. That chapter of my life is closed.

My spiritual journey has changed me. I see myself differently now. I appreciate the love, the joy, and the beauty of each moment without needing anything to alter it. This version of me feels grounded, authentic, and true. I know the people who love me will continue to accept me exactly as I am. On this trip, that was proven true. Even though I wasn’t partaking in the same way as others, they welcomed me with open arms. We found common ground in ritual, in laughter, and in love.

I’m grateful for every single woman who shared this journey with me. I’m grateful for the moments of challenge that helped me grow. Most of all, I’m grateful that I allowed myself to be me, without shrinking, without performing, and without pretending.

Change is not something to fear. Growth is not something to hide. Being your authentic self is the most beautiful offering you can bring into any circle. And when you do, you discover that the people who are meant to walk with you will love you all the more for it.