5 Mom Sayings That Totally Apply to Retreat Planning (and Running a Business)

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There are things my mom said so often, they practically echo in my bones.

“Because I said so.”

“Many hands make light work.”

“Don’t make me come in there.”

“Did you remember to pack snacks?”

“You don’t need to invite everyone.”
“You can do hard things.”

At the time? Eye roll.
Honestly, now I think she was onto something.

It turns out, those same phrases double as solid advice for planning in-person events and for leading a business with heart.

So, in honor of all the wise women who shaped us, let’s break down a few classic “mom-isms” and how they show up when you’re designing transformational gatherings.

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1. “Because I Said So”

Okay, this one used to infuriate me as a kid! Now I kind of get it.

When you’re hosting a retreat, you’re the leader.
That means you get to decide on what it will look like. Boundaries are healthy. So is structure. So is deciding that everyone needs to check in by 6 p.m. and that phone-free mornings are non-negotiable.

Clarity = kindness. Decide what is most important for the transformation you want to achieve and make exceptions only if it doesn’t compromise the group experience. You have spent time and energy creating your retreat so don’t be afraid to make it what you want.

A potential guest says, ‘I’d rather stay at the Marriott near the retreat to use my points’ will turn into a disruptive attendee, and most likely have an expectation for a partial refund for not staying on site.

Smile and decline her money. Because you said so.

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2. “Many Hands Make Light Work”

Mom was referring to dividing up the chores. But this one is gold when it comes to retreat planning.

You shouldn’t be the:

• Guest concierge
• Logistics coordinator
• Caterer
• Tech troubleshooter
• AND the transformational expert

Trying to do it all solo doesn’t make you a hero—it makes you tired. And worse, it waters down the experience for your guests.

Delegating isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
Build a team. Bring in support. Hire someone like me to carry the clipboard so you can carry the mission.

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3. “Don’t make me come in there…!”

Usually this was because my sister and I were either NOT doing what we were supposed to be doing, or fighting about something my mom did not want to settle (but also did not want to have to continue to listen to).

The lesson is- you don’t need to control and be involved in everything. Let your attendees have the time and space to develop their own connections and relationships without you looking over their shoulders.

You can go take a nap, prepare for your next session, or grab one of those hammocks for some reflection time. Appoint your assistant as the adult-in-charge in case of an emergency while you chill.

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4. “Don’t Forget to Pack Snacks”

How many times have you been hangry at a conference or retreat?

Food is love. And fuel. And a secret shortcut to guest satisfaction.

• A beautiful breakfast spread
• A trail mix bar with handwritten labels
• Little chocolate squares on the pillows at night

…these things matter. Not because your attendees can’t feed themselves, but because snacks say, “I thought of you.”

Thoughtfulness is the difference between a retreat and just another event.

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5. “We Don’t Need to Invite Everyone”

Some of you just got triggered.
Does anyone else have a mom who was a stickler about the guest list?

Here’s the thing: not everyone needs to be at your retreat.

This is hard when you’ve got a kind heart and a big network. But curating the right room is critical to delivering the transformation your event promises.

Your retreat is not the neighborhood block party.
It’s a carefully designed space for the right women to gather, grow, and go deep.

Let that shape your marketing, your messaging, and your application process.

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5. “You Can Do Hard Things” (aka stop making excuses)

Hosting a retreat isn’t easy, but it is absolutely doable.

Yes, it requires decisions. Yes, there will be unexpected questions (like “do we need permits for candles?”). Yes, someone will show up late and forget to bring their workbook.

But you’re not doing this because it’s easy.
You’re doing this because your work is meaningful, and in-person connection amplifies that.

So take the next step. Get help. Map it out.
You’ve done hard things before! You’ve got this. And it’s worth it.

(Mom voice optional.)

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Wrap-Up: Your Inner Wisdom Knows

Sometimes the best event planning advice isn’t from a textbook—it’s from the woman who taught you to make your bed, use your manners, and keep extra napkins in the glove box.

The truth is, your retreat doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be real, thoughtful, and designed to reflect your values.

So take a deep breath, pour a beverage, and lean into the wisdom you already carry.
Then let’s build something beautiful—together.

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Want a Co-Host Who Packs Snacks and Builds Strategy?

You don’t need to juggle all the moving parts alone. I help entrepreneurs design retreats with purpose, ease, and a whole lot of “mom-level magic.”

Start with my free 10 Essential Retreat Decisions Workbook, or book a planning session and let’s turn your vision into a well-orchestrated reality.

Whether your guest list is 5 or 50, every great gathering starts with one decision:
“Let’s do this.”

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