Carla’s Journey through Breast Cancer

Last week, we introduced you to Aga, our writer on the
Beautiful, Precious ME retreat. This week, you get an update from Carla.

Both Carla, founding member of Shine Retreats, and our Retreat author, Aga Lesiewicz, join forces to create an opportunity for you to see into their lives and cancer stories. 

SR Carla

Shine Retreats Founder, Carla Octigan shares her story.

When Aga suggested running a retreat together, with a cancer focus, I jumped right in. My role at Siliano Alto is very much one of a host and facilitator, I am not a retreat leader but this is a retreat reality close to my life and my heart. 

It has been 7 years since my breast cancer diagnosis and although having been given the “all clear”, anybody who has had a diagnosis will know, recurrence is a lifelong fear.

Fear becomes a part of you, in the same way that “loss and grief” become a part of you. You don’t get past these things, you learn to integrate and live with them. People who know me well, may be surprised to read this as my life is a busy and full one. All is true, both are true, I am happy and successful, I am sad and scared. “Yes, And” as a good friend often muses with me, it can all be true. The world is grey and it’s a positive. There is no right or wrong, no black or white any more.

 

 

I think this is what  this retreat will be, a space that can acknowledge all sides of the individual. A Cancer patient, living with anger, fear, sadness and also joy, gratitude and hope.

For me, 7 years ago, I wanted first hand experience, I was not interested in your Aunt’s cancer journey, I wanted to speak with your Aunt. Even though there are a million different experiences and a million different realities, each of those first hand experiences I was able to share or read about, added something to this important jigsaw puzzle that I was making.

I took what I needed at the time and it is now an honour to be able to give back and hold the space and the hands of friends and clients who need to connect, share or cry through their own time of need.

So, if you or someone you love is in need of support and wants to join us in Italy in May, we will be waiting for you.

Read Carla's journey as shared with Shine 7 years ago.

SR colourful girls

We welcome you to what wonderful possibilities has come out of this process:

Beautiful, Precious ME Retreat
May 1st - 8th 2024 + October 7th - 13th

A retreat that sees our resident writer Aga Lesiewicz and one of our founders Carla Octigan, bring their personal experience of breast cancer to a week of acknowledgement, writing and joy. 

 

 

LET'S STAY CONNECTED

Follow us on Instagram @_a_time_to_shine_

The ultimate cosy Sunday snuggled up with @aga_lesiewicz new book, “What have you done, Zoe Bloom?”

“Lesiewicz sets a scorching pace in this creepy thriller and leaves us gasping with a genuinely chilling pay-off.” Independent

Aga is the retreat leader of the Writers Retreat in May. With only 2 rooms left, why not take a look?
Link in bio

#writersofinstagram
#writers
#writersretreatsitaly
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Last week @octigan & @holistichoneyca topped off our retreat season with our very first full Olive harvest.

2 days of climbing and brushing Olive trees and one quick trip to #bagnisanfilippo to warm and rest our backs and we were off to the mill.

245kg of Olives gave us 26 litres of liquid gold, it will be on our dining table throughout our 2025 season.

Should we add an October Olive harvest retreat to our collection next year. @octigan thinks so!!!
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Thank you @samanthajanco for this beautiful Actors Retreat book you created after our time together back in July. It’s a beautiful testament to the adventures and connections that were made, as you built on your craft and enjoyed the wonder of Italy. What wonderful memories we made.

Link in bio for next years Actors retreat with @reidforit @sophiemcnic and @nataliejacksonkinesiology

#actorsretreatitaly
#actingforcamera
#auditionready
#shineretreatsitaly
#makingmemories
#makingnewfriends
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Ever wondered what the behind the scenes of an art retreat looks like. Today we snuck into an empty studio to see if we could put the are with the guest, a complete fail on our behalf. Our guests are out for lunch and a tour of Chiusi with @artistinitaly @easelandlens ...

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Today was about finishing touches, we woke to a rose coloured sky, popped out for a cheeky Schiacciata and some last minute local produce.

We welcomed Julian from @artistinitaly @easelandlens for his 10 day art and wine retreat. Together with his guests, they will take over our studio space and bring a wealth of creative knowledge and ideas.

Guests from Australia, America and Canada are now tucked up, sleeping with full tummies after @holistichoneyca has treated them to a local specialty Pici Aglione.

Follow along in our stories to see their progress over the next 10 days.

#artretreat #retreattuscany #tuscanyretreat #shineretreats #creativity
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2024 Retreats are now sold out!! We just booked our last Writer on to our next retreat. 2025 will be here before you know it! Check out the links in our bio for what’s next!

#italyretreat2025
#writersretreat2025
#shineretreats2025
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We so look forward to sharing these views and experiences with you. Our home, the surrounding nature, the food, where you have yoga or Pilates sessions and the massage space. It’s such a blissful space.

Last retreat of the year in 4 weeks! Last minute space available. Link in bio for Creative Writing and Pilates Retreat.

#creativewritingretreatsitaly
#creativewriting
#writersretreatsitaly
#writersofinstagram
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