If you’ve ever found yourself staring at retreat numbers that just aren’t adding up…

…or feeling that gnawing intuition whispering, “Something’s not right” – you’re not alone.

In the world of transformational retreats, we talk a lot about courage – the courage to lead, to hold space, to step into visibility.
But what we don’t talk about enough is the courage to cancel – to make the gut-wrenching but wise decision to call off a retreat when it’s not aligned financially, energetically, or ethically.

💔 Let’s be real – it’s heartbreaking

• You’ve poured your heart into crafting the most heart-opening experience.
• You’ve envisioned the transformation, created a post-retreat program, and even bought an unusual gift for your participants to remember your retreat by.
• And yet… the sign-ups are trickling in slowly. Payments are late. The energy feels forced.

That’s when the little voice inside you starts to say: “Maybe it’s not meant to happen at this time.”

Cue the fear, guilt, and a sprinkle of panic:
“What will people think?”
“Will I look like a failure?”
“Should I push harder and just make it work?”

But this is what I believe, my friend – sometimes the most powerful move you can make as a retreat leader is to step back rather than push forward.

🧭 Intuition + Integrity = True Leadership

I’ve seen it countless times in my 20+ years of mentoring retreat leaders:
Those who listen to their inner knowing (even when it’s uncomfortable) are the ones who stay in business for the long haul.

Your intuition isn’t flaky – it’s your internal compass.
And integrity means aligning your actions with your truth, even when it’s inconvenient.

If your gut says the retreat isn’t ready, the timing’s off, or the numbers don’t support it – that’s wisdom speaking. Not weakness.

💸 Financial Wisdom: Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s talk dollars and sense.
Running a retreat is a serious business investment. When you do the math – airfare, venue deposits, marketing, insurance, meals, staff, your time (yes, that counts too!) – you realize it’s not something to run on “hope and vibes.”

Here’s a simple question to ask yourself:
“If I move forward and only break even – or worse, lose money – will that feel like integrity?”

If the answer is no, then calling it off before you’re in too deep is the smart, seasoned, and strategic move.

Canceling early doesn’t make you unreliable – it makes you responsible.

✨ Reframing the Story

Canceling a retreat isn’t the end of your story – it’s a plot twist.
It’s an opportunity to pause, reassess, and come back stronger and wiser.

• Maybe your retreat trip page and concept wasn’t clear enough.
• Maybe you were not speaking to your ideal client clearly enough and in their language.
• Maybe your promotional plan needed more lead time.
• Or maybe the world (or your soul) just needed you to wait.

When you treat a canceled retreat as feedback – not failure – you free yourself from shame and open the door to your next-level success.

💬 What to Say When You Cancel

Here’s a line I often share with my students:
“This retreat deserves to be experienced in its fullest, most aligned form — and right now, the timing isn’t right. I’m postponing so I can deliver the experience you truly deserve.”

That’s leadership. That’s integrity.
And believe me — your community will respect you more for it.

🌈 The Real Courage

The real courage isn’t in filling every spot.

It’s in trusting yourself enough to walk away when something isn’t right – and believing that the next retreat will be even better because you honored your intuition, your finances, and your integrity.

Because the truth is: A canceled retreat can save your business, your sanity, and your reputation.

And that, my friend, is the kind of courage that keeps you in this game for the long run.

💛 Keep Growing (and Trusting Yourself)

If this topic hit home for you – if you’ve ever wrestled with the decision to cancel, pivot, or postpone – know that you’re in good company. Every successful retreat leader I know has faced that moment of truth.

So if you want to lead retreats that are deeply transformational and also protect you (and are profitable), I created a fun 4-part video series that I know you’ll love.

• Each video is short, actionable, and fun (yes, designing your retreat should feel fun!).
• You’ll have exercises to keep you moving forward.
• Complete the 4 video trainings in 7 days, and you can keep the training forever. PLUS I’ll give you my special guide on “Retreat Trip Pages Made Easy.”

So if you’re ready to start running profitable and safe retreats like the pro you’re meant to be – then register for training series here!

Share in the comments below — your experience might just give another retreat leader the courage they need to do what’s right for them. 

With heart + backbone,
Sheri 💛