By Brenda Seng
Every year, I try to do one thing that scares me.
Not the kind of scary that feels reckless, but the kind that nudges me to grow. So when I came across Alchemy’s fitness retreat on Instagram, something in me paused. My friends and I had talked about doing something like this for years. And since fitness has always been such a big part of my life, it felt… aligned.
Still, going alone? That was new territory.
I decided to DM them and ended up connecting with Sara, the founder of Alchemy. From the moment we spoke, I felt at ease. She was warm, genuine, and radiated the kind of energy you can’t fake. When she shared her intention to create an inclusive space for all different types of people, I felt seen. It resonated deeply.
Within minutes of that call, I booked the retreat to Tulum.
But fast forward a few months to travel day, and the confidence I had felt earlier started to wobble. Sitting with my suitcase, the “what ifs” got loud.
What if I don’t click with anyone?
What if I feel out of place?
What if I end up feeling… alone?
I almost talked myself out of it.
Then I landed in Tulum.
At the airport, I spotted someone wearing an Alchemy sweatshirt. I took a deep breath, walked up, and asked if she was on the retreat. That small moment changed everything. She greeted me with such warmth that I could literally feel my shoulders drop.
And when I met the rest of the group, something shifted.
The week that followed was full of adventure, movement, and the kind of laughter that catches you off guard. The deep belly laughs. The ones that make your face hurt in the best way. It had been a while since I laughed like that.
What I did not expect was how healing the trip would be.
I came into the retreat during a pivotal season of my life. I was quietly carrying some family heaviness, the kind you try to push through but still feel in the background. Being in Tulum at the end of the year felt symbolic, like I was gently letting go of what I had been holding and stepping into the new year with more intention and clarity.
And the conversations? They got real, fast.
Not the surface-level small talk we often fall into, especially in DC where so much identity gets tied to job titles and productivity. This space was different. People showed up as their full selves. It reminded me of something I think we all need to hear sometimes:
We are more than what we do for work.
Looking back now, I am incredibly grateful I did the uncomfortable thing. I met genuinely amazing people and built connections that did not end when the retreat did.
Since coming home, we have worked out together, grabbed coffee, and met up for brunch. These are friendships that grew from one brave decision to just… show up.
I truly would not have met these people otherwise.
I am a big believer in signs, so if you are reading this and something in you feels curious or nervous or both, maybe this is yours.
Do the thing that scares you a little.
Step outside your comfort zone.
Book the trip.
You never know who you will meet or what part of yourself you might find on the other side.
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