Teen Growth Retreats
The Threshold Retreat

Journal entry - Max 19 yrs

 

What stood out most about this retreat was how balanced it felt. Nothing was too strenuous, and there was real permission to slow down and simply be. I never felt pushed past my limits. I could step into the group when I wanted to, take on a role when it felt right, or stay quiet and observe—and all of it was valued.

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In my small group, I began to notice strengths in myself that I hadn’t named before. After one discussion, someone said, “You’re really steady—you help people feel calm.” Another person told me they appreciated how I think things through before speaking. Hearing that helped me recognise my steadiness, thoughtfulness, and emotional awareness as real strengths, not just personality traits I overlook.

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There were also quiet moments—sitting together after an activity, no pressure to talk—where I realised I’m good at being present. I don’t always need to lead with words. Just showing up, listening deeply, and noticing what’s going on around me is something I bring to a group.

In coaching, I connected more clearly with strengths linked to my neurodivergence: my ability to focus deeply, my honesty, my strong sense of fairness, and the way I notice patterns and details. My coach reflected that these are foundations for self-leadership and independence. That helped me see my future differently—not as something I have to force myself into, but something I can shape around how my brain works.

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I’m leaving Chamonix with friendships where I felt safe to be myself, a clearer understanding of my strengths, and confidence that independence doesn’t mean changing who I am. It means trusting my neurodivergent way of being and carrying these strengths forward into adulthood.