...Not simple as in a 2-day work week and unlimited vacations (although I suppose that can be achieved too), but simple as in having clarity of mind, where daily stresses and burdens are minimized because you have a clear understanding of who you are and where you are going.

Yes…we are a candle company…run by a dude (me)…who is truly a big dork-at-heart, and who is going to bring you some amazing candles (and other things...big adventures in the works), but I wanted Retreat to be so much more than that. I wanted to deliver something valuable beyond candles. So, as I personally have been in the middle of some crazy life transitions, trying to be more aligned with who I am and where I want to be, I realized that there are so many more people who feel the same way and are stuck in the same spot. My story is nothing to write movies about, but certainly a struggle that everyone faces at some point in their life. Although everything was pretty steady and good, there was a feeling in my gut (always trust your gut), that something was missing. So…I began exploring.

I asked myself a few questions (with the help of my amazing psychotherapist wife (@ottawatherapist on IG), who unknowingly took me on as a life-long case study 7 years ago. No regrets right dear?!). These questions made me re-evaluate what I was doing here on this planet in the first place. Yes, I have a great fam, a decent amount of close friends, am relatively healthy, and I’m generally pretty happy, but something was missing that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I still struggle to define exactly what it is, but the discovery process has been amazing and fun, but not without challenges, and definitely still far away from a final result. One thing I can say though, the journey has been incredible.

And as I walk slowly along this new path, trying to rediscover who I am, trying to make my life simpler, trying to live with more clarity and alignment, I’ve met some incredible people along the way, walking the same path, trying to answer those same nagging questions hidden deep in their minds…is this truly what I’m meant to be doing? Am I satisfied? Does this give meaning to my life? What exactly am I trying to achieve anyways? What’s the end game here? I wasn’t alone. You are not alone either. Everyone hits the wall at some point, but I think it is avoidable, if you are open to being vulnerable, honest with yourself, and up for an adventure.

When is the last time you have evaluated your purpose, values, and personal mission in life? Sounds like a massive undertaking doesn’t it? Who the heck has time for that when all that matters is getting a hot meal in front of the kids tonight, or signing the next deal for work, or getting an A on your next exam. The answers to the above questions are more important than you may realize, but answering them doesn’t need to be as daunting as you may think. Grab your can opener and let’s release the worms. But let’s do it with support, guidance, and kindness to oneself. Let’s take small steps, and not beat ourselves up if we miss a day, fail, or forget. Let’s implement life changes in a way that is easy, and slips into our current routine. Let’s do it within a community who cares, the Retreat community.

Soooo...out of it all, Retreat Candle Co was born. A candle company with a purpose. I know there are many others out there who have hit the same wall I have, or who are about to, who could use a little help with some tools, some motivation, some shared stories, and a community who cares.

So yes…please buy a Retreat Candle…they smell awesome (and partial proceeds go to kids mental health orgs), but more importantly join us on our socials where we’re going to be doing some really cool things with some really cool people, and may just help you to become who you have always wanted to be, one small step at a time.

Can you change the world with a candle?

We can. You can too.

Thanks for reading.

Billy