You’ve spent decades caring for everyone else.
Now it’s time to rediscover the woman you still want to become.
A Women’s Retreat for Renewal, Purpose, and Connection
Are you an empty nester, widowed, retired or semi-retired, or simply standing at a crossroads wondering ‘What’s Next for me’ and wanting to reconnect with your true self? Then this retreat is for you.
Four days on the coast. Morning coffee looking out at the water. Guided conversations. Sunset walks. New Friendships.
Throughout this retreat, we affectionately refer to our community as Melders – Mindful Elders who choose curiosity, growth, and possibility over society’s expectations of aging.
Let’s overcome society’s stereotypes, reclaim your dreams, connect with women who understand your journey, forge lasting friendships, and return home re-energized with a personalized plan for this next phase of our lives.
Is This Pismo Beach Women’s Retreat Right for You?
Do you wake up wondering what gives your life purpose now?
We will take the time to do a deep meditation and a workshop to discover what brings meaning and fulfillment.
Are you holding on to the past because you're unsure how to begin to move forward?
You will gain from your own inherent wisdom and can begin looking forward with confidence.
Are you questioning whether you're too old to start something new or do something you've always wanted to do?
C.S. Lewis says that ‘You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.’ Reconnect with your passions, values, and purpose that have been waiting for you.
Have retirement, care giving, or other life changes left you wondering what comes next?
Find the encouragement and support to embrace what’s next. Gain confidence in the unique gifts and contributions that only you can offer.
Are your days starting to feel the same, just going through the motions with nothing exciting to look forward to, you know you want something different, but you're not sure what it is?
Discover what’s possible when you intentionally create what’s next.
Are you worried if your best years are behind you and you've missed your chance to pursue your dreams?
Embrace new possibilities surrounded by women who will inspire and encourage you.
Join Us for a Weekend of Renewal
What You’ll Gain from This Women’s Retreat
Imagine leaving the retreat with a clear vision for your next chapter, no longer vague and open-ended. You will gain renewed excitement for life, ready to move forward. How wonderful it will be to create new friendships with women who understand your journey!
You will get clearer about what truly matters to You. You will be motivated to pursue new possibilities. You’ll get tools to overcome boredom, isolation, and feeling stuck and you will come away with a personalized action plan.
You will…
- Overcome the ‘obstinate obstacles’ of Ageism
- Reflect on what is important to you
- Align every area of your life with your values
- Leave this program feeling more confident and optimistic
- Make plans that are achievable and meaningful to you
Top Reasons For Not Missing This Retreat
Permission to …
- change
- dream again
- be a beginner
- succeed
- outgrow old identities
- stop apologizing for wanting more
- live differently than your peers
- refuse the script society handed you
Ready to Give Yourself This Time?
Your Coastal Retreat Accommodation in Pismo Beach
You’ll stay in a spacious and comfortable Pismo Beach home designed to give you room to relax and connect throughout your retreat.
You’ll be just a short walk from the beach, as well as close to downtown Pismo Beach, giving you the freedom to step out and enjoy the coastal surroundings whenever you have free time.
Inside, you’ll have comfortable spaces to gather with the other women, share a meal, have a conversation, or simply unwind after a day of reflection and retreat activities.
Choose the accommodation that feels right for you. You can enjoy a private king room with your own bathroom, a king room with a shared bathroom, or twin beds with shared bathroom access.
Each option gives you a comfortable place to rest and recharge while you enjoy everything this retreat has to offer.
This is your time to pause, reflect, reconnect and discover what’s next!
This Looks Amazing!
Nourishing Meals Inspired by California’s Central Coast
Fresh, Flavorful & Made to Be Shared
This retreat will feature fresh, flavorful, wellness-inspired meals highlighting seasonal produce, locally sourced ingredients, and nourishing proteins. Guests can enjoy a variety of options, from wild-caught salmon and vibrant garden salads to Mediterranean-inspired vegetable paella and colorful quinoa bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and grilled chicken.
Breakfasts will include options such as vegetable frittatas, fresh seasonal fruit, and warm oatmeal or chia pudding with wholesome toppings. Meals will be complemented by refreshing juices, organic coffee, herbal teas, and soothing golden milk. For dessert, expect delicious, lighter treats like seasonal fruit crumbles and rich avocado-chocolate mousse.
Our menu will offer a balance of nourishment, flavor, and mindful indulgence, with plant-based alternatives incorporated throughout. Each meal is designed to celebrate the abundance of California’s Central Coast while supporting a retreat experience centered on relaxation, renewal, and well-being.
Your comfort is important to us. Dietary needs and food preferences will be acknowledged and accommodated, so you can feel comfortable and cared for throughout your retreat.
Your Four-Day Journey of Reflection and Renewal
Day 1: Pause, Arrive & Connect
Your retreat begins with an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life and truly arrive – at the retreat, in the beautiful surroundings of Pismo Beach, and within yourself.
This is your time to slow down, breathe, and create space to reflect on where you are in your life right now. Together, we’ll begin creating the foundation for the days ahead: a space where you can be present, open, and curious about what comes next.
- Welcome reception
- Opening circle
- Meet your retreat sisters
- Self-Inflicted Ageing
Day 2: Release What's Holding You Back
Sometimes moving forward means first giving ourselves permission to acknowledge what we’ve been holding onto.
You’ll have space to reflect on the past, consider what you’re ready to let go of, and begin looking forward with greater confidence. Rather than having all the answers, you’ll be encouraged to listen to yourself and discover what feels meaningful for this next phase of your life.
- What I want now
- Identifying limiting beliefs
- Letting go of outdated identities
- Mirror/Breath Work
Day 3: Discover Your Next Option
Through guided reflection and deep meditation, you’ll have the opportunity to turn inward and explore what brings meaning and fulfillment to your life now.
As your retreat guide, I’ll lead you through experiences and conversations designed to help you listen to your own inherent wisdom and reconnect with the values, passions, and sense of purpose that may have been waiting for your attention.
- Mindfulness
- Gratitude
- Meditation
Day 4: Step Into Your Future
“You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.” – C.S. Lewis
- Confirmation and Commitment
- Closing ceremony and celebration
Join Us for a Weekend of Renewal
You will leave this retreat feeling more confident and optimistic.
This is personal growth work, combined with rest, renewal, and connection.
This Retreat is Absolutely for Women Who:
- are ready to embrace a season of growth, adventure, and purpose
- believe it’s never too late to reinvent themselves
- want meaningful friendships and community
- feel stuck, lonely, or disconnected
- know there’s still purpose inside of you
- are ready to say yes to herself
- know their best years are still ahead
- want to live intentionally—not just stay busy
This Retreat is NOT for Women Who:
- want a vacation only
- are unwilling to reflect honestly
- are not open to every faith, race, religion and culture
- expect someone else to create their future
What’s Included in the Melders Coastal Retreat
- A lovely home on Pismo Beach, CA
From Thursday evening through Sunday morning, we will explore identity, joy, purpose, and connection. - Homemade Meals by an Expert Chef
Three breakfasts, lunches, and three fabulous dinners, including food inspired by the fresh flavors of California’s Central Coast. - Spa Day
We will enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Sycamore Springs Spa. - Guided Meditations
Guided meditations for your well-being and of course, plenty of free time to rest, journal, and connect to create your own personal AHA! experiences. - Practical tools for creating peace, focus, and momentum
Several handouts and plenty of exercises to clear the pathway to joy - A personal Next Chapter Action Plan
Using the Melders Coastal Retreat workbook - Closing ceremony
What’s Not Included
- Transportation to or from the retreat
- Personal, medical, or trip insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Any private or individual trips
- Any private purchases, including souvenirs
Ready to Give Yourself This Time?
Your Host – M. Samela Dingus
Retirement Clarity Coach • Reinvention Advocate • Founder of Your Next Option
M. Samela Dingus is a free-spirited, exuberant lover of life—and she has lived more than one of them. Her journey has taken her from the stage as an actor and dancer, to executive leadership, teaching, coaching, and advocacy. Along the way, she discovered something that became central to her work: We don’t stop becoming simply because we get older.
For years, Samela has helped women move from feeling lost, uncertain, or stuck to feeling focused, energized, and excited about what’s possible next. Her philosophy is simple: Your age is your credibility. Your life experience is your superpower.
Samela’s belief in reinvention isn’t just something she teaches—she has lived it. After raising three sons and building a career, she reached a point when she realized she wanted something more. She had always loved both the arts and business and found herself wishing there were a way to bring those two worlds together. Then a friend said, “There is. It’s a master’s degree in arts administration.” Samela’s response? “Sign me up!”
For her 50th birthday, she gave herself a rather unconventional gift: she applied to graduate school. She attended Southern Utah University, home of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where she earned her master’s degree. And that experience reinforced something she already knew: There is no expiration date on curiosity, creativity, ambition, or reinvention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this retreat only for women?
While future retreats may include all gender experiences, this retreat is women-only seeking clarity, purpose, and meaningful reinvention.
What if I feel nervous about attending alone?
Many attendees come alone. In fact, this retreat is intentionally designed to create connection, comfort, and community from the moment you arrive.
Is this retreat physically demanding?
No. Activities are designed to be accessible and comfortable for women 55+.
What if I don't know what I want next?
That’s exactly why this retreat exists.
What makes this retreat different?
We have no role models for living this long. Nobody teaches us how to prepare emotionally, mentally, socially, or spiritually for this phase of life.
This retreat addresses the questions most people never talk about: loneliness, boredom, loss, fear of aging, purpose, relevance, reinvention and creating fulfillment beyond work.
We’ll explore: identity, joy, purpose and connection.
Because financial freedom means little if you don’t know what you’re living for.
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