Overcoming Fears and Discovering Strength: My Transformational Weekend Retreat
I love being by the sea, but rarely spend time in it. I often find myself standing on the shore, watching my son Alfie and husband Dave having fun in the waves. As an observer, I felt like I was missing out on so much joy. I was holding myself back due to my fear of cold water, which I associated with pain. Cold leads to tension, and tension leads to unbearable headaches. But I was tired of holding myself back!
With no other expectations other than wanting to overcome my fear of cold water and swimming in the sea, The cold water weekend retreat in Anglesey with Angela Florence Bentley was so much more than I anticipated.
It was absolutely transformational—dare I say, life-changing.
I want to share a snapshot from my experience. It’s hard to put into words the power of it, but if you’re intrigued, you need to try it for yourself.
How did I meet Angela?
Rewind to September 2024, when I first experienced breathwork and a cold-water dip at Angela’s fundamental workshop. Angela the Ice Warrior is a Wim Hof Instructor and Transformational Coach. It wasn’t the cold water that intrigued me; it was the breathwork. Understanding its potential to help with anxiety, stress, and mental health drew me in. I’ll be honest: I didn’t engage much further back then, but my curiosity led me to sign up for the May retreat.
The Setting: Anglesey
Our home for the weekend was a beautifully converted church in Anglesey, right next to the sea.
We were joined by a group of incredibly strong women, each on their own journey.
Aimee, Holistic chef from Earthly Feasts, nourished us morning, noon, and night, pouring her heart and soul into delicious vegan meals. This was pure luxury for me—the space and freedom from thinking about meals for my family for three days was bliss!
The weekend was filled with morning breathwork sessions, cold water immersion, mindset challenges, deep coaching, connection, and nature all led by Angela the Ice Warrior
Additional relaxation was provided by the talented Rebecca, who taught us how to do foot massages and a workshop on making our own foot scrubs and lip balms. We also participated in a full moon circle on the headland led by Ali Swift.
We were encouraged to engage as much or as little as we wanted, with ample opportunities for rest and personal time.
I fully switched off, leaving my phone behind in my room, knowing that the incredible experience was being captured by the kind and talented Ali Ford.
Looking for Transformation
This wasn’t just a weekend away; it was a bold step into the unknown—a decision to face fear, embrace discomfort, and move beyond the stories that keep us small.
Angela guided us through breathwork, cold water immersion, mindset challenges, deep coaching, connection, and nature, helping us navigate our journeys and step into our full power.
I let go of what was holding me back and reconnected with who I truly am.
I left with the tools—and the courage—to take my next steps.
I’ve already started taking action bringing daily breathwork into my morning routine, and monthly nature walks, breathwork and coldwater by joining Angela’s Ice Warrior Tribe.
This retreat was more than just a time of rest; it was a reclamation of strength, self, and limitless potential.
My journey doesn’t end here; this is just the beginning.
Did I overcome my fear of the sea?
The answer if YES. On two separate occasions I took a dip in the sea. Rebecca literally held me by the hand the first time. You know what? I really enjoyed it!
Check out Angela Florence Bentley The Ice Warrior here
