Midlife Reimagined: Finding the next path

“Feeling so pleased and grateful that I allowed myself this time to focus on me. When booking I thought it was self-indulgent but now I realise that it was absolutely the right thing to do at this point in my life. As I leave, I feel peaceful, calm and reflective. I have a better idea of what really matters to me and what I plan to do next with my life and for those I love and value.”

Participant, 2025

Midlife Reimagined is an invitation to step into change and growth. Mid-life provides us with an opportunity to be our more authentic selves; to find out who we are now and what really matters.

Are you finding yourself in mid-life feeling a little lost? You may be contemplating a career change, or retirement; perhaps navigating children leaving home or other relationship changes; you might be adapting to health challenges or the ageing process. You may be looking for a deeper meaning or purpose. You may simply be asking yourself, what next?

The Retreat

In April and October 2026 we are offering a residential life story retreat in a beautiful Devon setting for a group of 12 people. Over 5 days, we will guide the group through a process of compassionate mid-life review.

You will be invited to consider your personal & professional journey so far: identifying joys and achievements, reflecting on challenges and disappointments that have been overcome and being curious about the wisdom and growth that followed. Every life has its ups and downs and regret can be a great teacher. We will explore what we need to let go of at this midpoint in our lives, and how we want to be in the world, moving forward.

Sharpham Trust by the River Dart, Devon.

What we offer:

  • A structured programme of midlife review led by expert facilitators. Reflective exercises, writing prompts and small group discussion will invite you to explore your personal and professional journey up till this point

  • An environment of supportive challenge that enables you to reflect on big questions: Who am I? What really matters to me at this stage of my life? How do I want to show up in the world? What changes might I want to make? What do I need?

  • A roadmap for the future, which enables you to move into the next chapter of your life with confidence and ease

  • Optional sessions sharing tools and practices on self-compassion, polyvagal theory and the nervous system, breathwork and relaxation

  • A comfortable ensuite single bedroom and full board delicious home-grown food

  • A chance to stay at an internationally recognised centre for mindfulness retreats and nature connection, with 40 years’ experience of hosting in a beautiful 550-acre estate in South Devon.

Requirements

There is no chronological age restriction. The retreat is for people who consider themselves to be in mid-life, and in a time of transition, who want to reflect, go deep and emerge with a new sense of purpose and agency. While this is not a therapy group, reflecting on life experiences in a group setting can bring up strong feelings. We ask you to consider whether this is the right time for you, and if you currently feel emotionally resilient enough to engage in reflective groupwork.

Facilitators

Karin Diamond and Alison O’Connor are highly experienced facilitators and trainers. In 2006, they co-founded Re-Live, a life story arts organisation. Together, they have been privileged to work with (and learn from) hundreds of people from all walks of life, helping them to reflect on their experiences and find a greater sense of meaning and purpose.

They are both Churchill Fellows (2010 and 2016). In 2025, their book, Creating Life Story Theatre, co-authored with Clark Baim, was published by Methuen Drama. Karin is an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, a writer, actor and life story facilitator. Alison is a therapist, trainer and group facilitator with 25 years’ experience. Karin and Alison have been best friends for 35 years. Their approach is hopeful, motivating and compassionate.

Dates: April 20th-24th 2026

October 5th-9th 2026 (Females only)

(arrive 3pm Monday, depart lunchtime Friday)

Cost: £1195 (payable in 3 installments)

Venue: The Coach House, Sharpham Trust, Devon, UK

To book a place or find out more, contact Alison here. As spaces are limited to 12, we recommend early booking.