From February 10-12, I went on a retreat. It was absolutely amazing. Before this weekend, my faith life was starting to crumble a bit. The stress of my classes was starting to get to me and lack of sleep was making me extremely exhausted. For real though, the bags under my eyes were so dark that no amount of concealer and foundation could cover them. I was trying my best to pray before I went to bed but I would get half-way through a "Hail Mary" and already be falling asleep. Needless to say, this semester was kicking my butt.

The days leading up to the retreat were of course packed with so much work that I was practically stuck in my dorm every night, in front of my laptop typing yet another essay. My exercise was getting up here and there to stretch or just take laps around my floor. Fresh air was experienced when I went to the UC for food and most of the time, it was a Flex Meal. My body, physically and spiritually, was in much need of a break.

Recommended for you

Life Lessons From Kairos

A Thank You Letter To The Church Retreat That Changed My Life

When Friday finally came I was non-stop all day. I had my interview for a Resident Assistant position for next year at 9:00. After that, I had to print off the essays I had written the night before for one of my classes. 11:00-11:50 found me in my Chemistry lecture. After that, lunch. At 2:00, I had to interview a social worker for my Intro to Social Work and Social Welfare class. That took about an hour but it was totally worth it. I arrived back to campus at 3:15. We were leaving at six and I wasn't even close to being packed and ready to go. I get back and back my bag, clean my room, call home, and got dinner. But this go, go, go attitude wasn't new to me. That's how I am most days of the week. When 6:00 rolled around, I practically ran out to the cars. I think my body loosened not even thirty seconds after sitting down in the van.

I went into the weekend with the intention to recenter, relax, and encounter God. I was definitely feeling the effects of the lack of "spiritual working-out."