The Getaway Strategy That Changed My Life
After 25 years of testing it, I think it might change yours too
Christian Ray Flores here —
Deb and I are dreaming up something special: a small retreat in Costa Rica this fall.
We want it to be beautiful, rich, and unforgettable — and we’d love your help shaping it.
If you’ve ever longed for a reset, a deeper connection, or space to reimagine your next chapter…
Take 2 minutes and tell us what would make it extraordinary.
We’ll come back to why this matters in the Deep Dive.
In Today’s Issue
• The rhythm that’s kept our marriage and mission alive for 25 years
• Why intentional getaways are more strategic than you think
• What we’re imagining for a Costa Rica retreat — and how you can help shape it
Opportunities to Explore
→ Upcoming Webinars and Intensives
We’re lining up a series of live sessions to help you reset and realign your life, leadership, and legacy.
See what’s coming — only for Xponential Edge subscribers (that’s you, the smart ones).
One to watch: an exclusive pod with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor — Harvard-trained neuroscientist, NYT bestselling author, and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Her TED Talk has been watched more than most Netflix shows.
We’re working on the details — stay tuned.
In My Headspace
Curated insight worth your attention.
• Travel Is Not an Escape — It’s a Launching Pad — A short video I filmed in Portugal on how travel can create clarity and momentum in your life.
• Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest and Delight — Wayne Muller
Today’s Deep Dive
The Getaway Strategy That Changed My Life
I’m not exactly sure how Deb and I stumbled onto this strategy — but we’ve been doing it for nearly 25 years.
It’s not exotic. Not complicated.
Just this: a couple of intentional getaways a year.
Sometimes it’s a trip to see family — like the one we took a couple months ago to Chile to spend time with my dad and our extended family.
It was emotional, clarifying, and unexpectedly transformative.
Other times it’s a service trip.
We’ll go to Mozambique to serve with the Ascend Academy or somewhere else where we’re involved in the work — and somehow, between the travel headaches and the jet lag, something beautiful happens.
Perspective. Purpose. Presence.
And then there are the marriage getaways.
No kids. No laptops. Just us — delighting in each other with zero distractions. Going on one of those this July.
These are some of the most life-giving, memory-making days we’ve had.
Every time we do this — something shifts.
We reset. We reboot.
We reimagine what life could look like going forward.
Ideas emerge.
Strategies surface.
And most importantly, we remember what actually matters.
It’s not luxury. It’s not indulgent. It’s strategic.
Meanwhile, back in the real world…
• 55% of Americans don’t use all their vacation days
• We work more hours per year than the Japanese, famous for overworking.
• 77% of professionals report burnout
• Only 1 in 5 say they feel “truly recharged” after a weekend
• And yes, studies show time away increases creativity by over 60%
So yeah — this isn’t about going off-grid.
It’s about staying on mission.
Which brings me to this:
Deb and I are thinking about hosting a retreat.
Costa Rica. September.
A small group of extraordinary people.
Big ideas. Deep conversations.
Jungle, beauty, soul food (and actual food).
A few days to reset, reimagine, and leave with something permanent.
We’re designing this retreat to create: deep connection, one-on-one time with us, and a renewed vision for your future.
We’re aiming for sometime in September or October. But before we pull the trigger — I want to hear from you.
What would make it unforgettable for you?
Activities? Themes? Depth? Play? Monkeys? No monkeys?
Take 2 minutes and let me know here.
We’re listening. And if we do this — we’re going to make it remarkable.
Win of the Week
A couple of days in Houston and more invites to speak and host workshops in the strategies we use in Xponential — plus time connecting with friends from the Xponential Tribe in Houston.
How I Can Help
Learn what we focus on — and the results our clients are getting.
Promote your offer to 12,000+ high-achieving subscribers — with a 49% open rate.
• Hosting an event or podcast and want to invite me to speak?
P.S.
How do you retreat or getaway — and what makes it life-changing for you?
Hit reply and let me know. I read every comment.