We’ve been dear friends and co-creators for over 20 years; digital nomads before the terminology became a thing. Michelle in the U.S. and Lilamani in the U.K. Our latest passion, Joy Cards, was created during the pandemic. Michelle recovering from COVID19 and Lilamani caring for her elderly parents. After being in lockdown, we found ourselves stressed and fearful—just like everyone else in this new reality. So, we decided to challenge each other to do one thing that brought us joy daily; a shift that changed everything. What started as a simple daily challenge became a powerful self-care tool. We now use this proven strategy to look for and appreciate what we call “joy-gems”—life’s simple pleasures, especially during difficult times. 

We realized maintaining joy is a daily practice. When we did one joyful thing each day, we noticed a powerful and positive difference in our mood, our relationships and our lives. We wondered—since this helped us, could it help others too?

This inspired us to start researching and creating each activity. Lilamani got to painting a picture for each card. Two years later, they were out in the world. Following the success of our Joy Cards, we were continually asked about creating a joy retreat…so we listened. Our Wellness JOY Retreats are for women who want to to slow down, reconnect with joy and nourish the mind, body, and heart in an uplifting environment.

About Your Wellness Joy Retreat Facilitators:

Join Joy Seekers, Daily Pausers and Award-winning Authors, Michelle Burke and Lilamani de Silva, who share their insights, research, tools, tips and techniques for living life to the fullest. Their Nautilus Award Winning deck of well-being Joy Cards is the foundation for this retreat. 

Michelle is a joy-maker, wannabe baker, truth seeker and out-of-the-box thinker who inspires others to live and lead with greater purpose, well-being, and joy. She brings more than 25 years of experience as an ICF-certified coach, well-being expert, facilitator, and founder of Energy Catalyst Group. She gets great joy helping individuals and teams create meaningful, lasting change. Michelle has facilitated thousands of participants to shift the behaviors and mindsets that stand in the way of a thriving workplace and a joy-filled life. She is especially passionate about elevating women in the workplace through her mindfulness-based coaching. During her career, she has gained a deep appreciation and perspective working with people and cultures from all walks of life. Admired for her warmth, wisdom, creativity and keen insight – she creates experiences that are transformational and deeply human. As a result, she’s garnered rave reviews from clients including Stanford University, Sony PlayStation, Genentech, HP, Dexcom, Disney, Snap Inc., and Microsoft.  Michelle was featured in Business Week Magazine, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal, Thrive Global and Authority Magazine. Her articles appeared in Huffington Post, Forbes.com, Training, HR, & Chief Learning Officer Magazines. She’s an articulate motivational speaker whose humor, wit and enthusiasm motivates and inspires her audiences. Michelle gets great joy from giving back, cooking, traveling, sports and walking her dog, Jadie.

Lilamani is a world traveler and animal lover who brings her love of culture, art, creativity and science to her everyday life. She has a Masters in Biochemistry and papers in Psychology from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Her eclectic career has spanned across different industries. A course in public relations led to a PR role at London Zoo which allowed her to gain a keen knowledge of the zoo world. Her analytical background launched a new career as a Researcher and later became an AP in the production of natural history documentaries, with highlights including orangutans, killer whales and grizzly bears. Lilamani is also a self-taught well-renowned artist who sells her artwork across the globe. Her beautiful artwork graces each one of the 48 Joy Cards. She is a nature enthusiast, enjoys reading, and racket sports. 

Together, they authored the award-winning self-care book, 15 Minute Pause and learned during their research that pausing is deeply connected to joy. Most recently, they co-authored articles about Joy in Authority Magazine, Soulivity, and Just Breathe Magazine.

Learn more about our JOY Retreats below.

With gratitude & joy~ 

Michelle & Lilamani