1: From Corporate Success to Feminine Awakening, Monica’s Journey to Creating Wand(HER)wild
Introduction | Monica's Awakening and the Birth of Wand(HER)wild
Motherhood is often a journey of transformation, leading us to rediscover our truest selves. For Monica, founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats and co-creator of Wand(HER)wild, the transition into motherhood was both an awakening and a call to create a sacred space for other mothers. In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares her journey from a corporate career in a male-dominated industry to embracing the feminine, connecting with nature, and building a community for intentional motherhood.
From Corporate Success to Soulful Purpose
Before stepping into motherhood, Monica led a high-powered life, traveling to 80 countries and working in management for a Fortune 500 energy company. Her career in petroleum and natural gas engineering was deeply connected to the Earth, yet rooted in a structured, assertive, and predominantly masculine environment. It wasn’t until she became a mother that she felt an undeniable pull towards something different—a more intuitive, heart-centered way of living.
The contrast between the corporate world and motherhood was stark. In her work environment, she had to be assertive, analytical, and highly structured. But in motherhood, she was suddenly called to surrender, to trust her intuition, and to lean into a way of being that honored connection over control. The transition was not easy, but it was a doorway to something deeper—a path toward self-discovery that would ultimately shape the creation of Wanderwild Family Retreats and Wand(HER)wild.
Motherhood as a Portal to Feminine Awakening
The birth of her first child was a turning point. Monica experienced birth trauma, an emergency C-section, and the isolation of postpartum during the pandemic. This chapter of her life was both challenging and illuminating, awakening a deep desire to reconnect with herself, her intuition, and her child. Through long walks in nature and time away from the corporate grind, she began peeling away the layers of conditioning, rediscovering the power of feminine spirituality and the wisdom of slowing down.
Many mothers experience a similar shift but struggle to put it into words. Society often glorifies the “bounce-back” culture, urging women to return to work, regain their pre-baby bodies, and keep moving forward without pause. But Monica found that by stepping back, she was actually moving forward in a more aligned and meaningful way. She realized that true power lies not in constant striving but in presence, in surrender, and in deep connection with oneself and one’s children.
The Vision for Wanderwild Family Retreats
During her maternity leave in Norway, Monica searched for a space where mothers could deeply connect with their children while also nurturing themselves. When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she created it. Wanderwild Family Retreats was born—a place where moms and their children could immerse themselves in nature, community, and mindful parenting.
The retreats are built on the foundation that both mother and child need nurturing. Unlike traditional wellness retreats that separate parents from their children, Wanderwild integrates the two, allowing them to bond in an environment that encourages slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and deepening their relationship. Through guided activities, nature immersion, and sacred mother-child rituals, these retreats offer a unique opportunity for transformation and intentional living.
Wand(HER)wild: A Deeper Look into the Feminine
Building on the success of Wanderwild Family Retreats, Monica felt called to create an even deeper space for mothers—one that wasn’t just about connection with children, but also about personal transformation. Wand(HER)wild emerged as a sacred community where mothers could explore self-development, feminine spirituality, and intuitive motherhood. This space offers resources, courses, and conversations designed to help women align with their truest selves.
Many mothers feel lost after childbirth, struggling to reclaim their identity outside of motherhood. Wand(HER)wild was created as a response to this, offering support, guidance, and a community of like-minded women navigating the same journey. Through workshops, guided meditations, and virtual circles, mothers can explore deep healing work, from ancestral wounds to inner child healing, all while feeling seen, heard, and supported.
Lessons from Nature and Intuitive Living
Having grown up surrounded by family on a multi-generational dairy farm, Monica always felt a deep connection to the land. Now, raising her children in Norway, she has embraced the Scandinavian philosophy of nature-based learning. Her children attend Barnehage, a fully outdoor daycare where they hike, explore, and connect with the Earth daily. This philosophy is woven into the Wanderwild retreats and the core of Wand(HER)wild—helping mothers reconnect with the simplicity and wisdom of nature.
Nature has long been a place of healing. When we immerse ourselves in the natural world, we regulate our nervous systems, gain clarity, and reconnect with the rhythms of life. Monica believes that part of reclaiming our feminine essence involves stepping away from modern distractions and allowing nature to be our teacher once again.
Practical Steps for Mothers Seeking Alignment
If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself or your purpose, here are a few practical ways to begin your journey back to alignment:
Morning Rituals: Start your day with mindfulness practices like journaling, meditation, or movement to set the tone for intentionality.
Time in Nature: Whether it’s a short walk or a weekend retreat, prioritize outdoor time to ground yourself.
Intentional Living: Slow down and create rhythms in your day that bring a sense of peace and purpose.
Sacred Connections: Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded women who honor their spiritual and emotional growth.
Embracing Feminine Spirituality: Explore practices that help you connect with your inner wisdom, whether it’s cyclical living, moon rituals, or deep self-inquiry.
How Nature Can Heal the Mother-Child Bond
Nature isn’t just healing for mothers—it’s a powerful tool for deepening the mother-child connection. When we step outside with our children, we remove distractions, allowing for more meaningful interactions. Nature-based activities such as foraging, barefoot grounding, and storytelling around a fire create lasting memories and strengthen emotional bonds.
Children are naturally attuned to the rhythms of nature. By integrating nature into daily routines, we model mindfulness, patience, and curiosity. It’s in these small, sacred moments—watching the waves, listening to birds, feeling the wind on our skin—that deep, unspoken connections are formed.
A Call to Mothers Seeking More
Monica’s journey is a testament to the power of listening to the whispers of your soul. If you’ve felt lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected, Wand(HER)wild is a space to return home to yourself. Through community, nature, and deep inner work, mothers can reclaim their power and live with intention.
Join the Movement
If this story resonates with you, we invite you to explore more. Visit our free resources, upcoming digital events, in person family retreats, and follow us on Substack or follow us on Instagram for conversations on self-healing and intentional living. Let’s walk this path together.
