Making Friends with Life Retreat ~ 

Finding Peace in a Crazy World

Angelina Hynes

Debra Simmons

Bec Sheffield

Limelight Creative Arts Centre, Oranmore, Co. Galway
20th and 21st September
Early Bird €150 | Full Price €175

Join us for a truly special two-day retreat in the beautiful village of Oranmore on the banks of Galway Bay. 

Guided by Angelina Hynes, Debra Simmons and Bec Sheffield, this retreat is designed for anyone who wants to slow down, reconnect with themselves and find a sense of inner peace. 

Simply put, life is an experience to be cherished. Life is the most precious gift we have; however quite often it seems life is a struggle, an uphill battle, an effort.

This is a simple misunderstanding of who we are and how our experience is created moment to moment.

Over this 2-day retreat we will explore deeply who we really are and how we are the creators of our life’s experience. As we begin to understand how the system works we begin to see the opportunities and possibilities available to us and how simple it is to make friends with life. 

It is like learning to drive a car. The first time you get into the driver’s seat it is all very daunting. There are keys, steering wheel, switches, levers, pedals, gear stick, hand-brake - how overwhelming. And then, you are told to drive. At first there is a lot of spluttering, the car jerking forward, cutting out, starting all over again. This is nerve-racking, worrying, sweaty palms. ‘This is impossible’; you think. ‘I’ll never master driving’. It is an incredibly uncomfortable, bumpy ride when you first start driving. 

It occurs to you to get some driving lessons and suddenly what seemed like a formidable task, an impossibility, becomes easier and the car ride now becomes mostly a comfortable, relaxed journey.

The same can be said of life - knowing and understanding how life really works makes the experience more comfortable, relaxed and joyful whether in relationships, parenting, money, the crazy times we live in, the everyday ups and downs, whatever it is you may find difficult to navigate. 

Most of us have never been told or taught how life works so we go through life as if we are a learner driver when actually there is a very simple explanation of how it operates.

Who is this for

  • Anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or caught up in the busyness of life

  • Carers, parents, professionals, creatives - anyone with a human mind and a tender heart

  • Those hungry for more ease, clarity, and joy but unsure where to look

  • People who love real talk, soulful insights, and space to reflect without pressure

  • If you’ve ever thought “there must be more to life than this”—this retreat is for you

What You Will Experience

  • A relaxed, welcoming space to slow down, reconnect with yourself and access inner peace

  • A simple, yet profound exploration of how life really works

  • Gentle, honest conversations that reveal what’s possible when we stop trying so hard

  • Real-life stories, metaphors, and moments of insight that bring clarity and peace

  • Laughter, tears, connection, and the kind of deep exhale your soul has been waiting for

  • The company of three women who have lived the chaos, found peace  and now share the map

 If your interest is piqued, you are simply curious, you want more peace and joy in your life and ultimately,
make friends with the precious gift of life, we would love for you to join us in Oranmore, Co. Galway in September.

Making Friends with Life Retreat
Early Bird €150

Meet the Facilitators

  • Angelina Hynes

    Angelina Hynes


    My name is Angelina Hynes. I am a life and wellbeing coach, a speaker, a mum to three and a family carer. Fourteen years ago, I was plunged into the caring role when her daughter Zoe was born with a rare genetic syndrome. Completely shellshocked I had no idea how to navigate the special needs journey and fear, anger and worry became my constant companions. In 2018, I reached the point of burnout. I resigned from my permanent, pensionable job and spent a year in hiding away from the world. I was always interested in mental health and wellbeing so returned to college to study coaching and the psychology of coaching.  Since then, I have come across the simple secret of how life works from the inside out, transforming my experience of stress and overwhelm to a life of ease, fun and laughter. I am passionate about creating space to help others to wake up to their extraordinariness and a renewed way of living.

  • Debra Simmons

    Debra Simmons


    I’m Debra Simmons, Head of happiness at Dare2bu and the world’s best Conscious Creator!
    Dare2bu is all about knowing ALL of who you truly are, both as a human and a spiritual being.
    Finding the balance between the two and from there Consciously Creating your best unique life. A life that excites and lights you up.
    That describes my life. I’ve been doing this work for over ten years now and I love walking my talk. I play and challenge myself; I get my hands and heart dirty in the clay of creation. I create myself as the best ME I can be in every moment.
    My story involves escaping from an abusive relationship, turning my life around, and helping my children find their happy place and building a (now successful) business.
    All of this has given me a deep grounding in the best ways to help others too.
    My latest ‘play project’ is The Field of Dreams ~ I bought a piece of land and I am building my dream home. When I started this, it looked impossible, every day it moves a little closer to being a reality.

  • Bec Sheffield

    Bec Sheffield


    Executive PA to Debra Simmons, Dare2BU ~ I'm the behind-the-scenes mastermind crafting seamless experiences and delighting clients with attention to detail.
    Back in 2014 I hit rock bottom. Everything in my life had gone wrong and I had no idea how to put it right.  Enter Aunty Deb.
    In the 10+ years since then my life has changed in ways I cannot put into words: I live an extraordinary life filled with fun, love and laughter.
    I love to share simple spiritual sound bites that point within.
    When I am not busy updating my latest spreadsheet (I LOVE spreadsheets), it is my passion to come back to grounding myself in truth.

Limelight Creative Arts Centre

Limelight Creative Arts Centre in Oranmore, Co. Galway is a Brothers of Charity Arts programme. The focus is to foster creativity, independence and well-being through the performing and visual arts and outreach programmes for people with intellectual disabilities.

This is an ideal space to make friends with life where creativity, wellbeing and possibility are bountiful.

Oranmore, Co. Galway

Oranmore is a thriving village situated on the Wild Atlantic Way.  It is the gateway to the stunning west coast regions of Galway and beyond!

Situated on the beautiful Galway Bay, Oranmore is a village steeped in history. The privately owned Oranmore Castle is in the heart of the village at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Renville Park is a short drive away where you can immerse yourself in nature whilst enjoying the spectacular views and scenery.  The prestigious Galway Bay Golf Resort is located here, there are beautiful walks through native forests, water-sports and sea swimming. Oranmore Village has everything one could need from traditional Irish pubs to a wide selection of accommodation and eateries.