Introducing myself and my journal: What does it mean to be Empowered and a Woman?

About Me:
Empower Yourself Women’s Retreats “What does it mean to be Empowered and a Woman?

Leading retreats of empowerment for women I have come to the conclusion that “women’s empowerment” cannot be defined. It is unique to every woman, because we all have something special to offer our surroundings. The unique quality which shines inside each of us is lit from various life experiences, talents, and beliefs. Therefore, my goal as a retreat leader is to not define what empowerment is for women but offer them the “space” to define what women’s empowerment means to them and how it can improve their lives.

Let me continue by introducing myself and explaining how I became interested in women’s empowerment. My name is Molly Hillig; I am a registered nurse with a degree in public health and am currently on staff at a busy health unit in La Paz, Bolivia. I also lead women’s empowerment retreats, teach dance and yoga classes, work on various community volunteer projects, lead a meditation group and care for my family. One morning about a year ago I looked at myself in the mirror and did not recognize the woman who stared back at me; I realized I was burned out. As I looked at my reflection I wondered what had happened to the vibrant, easy going, healthy women I used to be. Besides having a demanding job, I was running from one meeting to another, entertaining at dinner parties and had no time to spend with my family; I was unhappy and it showed. I realized I was so overbooked that I had no energy or spirit to partake in all the life activities I used to enjoy such as hiking with my husband, meditation, exercise or even going to the hair dresser. I was suffering mentally and physically; the spiritual light inside of me was dim.

There must have been other women challenged with the same situation as me? Actually there were, just glancing at the lives of my girlfriends, cohorts, and aunts it was easy to see their dim light as well. I was determined to help, not only myself but women around me, so the idea of Empower Yourself Women’s Retreats was born.

Since January 2011, retreats have been organized to support the personal grow and empowerment of each participant. We guide various activities which permit women to dabble in improved physical, emotion, and spiritual health; therefore, improving the women’s overall wellbeing. Empower Yourself Women’s Retreats are generally scheduled for 2-3 days and hosted at a local resort. This allows the participants to fully engage themselves in the activities and dissolve the day-to-day hustle and bustle. Women leave the retreats feeling rejuvenated, more confident and with newly learned skills to empower their lives.

Mission Statement:
“To utilize our knowledge and passion of health and wellness to better the lives of our communities through empowering women; to share our talents and provide empowerment tools of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.”

Goals:

Retreats: Retreats offer women an empowering relaxing, educational, rejuvenating get-a-way. Each retreat is tailor designed to meet the wishes of participants, and to assure growth in individual wellbeing. They can be organized for a group of female friends, family members, wedding parties, and organizations.
• Yoga
• Dance Therapy
• Empowerment activities
• Pilates
• Meditation
• Massages
• Self-reflection
• Relationship development/improvement

My Passions:
Yoga, Meditation, Sharing our Talents, Dance, Learning, Leadership, and Supporting other Women,

My Vision for the Future:
Bettering the emotional, spiritual, and physical health of women to better communities.

My Areas of Expertise:
Health, Public Health, Enriching the lives of Women from various backgrounds