February seems to be all about love, I like the reminder to focus on self love. But what if we take that a step further: empowerment. Empower – to make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights. Yes!

If you need a weekend of empowerment, join us for a retreat. You’ll meet amazing women who will inspire and encourage you.

Let’s lift each other up. In words and actions, in public and in private, online and in person. We must refuse to allow ourselves to be treated as anything less than the incredible and talented women that we are. I believe by lifting each other up, we lift ourselves up as well.

This is one of the “whys” behind Retreat in the Pines – to give women a safe space while creating a community of women who inspire and encourage each other. I’ve heard from guests that’s how Retreat in the Pines is different – there is none of the BS that’s so often present in real life situations; guests LOVE that aspect of our retreats. There’s no reason why we can’t bring that same dynamic into our lives.

This is not the time to sit on the sidelines and watch. I’m not asking you to burn your bra or lay down in the street to protest. A letter to your congresswoman or man is always helpful.

When we put other women down, we are holding OURSELVES back. Womanhood is not a secret club. We must stand up for each other. Not for any other reason than we are all in this together.

Let's stop the behaviors that are holding all women back:

• The petty put downs.
• The backhanded insult delivered like a compliment.
• The gossip.
• The backstabbing.
• The little white lies - the ones we tell ourselves are the most dangerous.

I do love women. I love who we are and who we have the power to be. I love how far we've come and I love the progress we're making. I refuse to be intimidated by the people (men and unbelievably, other women) who are trying to hold us down and push us back in time. What YOU can do:

• Publicly support and encourage each other.
• Take credit for your own awesomeness.
• Take a compliment. "Thank You!" works.
• Never put yourself down.
• Stop being nice and be kind instead.
• Have boundaries and enforce them.

Let's do this not only for our daughters, our granddaughter and our nieces. Let's do it for our sons, our grandsons and our nephews. Join me on this journey of celebrating and empowering ALL women. The only place we can go is up.