Unleashing the Wild Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Liberation

Holli Neely
4 min readApr 10, 2024

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I was raised in the confines of a religion that prescribed a narrow path for women — a path defined by marriage, motherhood, and servitude. From a young age, I was taught that my worth lay in my ability to conform — to be the obedient keeper of the home, devoid of ambition or voice. Every aspect of my life, from the clothes I wore to the way I styled my hair, was dictated by rigid rules that promised damnation for disobedience.

But within the confines of those suffocating doctrines, a fire burned — a desire for something more, something different. It was a longing to break free from the chains of expectation and carve out a life on my own terms.

As I ventured into adulthood, I dared to defy those expectations. I became a single mother, defying the notion that my worth was tied to my marital status. I pursued a career as a massage therapist, embracing my passion for healing and nurturing others. With determination and resilience, I bought my first house independently — a symbol of my autonomy and self-reliance.

In the throes of entrepreneurship, I found success — a success defined not by societal norms, but by my own sense of fulfillment and achievement. Yet, even as I thrived in my professional life, I felt the pull of something deeper — a longing to break free from the confines of conventionality and embrace the untamed wilderness of my soul.

It was through the pages of books like “Women Who Run with the Wolves” and “Untamed” that I found liberation — a liberation that came from embracing my wildness, from letting the constraints of societal conditioning fall away.

I discovered the true essence of myself — the wild woman who had been confined within the cage of expectation and obligation. And as I ventured into the great outdoors, I found solace in the rhythm of the wind and the heartbeat of the earth.

Whether scaling towering cliffs or navigating treacherous rapids, I found empowerment in pushing my limits and connecting with the raw beauty of nature. Each step along the Colorado Trail, each paddle through whitewater rapids, became a testament to my own sovereignty and agency.

In the wilderness, I found healing — a healing that came from trusting my intuition, from leaning into integrity and honesty with myself. It was here that I gave myself permission to follow my heart — to forge my own path and live authentically.

Today, as I stand on the precipice of my own truth, I am filled with a sense of freedom and empowerment. I am no longer bound by the expectations of others, but guided by the wisdom of my own soul.

My journey is ongoing — a continuous exploration of self-discovery and liberation. And as I continue to navigate the twists and turns of life, I do so with a fierce determination to honor the wildness within — to embrace the untamed essence of who I am, and to live boldly and authentically, every step of the way.

Amidst the boundless expanse of nature’s embrace, amidst the whispers of the wind and the symphony of the wild, Stay Wyld found its genesis — a sanctuary born from the depths of my own journey of self-discovery and liberation.

Driven by a burning desire to empower other women to break free from the shackles of expectation and embrace the fullness of their truth, Stay Wyld became more than just a company — it has become a beacon of hope, a haven for healing, and a catalyst for transformation.

With every retreat, every gathering, I seek to create a space where women can embark on their own journey of self-discovery — a journey guided by the principles of truth, love, and joy. It is a space where they can delve into the depths of their own souls, confront their pain, and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more whole.

At Stay Wyld, we believe that true joy is born from the capacity to sit with our own suffering — to embrace it, to learn from it, and to ultimately transcend it. It is through this process of deep inner work that we uncover the truth of who we are, and reclaim the freedom of our hearts.

Drawing upon my own experiences and insights gained along the way, I craft retreats that are more than just escapes — they are opportunities for profound transformation. From guided meditation circles to soul-stirring workshops, every aspect of the Stay Wyld experience is designed to facilitate healing, growth, and empowerment.

And as women from all walks of life gather beneath the vast Montana sky, I witness miracles unfold — souls awakening, hearts expanding, and spirits soaring. Each woman brings her own unique story, her own journey of triumph and tribulation, and together, we forge bonds that transcend time and space.

As we navigate the winding paths of self-discovery, we laugh, we cry, we dance beneath the stars. And in those moments of raw vulnerability and unbridled joy, we discovere the true essence of sisterhood — the unbreakable bond that connects us all.

Today, as I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude — for the challenges that shape me, for the lessons that enlighten me, and for the countless souls who have graced my path along the way.

And as Stay Wyld continues to evolve and grow, my commitment remains unwavering — to provide a space where women can find solace, strength, and sanctuary amidst the chaos of life. For in the wilderness of our own hearts, amidst the untamed beauty of our souls, we find the truest expression of who we are — and the freedom to live authentically, boldly, and unapologetically, every step of the way.

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Holli Neely
Holli Neely

Written by Holli Neely

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The medicine of Nature and Mama Gaia is my path of my Wyld Woman. I seek a more beautiful world for all.

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