Amanda Taylor, mother of four and widow of military veteran Captain Neal Taylor, decided to celebrate her 40th birthday by joining 450 other attendees at an Omega Institute workshop called “Being Bold Women and Power.”

Why did she travel all the way from North Carolina, leaving her four daughters at home, to spend time at this wellness retreat in Rhinebeck, N.Y.? To see one of her personal heroes, best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert, talk about fear and creativity and how to be bold even when you’re afraid.

“I think she is inspiring and challenges, especially creative types to just live their best boldest life,” Taylor said.

“Early on in my grieving process, I found out the more that I did brave things that I thought I never could do, the more I felt like it was going to be okay and that anything was possible,” she continued.

All of the speakers at the workshop had overcame obstacles that would have overwhelmed most people. Now they are using their voice for one sole purpose, to empower women to be fearless, to be bold and to tap into your creativity.

Bonnie St. John, lost her leg at the age of five. Yet she rose above her physical disability and went on to become a legendary skier; she was the first African American to win medals in the Winter Olympic games.

“I just always loved to dream. I didn’t always know if I could do something or not, but it was better to try, and maybe your life will be exciting if you just try something,” St. John told C-Suite Insights Host Nicole Sawyer.

Nadia Al-Sakkaf is a symbol of strength and change. She became editor of the Yemen Times, the only independent English-language paper in a country where women have very few rights and are rarely part of the public life.

After her father was murdered she had to prove that a young woman could run a media company, manage a staff of men and women, and become a leading voice advocating for freedom of expression and women’s rights in the Middle East.

Al-Sakkaf and her family were forced to seek refuge in Jordan after rebels staged a coup in her country.

“They actually attacked my office, they attacked me personally. I literally, had to run for my life,” she said.

Al-Sakkaf says Omega’s retreat is helping her recover from the months of torment.

“I feel like I lost myself fighting the larger battle of a nation. And this has been a very good moment for me, being here in this amazing place, and listening to the stories, reconnecting with my inner soul…like, ‘Hold on a minute, you can’t save the world, let’s start with saving you,’” she said.

Author Elizabeth Gilbert, has inspired millions of people to tap into their full potential with her travel memoir “Eat Pray Love.” She did what many unhappy people wish they could do: leave an unfulfilled marriage, take a professional gamble, and travel the world to find her true power within.

In her self-help book, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear,” she explains that creative living doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your career, but rather finding time in your life to explore your curiosity.

Whether you are afraid to turn your idea into a money-making business, tell your secret crush you love them, or simply start a hobby that makes you happy, Gilbert points out that our own minds create fear, and it’s the biggest obstacle to getting what you want out of life.

“The terrorist inside your head is the most demonic presence in most of our lives,” explained Gilbert.

“Fear takes many faces. It shows up as perfectionism, insecurity, wanting to please your family,” explained Gilbert. “At the very bottom of them all is a deep basin of fear that simply says I am not enough, I am never going to be enough.”

Tackling your fears was the message that kept coming up like a drumbeat at Omega’s conference.

“Fear doesn’t go away. It’s what you choose to do with fear,” St. John told C-Suite Insights Host Nicole Sawyer.

“If you’re alive and you’re pushing the limits of what you can do, you’re always going to be a little scared. Feel the fear, and do it anyway,” she added.