As someone constantly juggling the demands of work and family, Ruzy Adila Idris, Executive Editor of Sinar Harian Branded Content, often found herself running on empty.
The relentless pace of her career left little room for self-reflection and her responsibilities at home meant she was always putting others first. Like many women, she carried the weight of multiple roles - editor, mother, friend.
Every mum knows this feeling. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick getaway to reset and recharge. Her experience at the Enliven Women 2025 retreat was an opportunity to reconnect with herself.
"This programme truly digs into every woman’s core. It helped me reflect on who I am and reminded me that I’m not as bad as I sometimes think.
Every woman has her own story and her own strength and this retreat brought that to the forefront,” she shared to Sinar Daily.
Held at Komune Living and Wellness in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, the retreat, organised by Yoga for Mums, coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week 2025.
It was an immersive experience designed to rejuvenate women and help them reconnect with themselves.
Ruzy recalled being deeply moved by the camaraderie and the spirit of the women around her.
"One thing I took away was the importance of women supporting women. Empowerment isn’t about lowering ourselves or letting negativity take over, it’s about lifting each other up. We all have the ability to turn positive into negative and that’s a powerful lesson,” she said.
For Ruzy, the retreat also highlighted the value of self-care, especially for homemakers who devote their lives to their families.
"Housewives have been serving their families for years. This programme, less than 48 hours long, is a small but meaningful way to recharge. It’s even better when you attend with people close to you such as your siblings, in-laws or friends. The bond we share as women and mothers is truly unique,” she reflected.
One of the most impactful moments for Ruzy came during the personal vision workshop, where she reflected on the things she had neglected in her own life.
"Sometimes, we get so caught up in our responsibilities that we forget ourselves. This retreat made me realise what I had left behind and that it’s not too late to catch up. It reminded me to love myself and start planning for my life again,” she said.
Workshops like the Life Wheel and group reflection sessions encouraged participants to share their stories, find common ground and set new goals.
The retreat featured a talk by squash legend Datuk Nicol David, whose story of transitioning into retirement left a lasting impression. Nicol recounted how she struggled with the idea of stepping away from the game she loved after losing a tournament.
"She shared how her coach asked, ‘Do you still need to play?’ It took her two years to decide to retire. The first year was tough. She could still play, but not as well as before. In the second year, she realised it was time to move on,” Ruzy said.
"Her story taught me the importance of knowing when to stop, having a plan and embracing the next journey with faith.”
The retreat, endorsed by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and the Malaysia Retail Chain Association’s Women Division, brought together women from diverse backgrounds. Despite their differences, the shared identity as mothers and women united them.
"This was not just a retreat, it was a reminder of life’s true motive. Love yourself, recharge and keep going. Life is about balance, and we need to pause sometimes to find it again,” Ruzy concluded.