I love the word empowerment, which means a state of being “in power.” According to Merriam-Webster, the word has three definitions:

1. to give official authority or legal power

2. to enable

3. to promote the self-actualization or influence of

When we self-empower, we are the ones to give authority, enable, and promote the self-actualization of ourselves! We give ourselves permission to be the best we can be, to live the best lives we choose. Stepping into your power includes the following six actions:

1. We must walk through the doors of awareness to begin any practice of self-growth.

2. Identify any barriers that may hold you back, especially any negative self-talk or negative voices. List all of the negative thoughts that keep you from standing in your power and ask yourself if it is really true. Then ask yourself whom would you be without that thought? Design a plan based on your response.

3. Find your voice. Is it hidden under a blanket of self-doubt, fear, or insecurity? Identify these gremlins and negative voices and divorce yourself from them.

4. Identify any underlying beliefs you may have that no longer serve you and dismiss those to the wind.

5. Give yourself permission. Like the great Nike ad, “Just do it!” Kick fear to the door and be the person you want to be. Be bold and be love. As Basil King said, “Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.”

6. Find a coach or accountability partner to work with.

One of my favorite quotes from Marianne Williamson describes self-empowerment:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Who are you not to be empowered?

With love,

Maria

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