Throughout our lifetimes, we choose whether to own our power or give it away to others. We may not even be aware that we have choices, yet we always have a choice in how we respond to situations. We may not like all the options. Our well-being evolves around how we respond to what is occurring in our lives – this is our power.
What does it mean to reclaim your power? It seems overwhelming at first to understand where you have control and how to make choices that support it.
It means taking responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s about having self-control, values, and respect for yourself.
Owning your power energizes you and provides a strong foundation for well-being.
Here are some thoughts to guide you in evaluating where you may be relinquishing your power:
Ways you give your power away:
- Holding a grudge/being angry – you give tons of your energy away to someone else because of their actions. Grudges/Angry feelings add to your view of the world, and you continue to give your energy over to them.
- You feed your guilt and allow others to decide what you want or don’t want to do. If you don’t take care of them, you feel guilty.
- Not being honest with others – someone is rude or decides for you, and you don’t step up and let them know it doesn’t work for you.
- You pay too much attention to what others think of you. Accept that you will not be liked by all, hopefully by the people who mean something to you.
- You are holding on to people who take energy away from you. It’s hard to let go of people, yet think about how you react to them and whether the relationship serves you.
- Complaining and not doing anything to change a situation saps your energy and depletes your power base.
- You have difficulty saying “no” to others when you either don’t have the time or don’t want to do it.
- Others believe you are not capable, and you accept their opinion.
- Afraid to make a change as it’s too risky — people will either not like you or leave you.
Ways to own your power:
- Set boundaries with others – being open about what works and doesn’t work for you.
- Know who you are and what is important to you.
- Know your weak spots, as this is where you can lose your power.
- Express your needs and wants, and be open to finding a solution for all parties involved (especially yourself.)
- What are your values, and how do you live them?
- Build your self-control and respond to situations, and not just react.
- Determine what kind of day (life) you will have and not let others’ behaviors determine your well-being. We can’t control others, though we can control how we respond to them.
Take Back Your Power
If you think you will make a significant sweep and gather all your power, you will likely not reclaim your power. It’s too much as your fear will create a giant “stop” sign.
Start small by evaluating how you let go of your power in your daily life. Make a list of all the areas of your life where you feel you have no control. Don’t edit; respond to your feelings of powerlessness.
After you create your list, choose one area you will work on to start to change your power in the situation.
Remember, your life, your response, and how you live that life are your responsibility.
There will be challenges, though you don’t have to suffer; instead, find solutions to the challenges. Evaluate them and find the best solution for you at this time in your life.
There is a lot of information about reclaiming your power, so do your research on how best to build your power base.
Your Thoughts
Do you feel that you can change your beliefs? Do you feel you have personal power? Grab a drink of your choice, and sit down and think about your personal power — where you feel you have it, and where it’s missing.
Women’s Group Topics
I have found that when women use the word “power,” there is resistance as if it’s not feminine to be powerful. It’s a great topic to discuss how each of you feels about the word “power” and where it resides in your lives.
Be well,
Pat
“To fully enjoy the ‘richness’ of our lives, we must stop long enough to visit with ourselves.”
(Pat Brill)
Other Topics You May Be Interested In
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Do you want to download a PDF copy of both of these books, then go to:
