“Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that: it lights the whole sky.” –Hafiz
Arguably, the opposite of empowerment is people-pleasing, or as Oprah calls it, the “disease to please.”
The disease to please aims to keep you small. Hidden.
Empowerment is recognizing that everyone has a precious and sacred place in this Grand Masterpiece of Life. That also includes you. While we are each a small piece in the larger grand scheme of Life, within our personal world, each and every single one of us is the largest piece of the puzzle; the head honcho; the boss; the boss lady. You get it.
When we engage in self-empowerment, we know who we are. We take responsibility for our feelings. We do good. We love ourselves and others. We speak and listen within our truth and listen to others’ truth. We see clearer, and ultimately we know better. As Dr. Maya Angelou taught the world, “When you know better, you do better.”
Self-empowerment is all about living your best self. Living the life you want because it comes from your heart; recognizing that others’ dreams are planted within them, not you, so how can you make any one else’s dreams come true? It is their responsibility, similar to the way it’s each and every one of our responsibilities to make our own dreams come true.
Acts of courage stem from you living your best life, despite others’ opinions or judgments. What is right for one person may not be right for another. When people have trouble deciphering right from wrong, and are hurting, it’s wise to seek counsel from trusted others: the people who know how or can show you how.
Self-empowerment always begins with an intention to be you and express yourself uniquely and unapologetically in this world.
The two most beautiful parts of self-empowerment I find is that every one of us can create a meaningful, fulfilling life for ourselves, while inspiring others to do the same and celebrating those that do.
May you live a life of your own deliberate choosing, embrace your space in this world, and shine your light for all to see.
Cheers,
Supriya