Lately, I’ve been feeling like the term “Self-Empowerment” is treated more like an empty buzzword and less like an attitude. There seems to be uncertainty around how to put it into practice in our daily lives. This gave me the inspiration to put together a lil guide for you on what self-empowerment actually means and how to truly live it.
So, let me ask you some questions:
When was the last time you felt really strong and empowered?
When did you sense your own power and feel free and connected to yourself?
When was the last time you gave yourself credit and noticed: Dang gurl - I’m killing it?
Because the fact is: your internal dialog and your mindset defines everything.
We often catch ourselves being our own loudest critic and comparing ourselves to others. And you know what? This external focus leads us to forget our own core.
Are you still trying to remember the last compliment you gave yourself (and were actually serious about it)?
Do you feel some kind of emptiness when you think about your own passions & strengths?
I see you - read on.
SELF-EMPOWERMENT - WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN?
Personal strength has many facets. To understand what self-empowerment actually means, we first have to define the terms "Empowerment" & “Disempowerment” - and thus, learn how to implement self-empowerment into our daily lives.
DISEMPOWERMENT
Feeling disempowered is the most frequently mentioned emotional state my clients describe before they start working with me. They describe a condition where they feel disconnected with their true essence and are constantly driven by self-criticism, negative self-talk and comparison with others. They are not focusing on themselves and are unable to see their own power… instead, they are living on the outside.
EMPOWERMENT
Empowerment is defined as the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially around controlling your life and claiming your rights. Sounds awesome? Hell, yes!
The key to feeling empowered and vibrating on a high frequency is unconditional self-love & self-acceptance. Only by being fully at peace with yourself (and all your imperfections), will you be able to create a life the way YOU want it.
I am beyond proud of all my former clients who have been doing this internal work. They’ve managed to leave their disempowered selves behind and have completely transformed into their most abundant selves, living their dream lives. Because empowerment is a matter of mindset.
We can decide whether we compare ourselves to others or if we focus on ourselves. Truth is - all the things we often look for on the outside can be found within. And in order to feel empowered, we need to get to know our soul deeply (yep - even the ugly bits) and learn to give ourselves everything we often seek externally.
Self-empowerment starts with self-reflection and self-love. And with that is the ability to come into your own power, speak your truth and live up to your full potential.
Self-empowerment is an attitude to life. It means standing up for yourself and your needs. Being loud about what is important to you. Supporting other women in their mission and working for the equality of all women.
It’s also about feeling strong inside and being able to rely upon yourself 111%.
To be brutally honest with you…
There was a time in my life when I didn’t trust myself or see my own potential at all. My friendships were very much marked by constant comparison and competition - and I felt disempowered in every area of my private life. I felt like I had no control over my life and I was a victim of my own circumstances.
And at some point, I became depressed.
I’m sharing this with you today and no longer feel ashamed about it. Why?
Because I want you to know that whatever challenge you are facing right now that makes you feel powerless – you are able to overcome it and get back into your own power. You are capable of making things happen for yourself (and capable of being an incredible example to others).
And ugh - I know, that’s easier said than done.
On social media it seems like everyone else has the perfect life and it’s hard not to compare. No matter where we look, everyone is in the dream relationship, doing 300 sit-ups a day, drinking their green smoothies and getting 9 hours of quality sleep a night.
And I know how life goes and sometimes it can feel so damn overwhelming.
Yet even so, we still feel like we have to appear to the outside world as if we have everything under control - 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Ask yourself - what would happen if we didn’t do this anymore? If we were all completely honest and showed our true selves to the world instead?
And rather than judging others for being authentic in this way, what if we celebrated them exactly as they are?
Because the fact is: What we judge and reject in others is what we reject in ourselves. We need to celebrate ourselves exactly as we are in order to have each other's backs and celebrate one another too.
HOW TO FEEL EMPOWERED IN EVERYDAY LIFE?
With self-empowerment comes self-acceptance and the ability to connect with your own power as a woman.
It comes with a healthy relationship with ourselves - despite our so-called external "flaws", "problem zones" or “fuck-ups’ in our private life or at work.
It means acknowledging the successes of others without perceiving them as a threat. It means recognizing our own uniqueness, our talents and gifts - and living them out. It means not hiding, but instead, giving expression to every part of ourselves.
When at the end of the day we can look in the mirror and say:
"I love you. You are right as you are. I am proud of you. Your best is good enough. Keep crushing it."
... and we feel it …
That’s when we've made it. We are in our own power – and we can empower others.
Because empowered women empower women.
So ask yourself:
What would happen if we put our needs first? If we were all bursting with confidence and able to encourage other women to step into their own power as well?
What would happen if, starting tomorrow, we only lived our absolute truth?
If there was no more hiding.
No more false excuses.
Just authentic communication.
What if we all had high standards and stopped playing small? If we decided to create our reality according to our own wishes, needs and demands.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could all see our friends, colleagues and role models as our sisters instead of our competition? If we celebrated the successes of others as we celebrate our own - and appreciated their success as a hint of what’s possible for us too.
Are you ready to build your business and create your legacy?
We believe every woman can build a legacy. In each woman is passion, creativity, and determination. At Legacy Creative, we help women entrepreneurs realize their dreams and push their businesses forward. Click here to apply to work with with us so that we can show you the way!