Step 5 : Empower Yourself
Of all my steps this is the one I relied on as a breast cancer patient to advocate for myself . The Oxford Dictionary defines empowerment as “ authority or power given to someone to do something ”, and “ the process of becoming stronger and more confident , especially in controlling one ’ s life and claiming one ’ s rights .”
Like all the steps , empowerment is a process . To grow stronger within you stress and nourish empowerment muscles by facing your fears and doing what ’ s challenging . As a result , you feel more confident and in control . You stop being a victim and become a heroine .
It ’ s an inside-out process that entails believing in yourself and developing an empowered mindset and vibe especially when life is challenging . To quote Nietzsche or Kelly Clarkson , “ What doesn ’ t kill you makes you stronger .”
Step 6 : Rehab Your Relationships
Warning : When you transform , certain relationships won ’ t fit neatly into your new jigsaw puzzle of a life . As you show up authentically , love yourself , and bust out focused , energized and empowered , not everyone will like the new you .
Congratulations — your new Me is emerging ! Now you want to be that new me , but what about all those other relationships in which you were a “ we ”? How do you make the transition ?
First , revisit Step 2 : the most important relationship in your life is your relationship with yourself . Then follow my three-part Relationship Rehab Process : 1 ) Let your Good Girl — the people pleaser who puts others before herself , wants everyone to like her , and avoids conflict at all costs — go ; 2 ) Set healthy boundaries , and 3 ) Communicate powerfully so you use rather than lose your voice .
While not easy , the process will help you balance your relationships so giving and receiving are equitable and your relationships are energizing and fulfilling rather than draining .
Step 7 : Enlighten yourself
While this is my favorite step , it isn ’ t simple or easy . I know , it ’ s taken me decades to emerge from the spiritual closet . I now agree with the French philosopher and Jesuit priest , Pierre Teilhard de Chardin who said , “ We are not human beings having a spiritual experience ; we are spiritual beings having a human experience .”
Wherever you ’ re at in your relationship with God or Spirit , let that statement infuse your self-concept . You don ’ t have to strive or be perfect to be spiritual ! You already are a spiritual being . You can experience the Divine at any time . Simply sink into silence , feel into your heart , and you will radiate joy and connect with the piece and peace of God that is inside you .
An 8th Step : Get Unstuck
What I ’ ve discovered is that there ’ s also an eighth step : Get unstuck . You can get unstuck by choosing one step to work on . Don ’ t wait . There never is a “ right ” or “ perfect ” moment to start .
WISDOM & SELF-GROWTH
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