The Empowered Self Series: Part 1 “What is personal power and how do we lose it?”

We are born with sheer unlimited potential to grow, adapt and succeed. Just the fact that we learned how to crawl and then to walk, that we figured out how to use our mouths and vocal cords to form words others can understand, and that we developed skills to relate to the world around us proves that we are innately powerful. However, considering that more and more people are struggling with anxiety, insecurity and depression, it appears that at some point we are forgetting or losing touch with our personal power.

Let’s face it – how often do you feel powerless in the course of just one day? You are stuck in traffic and worry that you will end up late for work. Your boss pushes an unreasonable deadline on you, which means less time with your loved ones during the week-end. And at home your kids once again refuse to go to bed when they are asked to. The more life appears out of our control, the more powerless we feel.  Yet, is personal power defined by how much we can control other people or the circumstances we are in?

Some people describe personal power as the ability to change the direction of our lives. Others believe that this power allows us to influence and direct those around us. From my perspective living in a self-empowered way goes far beyond forcing our will on our reality. I consider personal power as an energy, which is based on the harmonious alignment of mind, body and spirit and leads to a sound mixture of confidence, competence and compassion for others and oneself.

Although, you can’t measure your level of empowerment, you know that you have developed and are in touch with your personal power when you:

• Feel safe and secure within yourself
• Accept stewardship over your mind, body and spirit
• Take responsibility for your life
• Trust that you have the wisdom, knowledge and capabilities to deal with anything life brings you
• Are confident that you can change, create and attract what your heart desires
• Commit to continuously grow, learn and evolve
• Allow yourself to discover and express your true, authentic self
• Consider yourself as an integral part of the web of life
• Are open to explore your spirituality
• Have confidence that your mission and your purpose will continue to evolve and reveal itself
• Practice appreciation, patience and compassion for the beings around you – and for yourself
• Treat yourself how you want to be treated by others
• Embrace the present moment with all its gifts and possibilities
• Develop an open, flexible mind, which allows you to learn and let go of the past and recognize the growth opportunities from any obstacle you are facing

Of course, this list has plenty of room to grow and for you to add to it. I can imagine that you’re already thinking of aspects you associate with your personal power. Accepting your personal power and approaching life with a sense of responsibility, self-reliance and a deep desire to grow and evolve into your true, authentic selves is an ongoing process. It takes certain skills, time and commitment to harness your power; but once you do, you will experience greater peace, harmony and fulfillment in all areas of your life.