Personal Power:
Personal power is not: being in a position of power, having money, being important or controlling others.
To become powerful, we need to identify who we are, or what the best version of ourselves. Once we know who we are, we need to value and protect ourselves. We must reject any people, places or things that push us out of our center. Addiction, because it forces us to function in survival mode, weakens our power. Once we know who we are and can keep ourselves safe we work on building ourselves up. Plan to reach for things that are good for your unique self.
Identify:
- Who are you and how are you different from others? What is your unique contribution for the world? Do you feel like the world values you and compensates you accordingly? What makes you special and valuable?
- How can you protect your power better? What usually pushes you out of your power? People places and things that make us lose our center are often called “triggers.” Triggers hit “buttons” or the places you are vulnerable. Example: If someone walks up to a businessman and shouts, “you are a bad artist and a terrible mother!” he is unaffected because the statement is not personal. If someone walked up to the same person and shouted, “All of the work you do is pointless, and you are going to die alone!” Depending on who that person is, maybe that hit a nerve. So, think about your triggers and vulnerabilities/imperfections. Share about the last time your power was challenged. What happened and how did you feel? What did you think and do?
- Where can I be more assertive, less passive or aggressive? Proactive not reactive?
- What are things that you can do to build your power? What nourishes and recharges you?
Activity:
Create a collage: “This is Who I am in My Power.”
- Glue images and words on a paper to represent the person you are in your heart. Identify your unique quirks and strengths.
- Display your collage somewhere you will see it every day.