I met a woman in Starbucks today who changed my life. She said to me “you have more power than you think you do.” This resonated with me for a couple of reasons. I was feeling like I didn’t know what I was doing in my life, and I was focusing on what I couldn’t control.
In reality, there are things that I am good at and I can control. And I turn around and re-frame things to think about what I’m good at I feel better. This is looking at myself as a powerful person. We are all powerful in our own ways. When we work on ourselves with a therapist, whether it is expensive or free of charge (yeah free therapy exists), we can see our power more clearly. Working with a professional is a great way to see your power, especially when they believe in you.
As human beings, we have the power to build each other up. When I see your power, I will tell you. And when you see how powerful I am you can tell me too. When we do this, acknowledge each other’s strengths, we reinforce how unique we are. I have some positive attributes that I might not see if you hadn’t pointed them out to me. We can work hard on knowing ourselves and that’s extremely important. It’s still completely valid for you to see your friend’s strengths and let her know: “I see you. I believe in you. I know that you can do more than you even know you are capable of doing.”
That person that you just built up, they will be grateful to you, whether or not they say it to your face or not. It isn’t about getting the gratitude in return, it’s about showing your loved ones that they matter. It’s about being a mirror for the person who isn’t sure if they have anything to give to the world. We all have something to offer. We are built differently for a reason.
There are going to be times when you’re tired when you feel like giving up and that’s natural. I have those times every day, but I keep going. I keep trying and I keep living my life. Look inward and think deeply: what is it in me that’s powerful? What is my unique gift that I can offer the world? After you internally answer this question, follow it up with: how can I make this happen? Then develop a plan to show the world what you can do. Show people your power.
Being powerful doesn’t mean that you are egotistical. Knowing your power means that you are self-aware. As we strengthen our self-awareness, we are able to enjoy life more and appreciate what we have rather than what we don’t have. But it is a constant reminder. I have to tell myself every day to make a gratitude list. When I see what I’m grateful for, it enhances my positivity.
Don’t be afraid to embrace what it is about you that is powerful.