The Best Decision
One of my biggest pet peeves is the “damsel in distress” archetype. As a kid, I hated most fairy tales because characters like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty were so passive, so blah, and so uninspiring to me. They never resonated. You can ask my sister – Charlie’s Angel’s appearing on our television set in the 80’s was a major thing. We couldn’t get enough of it. In fact, I’d say the two of us were “starving for inspiration” up to that point. Kelly Garrett, Jill Monroe and Sabrina Duncan? So what if they were fictional. Finally, some empowered women.
Empowerment is:
“The ball’s in my court.”
“I’m in the driver’s seat.”
“I hold the reins.”
“I have the key.”
“I call the shots!”
Empowerment is not:
“Woe is me.”
Empowerment is a winning mindset, a healthy lifestyle, and a wellness habit. It’s training yourself to never feel totally helpless. Wanting to improve your life? Facing adversity? Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Step one is to ask the question, “What do I have some control over?” Step two is to place your awareness on stuff within your control.
Getting empowered is making up your mind to be empowered.
Listen, I’m 5′ 5 1/2″ and that’s what I’ve got. I can, however, make sure my posture is as good as it gets so as to maximize my stature. My actual height is not in my control, but you know what is? My posture!
And you might be able to relate to this example…our healthcare system in the US is great at stirring up feelings of disempowerment. It often makes us feel “at their mercy” even for teeny things, like getting an appointment with a specific doctor. if you are dealing with “the system” be sure to set the intention to stay empowered no matter what, and strategically stay focused on what’s in your control. I actually make a game out of it. I see the whole healthcare system as one big test….can I remain removed from “their” systemic disfunction? I think yes. (Damsels in distress be damned!) Regular exercise and a solid level of physical fitness? Yup, very much in our control. You might not be able to find organic lemons in December, but you can take a walk. You might have had a rough night of sleep with loud neighbors, but you can do push-ups and squats. You might be stressed with work, but you can breathe well in a yoga class.
Your daily exercise habit is empowerment in action.
Empowerment is actually four things:
1. a mindset
2. a lifestyle
3. a habit
4. …and a simple decision to look for the opportunity to help yourself.
#empoweredwellness
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