Reclaim Your Power: Discovering Who You Truly Are
Have you unknowingly handed your power over to others? Is your self-worth based on external validation?
Too often, we give away our power without even realizing it. By power I mean the essence of who we are: our values, gifts, and self-worth. We let ourselves be affected by the opinions, judgments, or even praise from others, which takes us away from our true selves.
For years, I struggled with this myself. It felt like an ongoing battle between who I truly was and who I was taught to be. Without realizing it, I had given others the power to define me—family, friends, society—and I let them dictate my worth, my values, and even my purpose.
Many of us experience getting caught up with trying to meet expectations or gain approval from others, and in the process, we lose sight of our own identity. This disconnection leaves us doubting ourselves, and not recognizing our own value.
Have you unknowingly handed it over to others? Is your self-worth based on external validation?
Rediscovering your power is about finding yourself again, and letting go of the need to be accepted by others. We can belong within ourselves. This process isn’t easy—it requires patience, self-compassion, and time. But once you start living by knowing your worth, standing firm in your beliefs, and honoring your unique gifts—you begin to reconnect with all the parts of you that have been lost.
Here are some ways to start the process of reclaiming your power:
Self-Reflection: Begin by taking time to reflect on who you are at your core. What do you value? What brings you joy? What do you stand for? Journaling can help you explore these questions as you begin to reconnect with your true self.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Try being mindful in your day, grounding yourself as often as you can. This allows you to pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, giving you the space to lean towards self acceptance.
Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no to situations or people that don’t align with your values. Setting boundaries helps to stay true to what you desire, and prevents others from diminishing your self-worth.
Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk: Check in with that ChatterBox, replacing negative self-talk with affirmations that remind you of your worth. We need daily reminders that we are enough, just as we are right now. Nothing to change.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. This life dance isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about making progress. Treat yourself with compassion as you move forward.
Reclaiming your power means you no longer need others to define your worth. You believe in your own value and it’s not something that can be given or taken away by anyone else.
So ask yourself: Who holds your power right now? If the answer isn’t you, it’s time to start taking it back. This will be challenging, but the outcome is worth it. You are worth the effort.