What are you waiting for? Words have power; so, let’s talk about this word: empowerment.

Empowerment, the word, is everywhere and everyone wants to give it to you. It sounds good and motivational, but what is it really?

2020 is here and EVERYONE wants to empower you. By definition, empowerment is “the granting of the power, right, or authority to perform various acts or duties” (Merriam-Webster). Now, I don’t know about you, but for my personal life, there is no other authority figure (except The Most High and He empowered me at birth) that can grant me the rights to my own life. I have been endowed (and so have you) by my Creator with all the power, rights, and authority I need to live my best life. It’s essential that we all understand this, because if a person can grant you rights and power to your best life, they can also take it away. That means, if you’re waiting for or believing in someone else to give you the keys to your life, you may never pass go, or pass go in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Now, let me be clear. Empowerment and motivation or inspiration are not the same. People, places, and things can certainly inspire and motivate you, but empower you…I think not. Take a moment and think about how much control must be given to an individual in order for that individual to give you access and authority and power over your own life. THAT is a lot of power. And don’t get me wrong, I certainly understand why someone else empowering you is an attractive proposition. Change and forward progression can be scary things because there is so much uncertainty around the risks, decisions, and outcomes. It only seems natural to hand over the power to someone else especially in those transformative spaces. I get it. But this is 2020, and as scary as change and transformation can be, it can only exist in a state of ownership. So, it is time to take back the power and authority you have given away – knowingly or unknowingly.

Alice Walker once said “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” I’m here to tell you, you have ALL the power. So, here’s what we’re going to do. First, there is work to be done and it is work ONLY you can do:
1. Forgive yourself for not knowing
2. Forgive yourself for giving away your power
3. Forget the negative, self-doubting inner voices that try to bring you back to could’ve, should’ve, would’ve, and can’t.

Second, there is work you can do by yourself or with support and collaboration of other powerful individuals to determine what your “great” looks like:
1. Reclaim your power
2. Reassert your influence
3. Unleash your greatness
4. Manifest your vision

IF you choose to do the work alone, that is perfectly fine, but if you need help, ASK. I’m here, and others are here as well…not to “empower” you (because remember, you have the power already) but to encourage, support, strategize, plan, and brainstorm your next power move!

So, the next time another human suggests they can empower you to <fill in the blank> for your life, thank them kindly (if you’re Southern, you can bless their hearts) and know that your empowerment comes from within.

“I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.” – Invictus by William Ernest Henley, 1875

Remember, no one can give you authority to your life (and all its potential) except you and that which created you. So, in every day and in every way, own your empowerment in all ways and always.