(Photo and design credits to S.Y.D. Graphic Designs)
A few years ago, I chose actions instead of one word for my year. They were Choose Joy, Be Kind, and Just Believe. Last year, the word I chose was shameless. The resulting post was called Shameless in 2015. This year, I feel like my one word for 2016 chose me. Empowered. I’ve been percolating on that word for the last few weeks. I’ve been excited to reflect upon 2015, and write this post about 2016, because I just feel it. I feel empowered – maybe for the first time in a really long time. What does it mean to empower and to be empowered? Some words come to mind:
- Strength
- Confidence
- Vision
- Goals
- Leader
- Passionate
- Determined
I’ve done many new (and sometimes scary) things over the past year. I started my own business. I have driven in many (big!) unfamiliar cities. I’ve had a few articles published. I have made new friends, and new business associates (it’s awesome when one becomes the other, as well). I have taken control of my own life, setting goals for my own future, and driving a vision for my own career. All of this is empowering. Some very difficult life experiences led me down the path to empowerment. I didn’t like these experiences. I walked through some challenging, frustrating, overwhelming, and heartbreaking moments at times. Do I want to face that junk again? Of course not. But I can say that I’m stronger and happier now because of the experiences. Life doesn’t just happen – we make it happen.
I chose to be strong, set goals, and press on.
I looked at my passions and saw the vision of where they could take me.
My confidence grew with my determination.
I am a leader.
I am empowered.
Outstanding!
Thank you, Bob!