Eight Ways to Own Your Personal Power

Sonia, one of our career coaching clients, had a rough week.

After she received a disconcerting email from her new business partner, it became clear they were not on the same page. Sonia paused and decided to stop the email tennis match, pick up the phone and set up a walking date with her colleague in nature (forging new relationships via email has to be the worst possible way to build strong partnerships!). During their stroll around a nearby lake, the women had an initially uncomfortable, but ultimately productive conversation. They clarified their individual needs and how best to communicate moving forward. After their conversation, Sonia was back on track and excited about the opportunities they were pursuing.

The experience of being direct, left Sonia feeling strong, happy and aligned. She knew what needed to be said and handled the situation professionally, gracefully and with integrity. She was owning her personal power.

Many of us feel discomfort when we’re required to take a stand, speak our truth or let others see our brilliance and unique talents. Why is this?

Over the years, my clients often shared they “hold back” in their lives and careers due to feeling insecure, inadequate or paralyzed by fears of how others will perceive them. They often worry if they speak their minds or share their accomplishments, their friends will say, “Who does she think she is?” They’re often afraid if they break away from the pack, they will be ostracized in some way. So, they play it safe by staying small and never really tap into or express their full potential—or personal power—as I like to call it.

When you begin to access and own your power, you align with your life purpose and authentic self. You realize this process isn’t about “fixing yourself” but coming into the highest expression of who you are.

Standing in your personal power takes time, practice and courage. Here are some ideas from my life balance book Nurturing the Soul of Your Family to support you:

• Find your voice. When you disagree with what is being presented, do you remain quiet? Speak your mind (access your “belly voice” and try speaking low and slow) and express how you really feel. Stand in allegiance to yourself.
• Make your self-care a priority. This is one of the best ways to send a message to yourself that you are worthy. Nurture yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally and prioritize your well-being. Join me TODAY, Tuesday, Aug. 26th at 4 p.m. ET LIVE on Instagram to watch/hear my Art of Living interview on this theme. 
• Stop caring what others think. You’ll be working on this your whole life. Imagine who you would be or what you would do if you didn’t care what others thought of you! When it comes to friends, follow the beat of your own drum. If you’d rather go for a hike than see a movie with your friends—honor your needs. Have the courage to break away from the pack. If this speaks to you, consider learning the art/science of sovereignty with me Sept. 19-21 here. 
• Become comfortable using your masculine and feminine strengths. We all have both. Living powerfully comes from the ability to know how to balance both yin and yang energies and when to call on these strengths (Ex: is it time to partner or initiate?). Read more.
• Practice being more direct and more assertive in your communication with others. Notice how people respond to the way you communicate. Do you feel good about how you state your needs and desires and communicate with others? Do you know your strengths and weaknesses here?
• Let your light shine. Most of us are more afraid of our own light than of our shadow. Let others see your talents and gifts. Don’t hold back and stop playing small.  When you do, everyone benefits!
• Become financially savvy. Creating your own nest egg, managing a household or business budget and developing a financial plan can be empowering and liberating! Money is energy and managing it well is key to feeling powerful.
• Stop settling. What do you really, really want? The more comfortable you become owning your power, the easier it becomes to connect to your needs and desires. And, to share this with those around you!

I challenge you this week to find at least one opportunity where you can practice one of the strategies above. See how it feels to fully “own your personal power.” Author Marianne Williamson shares, “When we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” Yes!

Warmly,

WANT SUPPORT FOR OWNING YOUR POWER? HERE ARE FOUR OPPORTUNITIES: 

• ONLY FOUR WEEKS AWAY!  Join me September 19 – 21^st at The Art of Living Retreat Center in gorgeous Boone, NC (above) for Soul Tending: Cultivating Grace, Power and Intuition ~ A Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat.  Can’t make it? October 24 – 26^th at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in the Berkshire Mountains, MA for the same retreat. Both will sell-out, so don’t delay! These are amazingly affordable retreats (as retreats go) and both offer complete packages starting around $700.
• Lead women’s groups/retreats! Secrets to Facilitating Life-Changing Women’s Groups/Retreats ~ an online, self-paced mentoring course. Would you like to empower women in your area through facilitating women’s groups/retreats? Based on Renee’s 30+ years experience training 450+ facilitators and teaching at world-renowned retreat centers like Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Esalen Institute, this empowering on-demand video course offers everything you need to start facilitating women’s circles and retreats. Only $195. Learn more.
• Plan a 2025-2026 workshop for your team/organization. My primary work is speaking professionally at national/regional conferences, employee events and to companies/organizations worldwide! I love weaving neuroscience, work-life alignment strategies, mindfulness & resiliency practices to create unforgettable workshops & presentations that help employees and teams feel more creative, focused, resourced and alive. Learn about my speaking here and fill out in inquiry form for your next event.
• Join me in NC for a Wild Souls Nature Adventure (based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC): authentic movement classes, community song circles, full moon hikes, meditation/resiliency workshops, women’s circles & more. Have me design a custom experience for your team/friends: learn more.  Join me for Wild Souls Authentic Movement class Sunday, Sept. 7 (special self-compassion themed class) here.