Dear Friend:
One of our clients, Marisa, had a rough week.
After she received a disconcerting email from a new business partner—it became very clear they were speaking different languages and not on the same page—she paused and contemplated how she wanted to respond to this snag.
She chose to stop the email tennis match, pick up the phone and set up a walking date with her colleague
(forging new relationships via email has to be the worst possible way to build strong partnerships!).
During a stroll around the lake, the two women had a slightly uncomfortable but direct conversation and they clarified how best to communicate moving forward. Marisa and her new partner were back on track and excited about the opportunities they were co-creating.
This encounter left Marisa feeling strong, happy and powerful. She knew what needed to be said and she handled the situation professionally, gracefully and with integrity.
Many of us feel uncomfortable when we’re required to take a stand, shine and let others see our brilliance and unique talents. Why is this?
My coaching team and I regularly meet clients who feel held back in their lives and careers due to insecurities, inadequacies or fears of how others will perceive them.
They often worry that if they speak their minds or score big accomplishments, their friends will say, “Who does she think she is?” They often fear that if they break away from the pack, they will be ostracized in some way. So they stay safe, play 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. And you begin to come into the highest expression of who you are.
Many of us jump in and out of, dance around or maybe dip a toe into our “pool of power”—occasionally experiencing a moment of enlightenment but then retreating again to the safety of obscurity.
Standing in your personal power takes time, practice and courage. Here are some ways you can get started:
- Find your voice. When you disagree with what is being presented, do you remain quiet? Speak your mind and express how you really feel.
- 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.
- 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!
- Become comfortable using your masculine and feminine strengths.
We all have both. Living powerfully comes from the ability to know how to balance both energies and when to call on these strengths (ex: is it time to be collaborative or directive?).
- 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?
- Break away from the pack. If you’d rather go for a hike than go see a movie with the gang—listen to your needs. Don’t just go along with what everyone else wants.
- Let your light shine. Most of us are more afraid of our own light than of our own shadow. Let others see your talents and gifts. Don’t hold back.
- Become financially savvy. Creating your own nest egg, managing a household or business budget and developing a financial plan can be empowering and liberating!
- Stop settling. What do you really, really want? Stop settling. The more comfortable you become owning your power, the easier it becomes to connect to your needs and desires.
I challenge you this month to find at least one opportunity where you can be true to yourself and let your light shine. As Marianne Williamson shares, “When we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.”
If you’re interested in learning more about how to own your personal power, I strongly encourage you to join me at one of my upcoming retreats or events or schedule me for a private retreat for your group, organization or company this fall or spring.
I hope to visit with you through my blog The Journey or our Live Inside Out Facebook Community. I’d love to hear your comments around the theme of owning your personal power.
Warmly, Renee and the RTA Team
P.S. Wondering how we can support you? Here’s a quick snapshot of our services and products.
Upcoming Events and Training:
- July 1-31 Personal Renewal Group Online Facilitator Membership Are you a therapist, coach, parent or birth educator, leadership consultant or women's empowerment advocate who loves supporting women and helping them nurture their emotional well-being? Join an international community and facilitate self-renewal groups/retreats for women based on the award-winning The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal. Learn more. Or, click here to find a Personal Renewal Group in your area. Spring special! Enter 50 OFF in the coupon code field to receive
$50 in savings through 7/31/12.
- July 1-31 DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN NOW: Live Inside Out
 Teleclasses. Listen in the comfort of your home or office to Renee’s recent Life Balance Teleclasses. Download these inspiring, interactive calls; themes include: The Power of Self-Care, Owning Your Personal Power and Staying Connected to Your Partner. Free for a limited time.
- September 21-22 Private Event Women’s Leadership Retreat- Creating Balance in Unbalanced Times
The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, AZ Learn more about RTA private retreats.
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