Empowering Ourselves

Empowering ourselves is important if we want to follow our dreams in life. Empowerment leads to confidence. It helps us to realize our potential, and take control of our destiny. Empowerment is generally defined as “a multi-dimensional social process that helps people gain control over their own lives.” We can experience empowerment on an individual, group and community level. Empowerment is a social process in which we develop understanding, confidence and resilience. The way we think, usually affects how we feel. Constantly viewing ourselves in a negative light, will usually diminish our self-esteem. Possessing a negative self-image, will often influence how others treat us. Empowerment involves having control over our self-image and believing in ourselves. When others realize that we are no longer content to be their “doormat”, then their attitude towards us will usually change. Having faith in ourselves, will inspire others to also have confidence in us. Self-empowerment may sometimes be a daunting prospect, as it requires us to accept responsibility for the decisions we make in life. We make choices based upon our core values. We are not a victim of circumstances, but rather, a central player who has the resources to choose their course in life. Motivation is a key factor when developing empowerment. If the will to change is absent, then it is unlikely that we will achieve empowerment. Others may pressure us to be a stronger and more assertive person, but their efforts will be largely ineffectual unless it coincides with our own heart’s desires. We must be the one to decide if we want to empower ourselves, and what form this will take. Empowerment also requires self-awareness. In order to become self-aware, we must develop a better understanding of ourselves and identify areas we want to strengthen. Who are we at present? What traits do we want to improve to fulfil our dreams? It is also important that we acknowledge ways in which our own behaviour may adversely affect our pursuit of empowerment. Is the way we act, harming our relationships? Are we being hampered by our own inhibitions? Following this, we need to develop a strategy for overcoming the barriers we face. What supports and resources do we have? How can we make the most of opportunities in life? Finally, it is crucial that we try to overcome our fears, doubts and anxieties regarding our goals. These reactions are toxic and inhibit our progress in life. We should try to turn our negative thoughts in to positive ones. Possibilities are limitless if we believe in ourselves. Developing self-empowerment is a life-long journey that requires practice, perseverance and patience. We’re in the “driver’s seat”, and thus, direct the changes we make in our lives. Achieving self-empowerment however, requires commitment. If our motivation and dedication is constantly waning, we perhaps need to evaluate whether the goals we have set, truly reflect our heart’s desires. Developing self-empowerment will not only change the person we are, but may also facilitate positivity in the world. When we’re liberated from our own inhibitions, we’re able to radiate self-confidence. When we believe in ourselves, we have the power to change not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us!

In The Drivers Seat

I had so much fun today, driving cars and riding on the back of a motorbike! AS I’M BLIND, it felt exhilarating to be in charge of a motor vehicle for the first time in my life. Of course, the driving instructor had dual control, but he let me do most of the steering and press down on the pedals. My speed reached 95kph at one point. Apparently, I drove okay for the most part, considering I don’t have any sight. But I must confess, I accidentally turned off the track a couple of times and, towards the end, flattened some witches hats! Oops! Riding on the back of the motorbike, gave me a thrill! The man steering, had handles attached to his belt. Holding onto these and keeping my arms rigid, we zoomed around the track at, what felt like, top speed. Throughout the ride, I found myself laughing with glee. The wind whipped through my hair and my heart soared. I had a fantastic driving instructor. He was very encouraging and clear in explaining what to do. I really appreciate, respect and admire him and the other volunteers who gave up their time today. Through conversing with my driving instructor, I learnt that he helps out many other disadvantaged groups, too. People like him are so inspirational and deserve a lot of recognition, though I know they don’t do it for this reason. They seem very humble and warm-hearted. There are so many good people in the world. The media, however, tends to publicise the bad things that happen. I know that news needs to sell, but I think it would be nice if positive deeds received more exposure.

Being grateful

If you need a reason to be grateful, just feel your pulse. You’re alive!! I know that might sound a bit corny, but it’s so true. Sometimes we can allow little things to annoy us or get us down, and forget to be grateful for the fact that we are alive. I’m certainly guilty of this. Over this past week, there’s been so much tragedy happening in the world, especially in America. My prayers go out to everyone suffering right now. I find it hard to get my head around how such horrible things could happen to some people. While I’ve had to face some challenges in life due to my blindness and hearing impairment, I’ve also been very blessed in many ways. I have a loving husband, supportive family and great friends. I’m healthy, comfortable and free. I hope I never take my good fortune for granted.

Simple, healthy and nice

Lately, I’ve been making smoked salmon salad for lunch. Love it! Here’s how I make it. 1. I sprinkle spinach leaves over my plate. 2. I add thinly sliced cucumber and tomato. 3. I add a few pieces of pineapple and chunks of avocado. 4. I add a generous portion of smoked salmon. 5. I add super slim cheese. 6. I sprinkle almond meal over the salad. 7. I mix everything up. 8. Sometimes, if I want the meal to be a bit more filling, I add a couple of hard boiled eggs. So it’s very simple, and healthy too. I like to know that what I’m eating is doing my body good in some way. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I might start making different soups. I’m definitely not one of those who enjoy spending hours cooking. But pottering around the kitchen can be fun.

Stretching our favourite shoes that are just too tight

On the weekend, I was having lunch with a few friends and we were talking about shoes that are too tight. Wendy had just bought a nice pair of high heels, and after wearing them a short time, they were really squashing her toes. I suggested she took them to a shoe repair place and get them stretched, as that was what I’d done with a pair of boots that were a bit too small for my feet. But my friend had a better idea. “I’m going to put my shoes in the freezer. I saw it on youtube.” “Are you serious!” I said, thinking the idea sounded absurd. “How does that work?” So she explained. First you place one end of a plastic bag in your shoe or boot, pushing it right up into the toe. After filling the bag with water, you must seal it in a way that the water cannot escape. You could tie the end of the bag with strong duck tape or a small tight string. Note, leaking water can ruin your shoes. Place your shoe or boot into another plastic bag and seal that off. Then it’s time to put your shoes in the freezer. Leave them there for a full day, until the water inside is frozen. Apparently, as the water freezes, the ice expands and stretches your shoe from the inside. The next day, take your shoes out and let them begin thoring. Well, next time I have a pair of shoes that are a bit too tight, I’ll try this technique. It certainly can’t do any harm. I better warn my husband though, as he might get a bit of a shock if he opens the freezer to get his ice-cream, and finds a pair of my shoes there too!

Treating ourselves

Today, I had my nails done and bought two pairs of shoes. So I'm feeling very happy. I think most girls can relate to this. I believe it's important to treat ourselves every now and again. Of course, we need to live within our means, but doing things that improve our self-esteem, can be very worthwhile.

Being kind to a stranger

The other day, my husband and I were being served by a very surly receptionist. His hostile manner, deterred me from making conversation with him. My husband, however, shook the man's hand and warmly thanked him for his service. In response, the receptionist cracked a smile and said in a softer tone, "My pleasure." Often, a kind word can make a big difference in someone elses life.