Do you have your power?

 Do you have your power?

I am not a politician or royalty you would say . No I am  asking about power within you. Do you have it or have you given it away to people in your life? Do you chart out your action or are you dictated by choice of others around you? Do you respond to people or situations or do you react? Do you take control of things or do you survive from crisis to crises?

For most of us, specially women, the answer will fall in the second category. We let others take control of our life. We allow others to run things, we cater to their needs and we try to please everyone and forget to take care of ourselves. When we can’t please them, we feel guilty. We do it day in and day out. At the end of the day we feel so drained out that we don’t have the energy to devote 10 minutes to look after ourselves. Our shoulder blades are stiff, our lower back hurts and our skin is dry. 

It is because we have given away our power to others. We have allowed them to control us. We feel powerless and so we are agitated most of the times and that is why we react instead of responding. 

Don’t have time or energy to cook after a long working day? Ask for help. Let everyone in the family join hands to dish up a meal. Someone criticized you in a social setting? Smile and look at them for a moment, they will get rattled. Got a dressing down from your boss? Take a short break and then come back with your explanation. 

It takes time and practice to regain your power but you can do it. It will not be easy because people will get offended and will ask you are you alright? They can, in some cases become nastier to begin with but if you stick to your guns, will accept the new you. It doesn’t mean we don’t do our duty as a parent or as a friend or employee. It’s just a matter of not others being in control. 

It took me some time and I still succumb but I have gained my power to quite an extent. First step is to set boundaries. Once that is done, it’s easy . 

Try it and get your power back. 

So be it !!!