Self-empowerment

Self-empowerment

Self-empowerment: Your path to a fulfilled life

In everyday life, we often feel like victims of external circumstances or other people and their behaviour. We behave according to the expectations and roles that are imposed on us. As a result, we ignore ourselves, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. This self-exaggeration leads to frustration, powerlessness, being driven, constriction and pressure. But there is a way out: self-empowerment.

The problem

Many of us have the feeling that we are only playing an extra role in life instead of taking on the leading role. We conform, fulfil expectations and try to slip into the given roles. As a result, we often no longer feel ourselves and overlook our own needs. The result is negative feelings such as frustration, powerlessness and pressure.

An everyday example:

Lisa works in an office and does everything she can to keep her boss happy. She takes on extra tasks, stays late and sacrifices her free time. She hardly realises how much she is neglecting herself and her needs. At the end of the day, she feels exhausted and frustrated, but she doesn't know why.

So what is self-empowerment?

Self-empowerment means giving yourself permission to live your own life instead of constantly fulfilling the expectations of others. It is about becoming self-aware, taking responsibility for your own experience and detaching yourself from the opinions of others.

However, without putting yourself above others because the thought is "so, I can now set myself apart and stand up for myself - I'm entitled to that now". Because this erodes relationships and self-empowerment fails to materialise - and you are alone.

Self-empowerment therefore contains three aspects that need to be understood:

1) Awareness

Self-empowerment begins with awareness. This means being present in the here and now and perceiving yourself holistically: What is happening around me? What and how do I think about it? What emotional reaction do I have and how do I feel? What physical reactions do I feel?

2) Dissociation

You are not responsible for fulfilling the needs of others and they are not responsible for yours. This also means that you are not responsible for other people's feelings and they are not responsible for yours. If something bothers you about another person, it often has more to do with yourself than with the other person.

3) Responsibility

Let go of the illusion that you are not responsible for your experience. Feelings and needs are solely your responsibility. How you think about them determines how you feel and how you experience your life.

The following example illustrates this:

Markus is constantly arguing with his neighbour about the noise. In the past, he would have blamed the neighbour and felt helpless. Since he has been working on self-empowerment, he asks himself why the noise bothers him so much. He realises that he is often stressed himself and wants peace and quiet. He is beginning to consciously take time out and can look at the situation more calmly.

Quite apart from the fact that Markus approaches his neighbour in a completely different way with this self-empowerment.

How do I achieve self-empowerment?

Self-empowerment is a process that is supported by non-violent communication (NVC). NVC helps you to understand yourself better and get in touch with your needs.

Step 1: Develop awareness

Take time every day to pause and listen to yourself. Ask yourself how you are feeling, what thoughts are preoccupying you and what needs are alive within you.

Step 2: Set boundaries

Learn to say no without feeling guilty. Recognise that you have the right to protect your own needs. This does not mean being selfish, but healthy.

Step 3: Take responsibility

Accept that you are in control of your experience. You can decide how you react to situations and how you perceive your feelings and needs.

Step 4: Enter into a relationship

Consciously seek contact with others and openly share what is alive in you. Be curious about what moves the other person and show interest in their needs.

Another example:

Julia often feels overwhelmed by her parents' expectations. Instead of continuing to do everything she can to satisfy them, she begins to communicate her own wishes and needs. She explains to her parents that she wants to choose her own career, even if it differs from her parents' ideas. This honest communication leads to a deeper and more respectful relationship.

Conclusion

Self-empowerment means taking control of your own life and no longer being led by the expectations of others. Through awareness, dissociation, responsibility and conscious relationships, you can lead a more fulfilling and authentic life. Start empowering yourself today and experience the freedom and joy that comes from it.