"Reclaiming Power: Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Authenticity"

Whoa A double feature weekend! I want to share the powerful lessons I've learned about leadership and resilience, especially when life takes unexpected turns. Life, as we know, can sometimes feel like it's spiraling in the wrong direction, but the key lies in understanding where our power truly resides and how to reclaim it. Now, I don't mean superhuman abilities; rather, it's about our capacity to steer our lives toward happiness and fulfillment.

Let me start by revealing a part of my journey that not many are aware of—I am a survivor. I survived a harrowing form of domestic abuse known as covert narcissistic abuse. Describing this form of abuse is challenging, and I might delve into it in a future post. For now, what’s crucial to understand is that during that dark period, I lost my sense of power. I allowed someone else to dictate my emotions, my actions, and even my happiness. When I finally realized this, my life was in disarray. Fortunately, I had my family to turn to, providing me with the mental and financial support I needed to reclaim my power—the power of happiness.

I immersed myself in knowledge, devouring every piece of information I could find. I rekindled my passion for my career and slowly but steadily, I found my way back to my true self. I recognized that I needed a strategy to regain the direction I had lost. I longed for a happier life, not just for myself but for my child too. So, I sought guidance from friends who had walked similar paths, women who had found their wings despite the challenges. Little did I know that these brave souls were on the same journey I was trying to map out for myself. They faced the same struggles and doubts but had discovered the path forward through sheer bravery.

Here’s my advice to anyone facing a similar struggle: find those kindred spirits, be genuine, and share your journey. Embrace your bravery, and don’t hesitate to seek the help you need—a therapist, a leadership coach, an executive mentor—they can make a world of difference. Immerse yourself in activities and ideas that propel you toward the future you've envisioned. Visualize that rich, fulfilling life and bring that image into your present, giving it the attention it deserves. Surround yourself with positivity, and use distractions as tools to stay focused.

Confront your fears head-on. Personally, public speaking terrified me (let’s be honest, who actually enjoys it?). But I confronted this fear by joining Toastmasters International. Yes, it was daunting, but nowhere near as terrifying as leaving my abusive marriage and overcoming domestic violence. I remind myself of this every day. I’ve faced scarier things, and so have you. If there's something that scares you, it's a sign—it’s time to claim your power and take that leap.

Remember, your power isn’t in having extraordinary abilities, but in your ability to shape your own destiny, even after the darkest of times. Stay brave, stay authentic, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

And as we say… THINK, BELIEVE, DREAM, DARE.