This morning as I gazed out my window at the calm waters of Lake Michigan, I couldn’t help but reflect on the challenges many of us face in our lifetimes. Like you, I have navigated through turbulent and choppy waters, sometimes feeling like I was gasping for air as I struggled to stay afloat. However, I never considered giving up. Instead, I persevered and focused on rising above the storm. Did you?

I recently watched the Netflix series The Bear, a character study of chefs and relatives in a restaurant. In my humble opinion, it was a captivating portrayal of resilience and empowerment, which deeply resonated with me.

One of the female characters epitomized empowerment. She was fired at age 46 after working in a restaurant for 15 years. She was married with one son. Her marriage was solid. Her husband was a doorman at a hotel who had not been given a raise. She pounded the pavement, knocked on door after door, and was turned down time after time, but she never gave up. 

Her resilience and refusal to be defeated are a testament to her tenacity and empowerment. After weeks of hard knocks, she became one of the chefs at The Bear restaurant. She won on two fronts — she had a job and she proved to herself that she could do what she set her mind to, and that is what matters — she was an empowered woman.

Life Is But a Bowl of Cherries, Even With the Pits

My Definition of an Empowered Woman

Let me begin by saying that knowing yourself is both crucial and difficult.

An empowered woman is someone who is in control of her own life. She can make choices and take action. She has self-worth. This woman can be calm in the face of her storm. She is an actionable woman who is in control of her destiny. She knows what she is about and does not need to ask permission because she is not affected by what others say.

“Will yourself to be the best version of yourself and you will feel your empowerment. It is worth everything.” — Honey Good

Empowerment gives a woman exhilarating and personal freedom. Are you an empowered woman?

Let me end by saying that knowing yourself is both crucial and difficult.

How Does a Woman Empower Herself?

Female empowerment begins in childhood. When we are able to face our adversities and overcome them in our youth, we begin to build layers of self-confidence. The building of self-confidence is the very foundation of empowerment.

As we build confidence, the desire to achieve grows. The fear of failure is replaced with a yearning to face whatever is holding us back with confidence and endurance. We begin to prioritize what is important and this enhances positive personal growth. This marvelous experience will motivate and inspire you in your journey toward empowerment.

I was curious how many women feel empowered so I did a little research and found a statistic that stated that women are only empowered to achieve 60% of their full potential globally!

What Stops a Woman From Reaching Her Full Potential?

Many women are busy with low-value goals. Are you one of these women? Ask yourself if you are stretching to your full potential. Are you following your passion or are you paralyzed?

Leaving behind years of working in a career, suffering from the empty-nest syndrome and aging, and feeling invisible takes us out of our normal routine. Not to mention, how we feel about ourselves. Therefore, take time to reassess your needs. I asked myself the above questions when I recently faced a life change.

After determining what would give me great satisfaction, I followed my passion and set a goal.

I came across an email from an organization that set me in a new direction. Without knowing anyone in the organization, I picked up the phone, listened to press one, press two, etc.

I called the organization cold turkey and, sweet reader, that led to opening a new chapter in my life. My passion for the organization and hard work has almost led me to the finish line. My dream is to go on a national board of a nonprofit.

Here are a few tips I follow before I dive into a new chapter of life:

• Am I passionate about the new adventure?
• What is my goal?
• List the short and long-term goals
• Erase all fear of trying something new.
• Challenge and persevere when the going gets tough.
• Make a home run.

Emotions play a large part in personal empowerment.

The following emotions prevent me from casting doubt:

1. Passion
2. Hope
3. Will
4. Authenticity
5. Faith
6. Gratitude
7. Listen to my heart.

Dear sweet reader, the world is your oyster. Follow your passions. Respect your potential. Strike the word fear out of your vocabulary. Don’t be lazy. Follow your heart.

Reach for your star and own it. It will take work, faith, skinned knees, disappointments, and sometimes, sobs. But, will yourself to be the best version of yourself and you will feel your empowerment. It is worth everything. Amen.

Are you following your passions to empower yourself? If not, what would help you along? Please let me know in the comments below.

Honey Good is a mentor for women, empowering them to live vibrant and visible lives after 50. For more personal posts, follow her on Facebook. To inquire about working with Honey, please email her at collabs@honeygood.com.