Empowerment
by Donna L. Betancourt

Empowerment means ability. Empowered people feel a satisfaction within. They take care of themselves and live by their own set of rules, not those set by society. Empowered people feel confident and truly know themselves.They allow others to be responsible for their own circumstances and feelings.

 Empowered people:

• Realize the ability to change their attitudes rests with themselves.
• Receive criticism without being defensive.
• Are able to accept compliments and praise with grace.
• Empowered people don't blame circumstances or others for their actions or moods.
• They do not give others permission to intimidate them.
• They have the ability to communicate clearly and honestly without dominating the other person.
• Empowered people realize that everything doesn't always have to be harmonious and pleasurable in relationships.
• They confront things that frighten them and work to find ways to eliminate their fears.
• Empowered people deal directly with other people.
• They don't worry about problems, they SOLVE them.
• They gain empowerment by empowering others by allowing others to empower themselves.
• They do not dominate or allow themselves to be dominated by other people.
• Empowered people are willing to RISK making decisions by themselves.
• They don't give up their own needs and ambitions for the sake of someone else.
• EMPOWERED PEOPLE BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN ABILITIES.
• They keep promises to themselves.

Empowerment is different from power. You can be powerful, but not empowered. Empowered people relate to other people as human beings with a mutually shared purpose.

© Copyright 1994 by Donna L. Betancourt