When I was younger I often heard the phrase, You’ve Got the Power. In actuality I think it was a commercial I heard on the radio, but I remember that it was also told to me to encourage me to move forward in whatever I was doing, because in the end you and I have the power to do amazing things in our lives and for others.
Power – Bing Dictionary defines power as:
- Capacity to do something: the ability, strength
- Strength: physical force
- Control and influence over other people and their actions
Power: we often think of others having power over us or over those we love, and, yet, giving power away is something many people accept of others, on purpose or unknowingly. Some choose not to and simply walk away. They don’t give others the power to direct their life. Smart people take control of their lives
We choose power in every aspect of our lives, so I want to focus on where you give your power away and how you can get it back and use it for good.
I saw a quote the other day that said…almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: The future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so.
I like that thought, because at any time you have the power to make it so—to change—to change today and how tomorrow will be. Don’t let your past drag you down, especially if you gave your power away and it didn’t turn out so well. I’m not going to dwell on your past, as I am about looking forward to your future—starting today.
I have used the quote before, but it is worth repeating, that at any given moment you have the power to say, this is not how the story is going to end.
Let’s think about that—at any given moment you have the power to say, this is not how the story is going to end. And you can make that pronouncement with confidence, when you realize that you have the power to change—to turn around, to re-create, or begin again.
Some of you may end up doing this alone and as hard as it seems, it will be okay. You will be surprised by the freedom and energy you will have when you stand up for yourself and create a safe place for your mind and body, heart and soul. Don’t ever forget you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.
Some of you may be able to bring others along with you as you stand firm in your new direction, because you took the power to re-write your story, and they will be willing to be a part of that. Just know that, alone or together, you have the power to make the changes you feel, believe or simply dream of, if you will trust yourself. I’ve heard it said, that knowledge is power but enthusiasm pulls the switch.
Some listening today have allowed others to take away their power—to chose their friendships, or a job or an opportunity—just because it didn’t suit the other person. And you being agreeable let some great things pass you by, not to dwell on the past, but seeing what you lost and what you probably need to go back to. Some today need to stop and consider what could be next, if you independently allowed yourself to be open to the possibilities. You need to take your power back and live your life and use your power for good
I want to talk about you. You’ve heard the line that, you are either as beautiful or as ugly as you believe you are—you define your beauty; that’s not a power anyone can have over you.
So I’m asking you to look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? Not to get into a discussion of a little needed weight loss or maybe a new hairstyle, but the soul looking back at you in that reflection, is that you? I hope so, and I hope you don’t have to look so deeply to see what we all see, because it is there on the surface—your kindness, your goodness; your love for others.
And by the way, if it’s not the real you looking back—no pretense, no drama, no false made up image to cover your sad self-esteem—I’m talking the real you, if it’s not you, get to work on yourself, because, friend, today we need you in a good place to bless others, because you’ve settled this in your heart, because you know your beauty inside and out is a true reflection of your heart and soul.
That’s what power does for you—gives you the breathing room to make decisions for yourself.
And let me remind you, if someone has questioned the beauty of your soul—think long and hard about maintaining that friendship. Do not to let anyone cloud your beauty—it’s not for them to do, and, if that is the type of person they are, you need new friends. And, by the way, if you are the one who has said such a hurtful comment, go and apologize and make it right—there is no need to be so cruel in such a broken world.
I heard an old saying that I’d rather have 4 quarters than a hundred pennies. Yes, I choose a close network of positive people and not hundreds of fake friends. Why? Because I have the power to choose what is best for me and how I want to live my life. There was a time when 50 pennies were fine, but not now I’m in a different place with different hopes and dreams and an open-door search for opportunities, and, frankly, 50 pennies don’t fit on the bus going in the directions of my dreams. So you and I have to choose wisely, because our future might depend on it.
I speak often in my introduction to the show that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and because of that promise, friend, you have much to give and plenty left over to give to others. You’re okay, in fact you’re better than okay. I like to think of you as amazing because you defined your beauty.
And because you defined your beauty, and own your power and have come to understand that you are in control of your life and your actions and reactions, may I ask of you to reach out and help those who for some reason and cannot see the light.
I’m not sure who the author is, but it’s been said that too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Imagine that—you can turn a life around by just following your natural inclination to flash a smile, say a kind word to the check-out clerk, listen when your parents call to tell you about their week, or tell your kids you’re proud of them or your spouse who needs to hear your acceptance.
Don’t you agree that if you have the power to make someone happy you should do it…because the world needs more of that!
As I look around I see a world in need. I look for those who are strong enough and who have the power to lift others up, and, when I see that, I make it my job to encourage them because I have the power to do so, and so do you, friend, encouragement should be our super-power.
Now if you have given your power away, today is the today that you take it back and use it for good.
You don’t have to do what the others do, you don’t have to go where the others go and you certainly should not have to portray yourself as someone who is not to be accepted by others.
You have the power to be your amazing self. Now go and get your work done, and I’m asking that along the way you look up from your work and invite someone else to find their power. Help them find their:
Capacity to do something: using their ability and strength
- Whether by physical force or force of personality
- Using their power to control and influence other people and their actions for good (Bing Dictionary)
I’ve always liked the admonition from the book of Proverbs:
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Friend, today see that you have the power. Now go and use it for good.
