Power is defined as the ability to do something or act in a particular way. Another definition is the capacity to direct or influence. Yet another definition is the right or authority that is given or delegated to a person or body. Other definitions include physical strength, and energy.
There are many definitions of power, but it is clear to see from the above definitions that everybody has a level of power. Now what does power have to do with life balance and harmony? The answer is, a lot. We sometimes live our lives as though we have no power, but even if you are not a president, ruler, queen, or king, you have a lot more power than you realize. Looking at the above definitions of power, we can see that none of these have very much to do with ruling over other people. I dare say that without realizing how much power we have over ourselves, we may not be able to influence others. As a fully grown adult, what power exactly do you have?
1.Power over your time: You get to decide what to do with your time: where you go, who you spend it with, and what you do. Although you cannot control time, you can control how you spend the 24 hours a day that you are given. No one influences that but you. Sit down, take stock, and take back your power where your time is concerned.
2. Power over what you put in your mouth: One day, someone said to me, “If I see a cookie I just have to eat it. I have no willpower”. This is someone who had totally given her power away in the area of controlling her appetite. By telling herself that she could not resist eating foods that she knew were not good for her, she had become trapped. How many times do we can act as though we have no power over what we put in our mouth? Unless you are incarcerated, or unable to afford food, you have power over what you eat.
3. Power over what you put in your mind: There is a saying that goes thus- A mind is a terrible thing to waste. You also get to decide what you feed your mind. Is the news depressing? Turn it off! Are you being pulled down by multiple naysayers? Tune them out! Instead, fill your mind with things that uplift you: books, music, podcasts, and messages are just a few ways in which you can exercise the power to choose what goes into your mind. You have the power. Use it.
4. Power over your feelings: Have you ever been in a bad mood? Of course. We all have. However, we have more power over our feelings then we often care to admit to ourselves. Especially when it comes to things like staying in a bad mood, outbursts of anger, and other negative expressions of emotion that do not serve you. While feelings come and go, you do not have to remain in a certain emotional state, if you do not like it. With tools and practice, you can change your emotional state from a negative one to a positive one by accepting, acknowledging, and dealing with the emotion. You can take the energy from a negative emotion and turn it around.
5. Power over who you allow in your life: You get to decide who stays in your life, and who goes. Relationships are crucial to balance, and should be entered into purposefully. They should also be re-categorized from time to time. You have the power to do that. The fact that you have been in a relationship with someone for a long time, does not necessarily mean that the relationship has to go on forever. Some relationships are with us for a season, and it is OK when certain seasons come to an end.
In what ways have you giving your power away? It’s time to take it back. You’ve got the power!
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