DS Articles

Can we all agree that having power makes some of us feel free–

maybe even uninhibited? We all might even draw the conclusion that for the most part, empowerment is a good thing.

But how do we become empowered? You dont order it online or in an eatery. You dont see it listed in the catalogs that stuff your mailbox. So how DO we achieve empowerment?

I want to tell you a story about a woman who became empowered. She took no shortcuts; she earned her place in the world and paid every price asked of her. Her name was Shirley. She was a mature woman who had been married for 35 years to her high school sweetheart. She loved being a full time wife and homemaker, full time mother, and full time home school teacher and she excelled in all those positions. As her children left the nest and grandchildren began to arrive, Shirley became the teacher and child care provider for the next generation. Life was good and the family was close and loving. When the husband and sole provider passed away following a short illness her future seemed bleak.

Shirley took time to grieve and think carefully about her life. She processed her situation, inventorying what gifts and skills and assets she had. She preferred not to dwell on her loss for she wanted to set a good example for the family. She was the matriarch and she would be the leader.

It was not long before Shirley announced that she was going to launch a new business from her home. Now, you must understand that this was during the 1960s, on the Plains of the Midwest, and most new widows did not have in-home businesses. In that day and time, very few people ever thought about having a business in their home. Shirley hand wrote little note cards, and mailed them to her circle of influence, announcing that she would be creating baby quilts and wall hangings with her new sewing equipment.

She sacrificed her child care and home schooling projects AND HER LIVING ROOM to dedicate her home, her life, and her energy entirely to her newly discovered talent all while generating a healthy income! THAT IS EMPOWERMENT!

Shirleys situation is only one example. Here is another:

Bert and Olga had worked together in a business on Main Street before they retired. He imagined they would travel some and live the good life, but he soon found that was not to be. When his wife left him abruptly after 53 years of marriage, Bert was in such a state of shock he really did not know what had hit him. He called his children to tell him their mother was gone-actually, he helped her move into a nearby apartment. His daughter rushed to be with him. She wrung her hands and asked, Dad, what are you going to DO? He heaved a deep sigh and stood tall beside his recliner. He was resigned to the fact that he was responsible for his own well being. I guess Id better sign up for cooking lessons. All I know how to cook is eggs. I might get tired of those.

And thats exactly what Bert did. He called his countys extension office and signed up for a class. The next thing the neighbors knew was that Bert was cooking everything under the sun, growing a prolific garden, sharing home made goodies of every description and lining the shelves of his cupboards and freezer with every imaginable foodstuff. He even reorganized the entire kitchen! He had not stopped to lay blame or bemoan his plight. He moved ahead with a life on his own. Bert personified empowerment!

In both of the instances cited, Shirley and Bert exemplified how important it is to take action and move forward in life, no matter how painful or lonely or hard it seems to be to do so. Age would not be a factor, or education, or geography any other so-called limitation. If they intended to feel the power that comes with successful living, they had to be committed to taking action and following through. They both demonstrated empowerment as if it were a role they were to play in a blockbuster movie!