The concept of ‘empowerment’ or ‘feeling empowered’ is subjective. It’s personal, it’s perhaps dictated by your life circumstances or the events that have brought you to this place. So allow me to start with what empowerment means to me, as I can’t speak for others nor make assumptions of their feelings.

For me, empowerment is something that’s sits at a ratio of about 80/20. 80% is closely tied to how I feel about myself; the self confidence I feel, the language I use in my own head, the way that people closest to me make me feel and perhaps also my personal successes (work/career/health/wealth).

I even surprise myself when I suggest that only 20% is tied into my physical appearance, but I definitely feel like this is something that has shifted with age. Now 40-something, I would say I’ve finally reached a stage in life where I’m most at peace with my outward appearance. I’d be kidding myself, and you the reader, by suggesting I’m never impacted by the constant barrage of diet culture adverts and the relentless stream of targeted beauty ads.

In the past I may have worked out at the gym with the sole driving force of weight loss. Whereas today, my desire to exercise (or lack thereof), is more closely tied to wanting to prolong my life, strengthen my ‘vessel’ and enable me to live a longer, happier, healthier life with my husband. And you know what? I feel SO empowered by that mental shift.

To empower yourself, is to give yourself permission to feel seen, celebrated, worthy, accepted, fearless - the list could go on. In my experience working with women of all ages over the last 20 years, empowerment can show up in many forms. For some, it’s an already inbuilt self confidence and desire to document themselves feeling their best, looking their best, wearing clothes and makeup that make them feel confident, sexy, powerful (to choose just a few words). For some, empowerment might lie in the stripped back simplicity of no or very little make up, perhaps even very few or no clothes. Seeing themselves in the purest form, peeling back the layers and exposing themselves in a raw and beautiful way.

Each of us has our very own unique life story - a series of events from our upbringing and relationships, to life-affirming chapters like becoming a mother, or experiencing loss. There may often be times we feel we’ve lost ourselves, or given so much of our light to others that our flame has just become a low flickering glow. Giving yourself permission to put yourself first again is monumental in the journey to empowerment. Overcoming life events and obstacles, coming out the other side in a new, clearer season of life. Letting that light shine a little brighter, day by day, month by month.

If your ‘bright light’ looks like a full glam makeup and a sequin gown, then you let those sparkles shine! If the flame you hold for yourself comes in the form of laughter, smiles and a big, white shirt - and nothing else. Then hell, go buy the shirt!

Our empowerment journey is never going to look like someone else’s, the same way our life story doesn’t. Reach out to me to chat more about what that experience looks and feels like to you, I’d truly love to know and be a small part in it.

I’m proud of you for being here.