What Empowers Me — a Writing Prompt
In response to Dancing Elephants prompt 16 of 52
Motherhood
Encouragement
Love
Integrity
Sacrifice
Strength
Awareness
I was intrigued by this challenge to write an acrostic poem about the things that empower me, using the letters of my name when Sharing Randomly published it. I knew I needed to get involved in this one.
Taking the time to reflect on the things that help us in our struggles, that get us through our days, is vital to all of us. Self-reflection can reveal to us so many things that we may need to work on, and it can also help us tune in and know ourselves a little better.
I chose Motherhood as my first word because my girls are the center of my universe. Being their mother is the one thing that makes complete sense to me. I am strengthened by their trust in me, and by their mere existence. They motivate me to try to be a better person and to lead by example, so they can find their own way in life. Nothing is more empowering to me than having a clear purpose.
Encouragement can motivate us all, of course. I try hard to encourage people, to help them see their potential and goodness, and I also desperately need it myself. I have self-worth issues that are embedded deep, so this is key. My husband is my biggest cheerleader. His belief in me pushes me to be better and try harder every day, even when that little voice inside of me is insisting I should give up because I don’t have what it takes.
Love is everything. Interconnected with all other aspects of our lives, we would be nowhere without love. Love of family, neighbor, God, ourselves — whatever we pour love into will grow into its best self, and we will blossom into our best selves by sharing it.
Integrity is important to me, and it empowers me in the fact that when I choose to do the right thing, I feel strengthened to continue on the path I have chosen for myself. Doing the right thing, and choosing kindness, even when no one is watching, makes me feel invigorated.
I chose sacrifice because I honestly feel that being willing to make sacrifices for other people helps us grow as individuals. I am not saying to betray yourself, nor am I promoting having no boundaries, but having the willingness to give of myself on behalf of other people is a bone-deep determination that I feel helps me grow in myself as well.
Strength is complicated because it means many things. Strength can mean having the wherewithal to show up and be strong and stand your ground, sticking up for yourself and others, and pushing through hard times to get things done. But strength also means admitting when you need a minute. When you have to regroup and try again another day.
Awareness is a key need for me, and new. It’s the one I am challenged by the most. I am trying to be more aware of my own needs. I suck at this. And I have let myself run into the ground in the past (and continue to) because of it. I am working on tuning in to myself and my own struggles, and also continuing to have awareness of others’ challenges, though I am better at that. :)
That wraps up my contribution, but I look forward to seeing what other people share in theirs!
Check out this recent share by JD Adams. The message is both personal and heartbreaking, and close to my own heart as well. Mental Health Matters.
