I remember when my boys were young, every day that watched the cartoon show, “He Man.” At some point in the show, He Man would need to defeat some evil force or correct some injustice, and he would stand boldly, holding his sword to the sky proclaiming, “I have the power.” And with that pronouncement, and perhaps some lightening coming out of the sky, he would have the power.
Yet, I see so many individuals today live exactly opposite of this. What I am talking about is giving away our power to those around us – especially those in our family. How do we do that? By being offended.
Feeling offended from time to time is a natural response. However, you have no doubt met those people who don’t seem happy unless they are offended – unless they are a victim. And maybe you have even found yourself in that place. What is it that makes us want to put ourselves in a place with so little power – to allow our own emotions to be dictated by the actions of another person? Too often I have seen clients hurt by something somebody said and the next thing you know, the individual has globalized the interaction and now frame it in a manner that “everyone” is against him or her.
Blaming is easy – “I am this way because of how my parents treated me or my spouse or my boss or my best friend or my ex or . . . . “ Blaming others may allow me to avoid responsibility but it also disempowers me. This week’s tip – engage your most significant relationships as an adult. Own your stuff, choose your own feelings and perhaps hold your sword over your head and proclaim “I have the power.” We are attracted to those who are able to do this. And your mate will be too.