Expressions of Empowerment: An Introspective Guide for Personal and Professional Success

By Lisa K Morgan Mosley

What is Empowerment? What does it mean? Every day, people everywhere look for answers to these questions. After all, isn’t that why you picked up this book? Asking the questions is the first step towards finding the answers.

Empowerment is taking responsibility for your own happiness, and understanding exactly what that entails. This book will guide you as you navigate common situations and issues, like:

- Cultivating new relationships, whether at work or with new friends
- Making time for yourself and your creativity
- Coping with big changes life throws your way, like a new job or a death in the family
- Balancing wanting to say yes and needing to say no
- Being mindful of and grateful for your blessings instead of obsessing about the negatives
- Learning to let go of beliefs that hold you back, making space for beliefs that serve you better
- Learning how to prioritize yourself and your life
- Removing toxic influences and people from your sphere

Once you begin prioritizing your wants and needs, you can better maintain your happiness. Once you can maintain your happiness, your life will bloom before your very eyes. Open your eyes to the blessings that have already found their way to you, and remember that every day will bring you more, if you accept them into your heart. You can’t be truly successful in life until you recognize that the strongest force holding you back is YOU.

Once you understand which limiting beliefs have been holding you back from your true potential, you can choose to change those beliefs; to become the strong, confident, capable person you were meant to be! Position yourself for positivity; each section of this book will encourage you to open your mind and embrace a new paradigm. Only through changing beliefs that no longer serve you, can you take control of your life and happiness.

BE BRILLIANTLY EMPOWERED!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9780998422305

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Whatever you think you need to get there is what is diverting your attention from being here, in the present! Enjoy every moment of where you are right now, for life lessons are inevitable.

~ Lisa Morgan Mosley

Friends are precious resources. These gifts bring you grander courage, confidence, and purpose. Knowing that you have touched the lives of others is one of the greatest satisfactions on Earth. Loyalty and support are what defines and sustains friendship. Make a point to be a better friend, today.

Show support to best friends, even when you disagree

Disagreements are bound to arise among friends, whether as simple as how or when to spend time together, or totally life-altering like which career or partner to choose. Even when you don’t agree with your friends’ decisions, you can still offer support without losing your mind in the process. First, consider if you can reserve judgment by accepting that you don’t know all the facts. If you feel burdened with your difference of opinion, its okay to voice your concerns in the right way. Bring it up when you are both relaxed, while taking a walk, gardening together, painting, or doing another activity. Express your concern and ask that your friend hear you out, but also make it clear that you respect differences of opinion and are there for your friend, no matter what. Once you have calmly, articulately explained your feelings, ask for clarification on your friends’ motivations, if necessary, so you can better understand the situation. From there, the ball is in your friends’ court. Do not bring it up continually. Sometimes, you may need to stand up for a loved one when others are unfairly critical. You may not agree with the decision, but no one deserves to be called names, attacked, gossiped about, or ostracized. Lend a compassionate ear when your friend needs you. Sometimes you don’t have to offer any advice at all. Your friends will unravel the issue as they talk through it with you. A University of Michigan study found that women produce more progesterone, a mood-boosting and stress-busting hormone, when they feel emotionally close to other women. Simply being there with open arms goes a long way. It should give you a sense of pride to know you are relied upon for unconditional love and encouragement.

Display your loyalty by treasuring shared secrets

When my friends share their innermost secrets with me, I treasure them. Never betray a friend’s confidence by discussing with others what was shared with you in private. The first rule of loyalty is that you keep all information in confidence. When pressed by gossipers, resist the urge to get involved by saying you are not at liberty to discuss the details of your time spent with someone, advise the gossiper to ask your friend, or simply proclaim your ignorance. It is no one’s business what you talk about in private with others. Loyal friends are mum when necessary, but they are also honest as the situation warrants. A good friend might ask for or need your opinion from time to time. Take care to understand your friends’ needs and boundaries to know when it’s appropriate to interject your thoughts, feelings, and guidance. People vary greatly in the level of support they’re willing to accept.

"True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.

Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island. To find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing." - Balthasar Gracian

Each friendship is unique, requiring its own special rhythm and finesse to maintain. Though your approach to various friends may vary, you can never go wrong if you base your relationships around loyalty. Aim to be trustworthy and supportive each day. Let others know how meaningful their friendships are to your life. Joyfully do whatever it takes to keep your friends encouraged and uplifted.

Empowering questions:

In what ways can I prove to my friends that I am trustworthy?

What are some of the other key elements of friendship besides loyalty and support?

How does sharing tough advice impact the strength of my relationship with friends?

Dedication is your commitment to maintaining a relationship over time. When you are dedicated, all the other pieces fall into place. You are more likely to devote your time, more likely to explore ways of increasing shared passion, and more likely to forgive. Devotion is occasionally a challenge to preserve, but it is essential to ensuring positive and successful bonds.

Assess your commitment within a relationship

How committed are you to your friend or partner? True commitment means that you are:

Concerned about other people’s feelings, not just your own.

Willing to make personal sacrifices for the happiness of the other person.

Happier and more satisfied when the relationship is going well.

Prioritizing trust, loyalty, devotion, and sacrifice over immediate gratification.

Commitment inspires true engagement and connection with others. Once you have committed, you will find others are more likely to commit to you in return. Knowing that others have your best interests at heart is both powerful and reassuring.

Take stock of your dedication at work

Dedication at work is more than showing up to put in your hours every day. Being an open, collaborative team player at work is a critical component to positive social ties, and productivity is more of a conscious decision than you may think. It’s about:

Being on time and respecting other people’s time.

Keeping your workspace clean.

Presenting a professional appearance.

Taking care of yourself so you show up refreshed each day.

Wearing a smile and controlling unpleasant emotions.

Knowing the company mission, history, and vision.

Approaching situations from customer and coworker perspectives.

Flexing in response to change and adapting to new expectations.

Striving to have a reputation for getting things done.

Taking initiative to go above and beyond your job description.

If you find you can’t deliver in these core areas of dedication at work, then it’s time to find a new job.

Be committed to any task you undertake

If a goal or task is worth doing at all, it’s worth doing right. To remain committed to all that you do:

Let go of faulty beliefs and unfair assumptions.

Develop a clear picture of what your success looks like.

Structure your schedule around what is really important to the end result.

Hold yourself accountable by tracking milestones along the way and involving others.

Today, celebrate the foundation of commitment that forms the basis for long-standing relationships and successes. Appreciate your dependability and supportiveness. These are not just ideals for you, these are the principles you live your life by; that make you a person worth knowing.

Empowering questions:

How can I express commitment and devotion to my partner?

Have past relationships dissolved from lack of commitment?

How can I shore up my dedication and commitment at work?

The objective of life is to offer a shoulder to all those individuals with the highest fears and needs. Even though it may be hard to witness their pain at times, be aware that everyone goes through harrowing experiences. There is not a single person on Earth who has not suffered to some capacity; be it in health, relationships, their career, the death of a loved one, financial stress, addiction, or disappointment.

There is always pain beneath a luminous exterior

Choose not to pass judgment when your staff or coworkers appear unfocused at work. Open your mind to the possibility that they are bothered by something inside. Approach them with kindness and offer an opportunity to lighten their burden by sharing what is bothering them. Opening up to the dilemma of others helps you figure out their source of pain and helps them work toward a solution.

Utilize your past experiences and coping

mechanisms to help others

The best way to deal with pain is to share of ourselves. This initiates the healing process and exposes people to solutions that their minds may not have conjured up on their own. How did you endure a similar catastrophe? What have you read or heard of that may apply to a friend’s situation? Offer emotional support generously.

Be mindful of the spiritual brokenness being suffered

by others in need of help

Be aware of the internal anguish that is perturbing the people around you. Life conflicts can cause people to be short-tempered, angry, distracted, confused, or unable to cope at work. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt, as you do not know what their life outside of work is truly like. Embrace your skills to identify emotional needs and offer the much needed support.

Empowering questions:

What questions can I ask to figure out what someone is going through?

How do my experiences in life help me to offer emotional assistance?

How does being aware of somebody else’s suffering help me grow spiritually?

The answer to happiness sounds easy. Be present. Actually following through requires a profound shift in your consciousness, and effort on your part. It’s easy to lose your head amid a frantic day or a stressful situation.

Today is a gift, but you must be open to receiving it

Commit to facing the challenges of today and dealing with the puzzle pieces as best you can. Use the disappointments of yesterday to motivate yourself to be a better person in the here and now. Soak up your immediate environment. Consider what resources exist — in this place, at this time — that can fulfill you. Think about how your senses enrich your life. Focus on the task at hand, and doing that task, as well as you can.

Set aside distractions to see who and what supports you

Far too often, we are glued to our phones. Social media consumes us. We are buried in paperwork. Slow down your life and re-prioritize. Is there someone right there in the room with you, who needs you now? Is there something you can do or say to the person you’re with that will inspire or improve his or her life? Can you set aside the demands of work and artificial pressures in life to simply enjoy the little blessings that are right here in front of you? What can you be grateful for right here, right now?

You are in control

Choose to contemplate situations that will bring you happiness, not hurt. Be motivated to focus on present actions you can take to be a better person, rather than fixating on a bitter past. Choose clarity of purpose for today. Look at the decisions you have to make in the present moment and their possible consequences for tomorrow. Make the best choice today for the best tomorrow. Choose to remove yourself from unhealthy surroundings and go to a place that makes you feel calm and positive. Surround yourself with compassionate people who do not judge you -who share motivation and strength in their devotion to you.

Empowering questions:

How do I focus on the present?

How do I maintain control over my emotions?

Which practices will boost my life achievements?

Cousins are with you every step of the way as you grow and learn about life, love, and relationships. Be thankful for all the time that you spend with them, and appreciate the special, life-long bonds that you share.

A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.

- Marion C. Garretty

Love your cousins for awakening your childhood memories. Your cousins may remember your shared history differently, but it’s these alternate viewpoints that can illuminate more truth within your own past. You are better equipped to handle challenges in life, knowing that your cousins understand where you’ve come from and choose to support you in all that you do.

Cousins are like an extra set of siblings

Make it a point to schedule time with your cousins. Create traditions that bring your families closer, year after year. Share in your successes with celebration. Blow off steam when life becomes stressful. Cousins will help you strike the balance between work and family life. Know that your cousins can be counted upon for support and insight when you are struggling.

Cousins are our first friends

It is often our cousins who teach us to admire others, to stand up for ourselves, to consider alternate views, and learn to cooperate and share. It is our cousins who share with us the world beyond our homes. It is because of our cousins that we appreciate the bond of family and develop closer ties with distant relatives. Love and appreciate the bond you have with your cousins. Be unafraid to receive their advice from time to time.

Empowering questions:

Is there a way through which I can have fun with my cousins, without neglecting my responsibilities?

How can I express my gratitude for my cousins’ great companionship?

What can I do for my cousins, so they feel thankful for me?

Does anybody know what time it is? Does anybody really care? Few people can afford to have the attitude about time like the old school 60’s song "Time Has Come Today," by the Chambers Brothers. You don’t want to feel like a rat running on a wheel, but you don’t want to fall into depression because you’re unable to accomplish any of the things you’d like to do in life, either. Time is our most precious limited resource. Mastery over time management and eliminating waste is essential to writing your own success story.

Allocate time limits

Allocate time in your schedule for all the activities that matter to your day. Know what activities are helping you grow as a person, stay sane, and fulfill your existence. Reserve some free time to take care of emergencies and to breathe a little, which will reduce distractions. Do not be allured by time wasters like television, surfing the Internet, or simply zoning out.

Direct your resources to meaningful activities

Our most basic needs include socialization, a sense of accomplishment, play, cognitive stimulation, spiritual connection, and physical touch. Every day, strive to put some of your energy toward activities that satisfy these core desires. Reserve time to recap the day and relax with your partner; do not let a day pass without a hug or an I love you. Have a list of little steps you can take on a daily basis to work toward the bigger goals you have in life. Allot time for morning and evening rituals, like mindful meditation, gratitude journaling, exercise, and reading. Spend time playing with your children every day, no matter how busy you are. Surround yourself with mental stimuli such as crossword puzzles, a magazine subscription, craft materials, or games that habitually expose you to new skills, knowledge, and creative wellsprings.

Stop wasting time at work

Work smarter, not harder; by scheduling time to deal with distractions and letting others know when you’re unavailable. Get up and move around at least every 30 minutes to keep your blood circulating. When you feel stuck on a particular activity, do not continue to hash it out; switch gears and work on something you know you can finish effectively. Instead of just coasting along, put in 100% of your effort, to make the day go by faster. Do not be afraid to ask for help, instead of feeling crippled by lack of knowledge. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need if possible or bargain for more time with your supervisors when the situation warrants it.

Empowering questions:

How do I minimize time wastage?

How do I determine time periods for my essential daily tasks?

What can I add to my days to make them more meaningful?

Children are masters of looking at the world from a fresh, positive perspective; the world is their playground. Every day is ripe with possibilities. The simplest activities are imbued with the biggest potential for joy. Choose to look at the world with the innocence of a child. Think of life from an idealistic perspective, as it ought to be, and not as it is. A child-like state of mind brings hope of a better tomorrow.

Choose to look at the world through the lens of curiosity

Curiosity sparks the imagination, opens doors, and satisfies the mind’s need for knowledge and stimulation. Explore and discover new joys in the world — things you had no idea existed yesterday. Share your findings with others to enjoy the pleasure together. Travel to open your mind to new possibilities. Ask as many questions as you can from knowledgeable experts to expand your vision. Instead of worrying about What Ifs, put yourself out there and do it. Find fun ways to learn something new, whether it’s by taking a class, downloading an app on your phone, or visiting a museum.

Choose to view the world from an innocent perspective

For a moment, forget the cruelties of the world and the monsters that lurk within. See the goodness in people and think of everyone as a potential friend. Dream and dare to be the person you imagine. Detach yourself from negative news stories to lead a happier, freer life. Give people the benefit of the doubt and presume all statements are truthful. Look past grudges and forgive, so that you may trust again.

Choose to view the world from the eyes of appreciativeness

Appreciate every detail in everything you see, taste, feel, smell, or hear. Choose to see the world in its full splendor. Imagine that every blade of green grass, every warm moonlit night, every star in the sky, is there just for you. Watch the birds flying from tree to tree and listen to the rhythmic melodies made by various species to lose yourself in gratitude. How fortunate you are to soak up this moment through your five senses!

Empowering questions:

How do I appreciate the beauty in the world?

How do I keep myself grounded in reality?

What experiences can help me see the world’s beauty from a child-like perspective?

Spending time alone allows you to know your true self, and discover what you truly think about matters of importance, without the influence of others. Everyone needs some alone time each day to consider life circumstances and reconcile actions with inner beliefs. In our solitude, the universe reveals the most creative solutions to our greatest problems.

Spending time alone gives you the opportunity to

celebrate your true self

So much of our lives are consumed with giving of ourselves and doing for others. You can spend your alone time taking a scenic walk close to home. You can sit in your backyard in the summer or near a cozy fireplace in the winter. When you are alone, you can enjoy reading books or listening to music. Reading books helps you gain insightful knowledge, while listening to music helps you enjoy the voices and talents of others in a way that connects with your soul. Meditation and yoga will help you relax your mind and focus on yourself.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault

In your quiet moments, think about the pleasing parts of life and conjure up thoughts that make you happy. At the end of the day, only YOU are responsible for maintaining a positive attitude and grooming yourself for success. Reject negative thoughts or impulses that go against your beliefs. Consider what imbues your life with the most value.

Work toward maintaining what matters most - your sanity!

Contemplate how you can enrich your life with more of what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Set goals in solitude and plan how to achieve them. You can use your alone time to be productive, but be sure to balance your alone time with sufficient rest and relaxation. Do not despair in your quiet hours of reflection. Enjoy this chance to lead a more meaningful and successful life by following your intuition.

Empowering questions:

What can I do when I am alone?

How often do I take time away to restore myself?

Where can I go to bask in solitude and evolve my true self?

The beauty of nature surrounds you wherever you go. Closely pay attention to the changing seasons. Natural elements remind and teach us that evolution is an integral part of growth. The leaves of the tree must die so new buds can sprout. The cold air must blow so we can appreciate the warmth of the sun. The rain must drench the soil so our flowers and plants can grow. Similarly, you must weather some changes and storms for your personality to flower, and to reach the beauty of your destiny.

Your mood is like the changing seasons

Just as the changing seasons affect the environment, your mood affects the lives of the people around you. When you allow a foul mood to persist and proliferate, you are poisoning the well of your loved ones and coworkers. Instead, try to maintain a positive outlook, particularly when you are in the company of others.

The flowering of plants in spring teaches you

to get up after difficulties

Plants endure a dormant season of darkness before the cleansing rain comes through, the air warms up, and the sun encourages the breathtaking flowers to bloom. You may feel like your difficulties will last forever while you are in the thick of it, but just as the seasons predictably change, so will your circumstances. Focus on the light at the far end of the tunnel, knowing that spring always follows the darkened days of winter.

As animals hibernate in the winter, so should

you value down time

Bears, bats, squirrels, skunks, groundhogs, and raccoons know the importance of down time. Bears, for instance, hibernate for six to seven months out of the year. If they were to stay awake through the long, cold winter, they would run into food shortage issues and suffer ill effects from the cold. An escape from normal life will keep you balanced and ensure that you thrive all year round. Nature gives us many clues about the best way to survive.

Empowering questions:

What can I do to adapt to the changing circumstances of my life?

What influences does nature have on the decisions I make?

How can I embrace the seasons to derive greater happiness?