[yellow_fleurs]

Something on my mind is this idea of how to feel and be empowered despite the challenges we face with mental health and possibly also medical issues. I think despite being a pretty independent spirit, and generally self motivated, I find myself feeling unempowered at times. The unpredictability of illnesses, needing others to support me in ways other people my age don't generally need, things like that. Plus there is the sense that if unwell enough someone might have to make decisions for you, like hospitalization. I almost feel a bit emotionally stunted as a result of dealing with this for years, or something.

Anyways, I would like to work towards feeling more empowered. I don't expect to be able to function the same as others all the time, but I want to feel like I have some sense of control. I am trying to be more self aware, and take good care of my physical and mental health as a couple of small ways to work towards empowering myself.

I am wondering how others have dealt with this or feel about this issue?

[LadyShadow]

It took a lot of years for me to be empowered and be at a good place mentally. I faced a lot of adversity and hospitalization last year that changed my world forever. But, because of that hospitalization, I was able to move forward in better self-care and mental health, and now I am looking forward to a new career and new life in independence and self-reliance.

Sometimes it takes something to shock us to our core to see the world in a different light. It is a journey, which is the bottom line, but it all depends on your outlook on how you live your life and how you spend your days and how you want to be remembered.

What is something you want to do, but never did it? Do it, and trust me it is the first step to the path of empowerment.

Hugs.

[MickeyCheeky]

I hear you, @yellow_fleurs! I COMPLETELY understand what you mean. I don't have a lot of advice unfortunately as I'm struggling with this myself I think you're already doing a good job by taking care of yourself. Definitely keep doing that. Also be kind to yourself. That's REALLY important! Just remember that you're stronger than you may think sometimes. Wishing you the BEST of Luck with your Healing and your Life! Sending many safe, warm hugs to BOTH You, @yellow_fleurs, and ALL Of Your Loved Ones!

[fern46]

I think some of our state is directly related to what we choose to focus on. I feel like the more we can visualize ourselves as already empowered, the more empowered we become. This may take work to keep bringing your thoughts back to empowerment, but with practice you can stay in that state longer and longer. You might find mantras helpful. You might use your vision to picture yourself empowered. You might pray for empowerment. I think all of these help to channel your energy in the right direction. So I suppose a good first step might be to brainstorm the qualities you will have when you are more empowered. Then you might be able to better imagine yourself in that state.

Maybe set a reminder on your calendar for time to work with this every day multuple times a day for a period of time. It gets easier after a while.

A good second step is to then challenge yourself to incorporate empowering activities into your daily routine. Like you mentioned you are focusing more on physical health. Exercising daily or changing your diet or whatever would be a few examples. Each week you can then push yourself a little farther.

[Jedi67]

I feel a lot more empowered with my health and therapy. I've been taking my therapy seriously of late and I am very involved which make me feel more empowered. wasn't always so, tho. took me years to get where I am. denial and such. but I do feel like I have more control and say over things regarding my MH. but, in the past it was my wife who had control and during a long patch that I did not feel empowered enough to maintain control. but there are days where I feel I've lost that empowerment during my low points. it can be tough to get it back.