I have met many empowering people on my path who have helped me to own my power and see my light. The empowering people on my path have carried a mirror, a candle; a spotlight and some shared their light from within. I have traveled down my life path for almost 51 years and have learned from each one how to empower people.
The empowering people who carried a mirror were my students when I was teaching leadership development in Alaska. Male, female, young, mature, financially stable, poor, thin, abused, unconditionally loved, large, open, and closed were the students who have shown me where I dimmed or shined my light.
At times, I felt like Swiss cheese as I looked in my student’s eyes and listened to their life experiences. I felt exposed when I realized I was their teacher and I was their student. Their eyes mirrored my life experiences as they worked toward their solutions, awareness, and unfolding. I saw their inner light and my inner light saw each one as a worthy teacher and light worker. I am still grateful for their lessons.
The empowering people carrying the candle showed me the way of hope. I used to think hope was a waste of my time. I focused on getting it done, right here, and right now. Rarely did I let life unfold. The empowering people I met that carried the candle showed me; how getting things done right now would dim or even extinguish the flame. Slow down and listen, watch and see, learn and understand were the messages they shared as they walked their talk.
The empowering people who carried the spotlight on my path helped me to see my shadow. I would try to run from this light because once again I felt exposed. I felt vulnerable as I was letting go my old beliefs, judgments, and victim stories. The pleasing and the doing activities were reflections of my seeking the acceptance and love from others. I did things to receive. When I did not receive for my doing, I felt lost, low, and unlovable. Slowly, the spotlight dimmed and my light began to shine, as I started accepting and loving myself. I saw the glimmer of freedom in being authentic. When fear raised its ugly head, before I could own it, the spotlight shined brightly in my face as it “called me out” to be brave and stand tall.
Then I noticed the empowering people who let their light shine through. They were leading, illuminating, and loving by example. They were my mentors, teachers, and friends. They accepted me unconditionally and encouraged me to shine. When I quivered, they placed an arm around me while giving me unconditional love and support.
They never seemed too tired of my wobble as I would trip and start to fall backwards. They showed me how to own my light and use it to help others see their light. They taught me to plant seeds and wait for the unfolding. They taught me to own my light, love and healing energy. They taught me to see the beauty of the light, the unfolding, and the sharing. Once again, I was shown to stop doing and just be; be here and now, be silent, and be the light that I always was.
The path was always illuminated and waiting for me to travel at the speed of light. I however, took the path with the most adventure and drama. I am only half way down my path and I notice when I am veering off into the woods empowering people are waiting to help me remain authentic. Thankfully, the mirror, candle, spotlight, and those who share their light are always waiting to assist me, if I allow. I see these people as guides and mentors instead of fear, guilt or shame.
The path is illuminated and I enjoy shining my light along the way. Now, I can see how important it is to be a spiritual teacher, empowerment coach, and mentor while owning my power, light and be a mirror to lift people up on their path. If you need a lift, feel free to contact Dr. Wendy M. Perrell,EDD at wperrell@wppec.com or call 907-317-2483 for a 30-minute consultation. Much love to you.
