We all have the need to feel validated. The trick is to be able to find that validation within ourselves rather than looking to everyone else for it, even when it comes to what we have to say. This is what being empowered is all about initially. When we feel innately empowered, which is us in our most natural state, we find that speaking our truth has a natural flow to it. It comes out of us without effort and is delivered in a way that is non-threatening to even the most insecure of individuals. Now don't get me wrong here, there will always be those that are so in denial and insecure that no matter how much you go out of your way not to offend, you will invariably push a button or two. But, when you are in the empowered zone, you will be able to find a way to speak your truth with compassion and leave the reacting to them. Afterall, you can never dictate how someone else is going to respond, that is completely their responsibility. But, as an empowered individual, you can easily detach and set yourself apart from the other's trauma drama with the awareness of all the dynamics at play.

There are so many ways that we can disempower ourselves when it comes to our speech. Oftentimes, we find ourselves speaking without any real awareness as to what we are actually saying. Or, we distort what we really think or feel in order to please others and to avoid conflict. There will always be those who are to determined to shove their opinions down our throats and I tend to avoid these individuals much as I would a hungry tiger. Mainly because I believe that I am who I hang with and would prefer to be associated with more confident and aware people. But, even still you can deliver what you think or believe with diplomacy and respect if you can detach from these individuals' emotional diarrhea. The empowered individual never buys into emotional blackmail and says so with conviction.

Again, let me reiterate, everyone has their own story and can only do the best within the parameters of what they know. So, herein lies the importance of knowing firstly and then speaking truth as we know it. Gossiping, storytelling without conscious awareness and omitting truth or facts are all counterproductive if we are trying to find the power within to live authentically. Putting ourselves down to others, putting other's down, any time we diminish ourselves or someone else in speech we are not speaking from a place of empowerment.

The truly empowered individual does not allow themselves to be sucked into the character assination of others, no matter what. When someone is trying to get these astutely aware individuals to agree with them in terms of belittling or demeaning someone else, then astute XX or XY instinctively refuses to allow themselves to play the game. Speaking ill of others, just to "fit in" or belong, is probably one of the most disempowering things one can do for one's self. Its a perpetual never ending cycle that truly empowered individuals refuse to entertain. And, that is a choice that everyone has make for themselves. Everything is a choice, even what we CHOOSE to say. The truly powerful know this, live from this knowing and speak accordingly. Remember most importantly, empowered people say what they mean and mean what the say!

Until Next Time,
AudreyLynn