“When you know yourself you are empowered. When you accept yourself you are invincible.” ~Tina Lifford
This quote resonated with me for several reasons. First, it closely reflects the perspectives of my lessons and experiences relating to 100Pedals. Second, it reminds me that the key to success and fulfillment in life starts with the awareness of and confidence in our personal greatness.
“When you know yourself you are empowered…”
One of the foundational lessons of 100Pedals is embracing responsibility. We are where we are today as result of all the decisions and choices that we have made in our life. We are here because we are supposed to be here and we cannot change our past. Where we go from here is up to us to define, decide, and act on.
Whether we believe, agree or accept it — each of us is empowered in our lives. We do not need permission or approval to engage in the behaviors or activities toward the life we dream of or the vision we have for our lives. I am not declaring that anyone can simply ignore their current responsibilities to others, quit their jobs tomorrow, or run off to Tahiti and hang out. While we are empowered, some of our past choices have created responsibilities that cannot be ignored. However, these responsibilities do not mean that we are not empowered to influence, create, or define change in our lives.
When we recognize and understand ourselves — who we are, why we are here, what inspires or drives us — we have the ability and the obligation to embrace this awareness of self, bring it out into the open and begin to freely share it with others. Living in full commitment to who we are enables us to influence and define future outcomes and gives us the ability to change or alter our life.
Knowledge of self gives each of us the power to be our self. When we are aware, confident, and committed to being our authentic, honest selves we inspire and create change in others and in the world around us. Our awareness gives us knowledge and confidence. That knowledge and confidence puts us in action. And, this type of action stems from empowerment — knowing we are free to express and live our greatness without restrictions or limitations.
“…When you accept yourself you are invincible.”
Clarity, confidence and awareness of self offers each of us incredible freedom to be who we are and to share the gifts of who we are. Our ability to take this awareness to incredible heights is found in embracing, loving, and enjoying the person we are.
Each of us has been blessed with a unique set of skills, talents, gifts, and experiences. It is these gifts that make each of us unique and valuable. The power of our potential and of our ability to make a difference in our world is not defined by what we could be; it occurs when we celebrate who we are and what we offer others through the uniqueness of our individual abilities.
When we love, trust, and believe in who we are, we become an immovable, influential, valuable, and unstoppable force. In our confidence, clarity, and acceptance of self, nothing can prevent us from our accomplishments.
When I have allowed my heart — my passion, my purpose, my vision, and my commitments — to define my actions, the outcomes have been amazing. The minute I seek approval, seek affirmation, challenge my skills and abilities, or compare my progress to the journeys of others, I stumble. I stumble because I allow myself to be distracted from what drives, inspires, and guides me. The source of that strength is the confidence I have in who I am, where I am going, and what I am offering to others along the way.
You are empowered and blessed. Embrace the opportunity to define the path of your journey — follow your heart, embrace your awesomeness, and give yourself permission to get moving!
