Before I began writing this blog, I could not figure out what empowerment meant. I knew the term, but I couldn't pinpoint the definition. I’ve heard the word plenty of times in speeches and everyday speaking, but I guess I knew of the word, but didn’t know how to explain the meaning or the feeling of empowerment. So, I looked on dictionary.com and here is the definition:
Empowerment: (verb)
1. to give power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means: I empowered my agent to make the deal for me. The local ordinance empowers the board of health to close unsanitary restaurants.
2. to enable or permit
After reading the definition, in my opinion, empowerment is feeling you have the ultimate authority and power to take control of yourself and/or others. I believe empowerment is a great ordeal because this can also be equivalent to having a high level of confidence in you, which shows to others. Empowerment enables you to conquer any goal or obstacle that is set before you. But at the same time, the greatest obstacle is achieving empowerment itself. You have to know within your heart and soul that you can be the voice, if not the true example of empowerment. Let it be known, in a non-obnoxious manner of course, that you are empowered and will share it with the public. And of course, know the definition of empowerment, without the definition you would be lost in finding who and what you want to become. After realizing and accomplishing what I have shared to you, finding empowerment and becoming empowered will no longer be a burden or obstacle upon your back. Empowerment is now the goal you have achieved. Now, let me give my own personal experience with empowerment. Whenever I get compliments or rewards I feel a great sense of empowerment. I get the sense of knowing that I am doing something right, and it’s a sign that I should continue whatever it is that I am doing a positive manner. Even if I feel like giving up at times, I still have that sense of empowerment to fall back on. I also feel empowerment when I am representing my own race in a positive way. I am putting down all of the stereotypes of African-Americans and succeeding, likewise of what statistics others think I should fall under as an African-American female.
After writing this blog, I do believe that I finally know what empowerment truly means. Empowerment is not something that you search for; it’s a feeling that should come naturally to you. Empowerment is a positive and enlightening feeling that you never want to let go of. Even by writing this blog I feel empowered. Everyone should have some point in their life where they feel empowered because this feeling gives you the confidence you need to succeed and feel great about yourself. In conclusion, I don’t really have anything more to say about empowerment, I believe what I have said gives my strong opinion.
