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Running head: Actually, I Can

Actually, I Can!

Jenelyn G. Tapia

St. Paul University Manila

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Running head: Actually, I Can
Actually, I Can!

What does being self-empowered means? Personal empowerment can be described as the

power that exists within a person. In most cases, personal empowerment often characterizes itself

in self-confidence and this means that an individual that is empowered often assumes his

responsibilities. Research has shown that persons that are empowered often have enough

confidence to make decision and this might stem from the fact that they believe they possess the

power to make a change (Weissberg, 1999). In addition, personal empowerment requires

developing self-awareness and an understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Knowing

one’s own limitations is a key to personal empowerment.

When I was in college, I was assigned as the News Editor of our school paper named

“Lakhan”. I am a neophyte on the said field despite being a bookworm. Never have crossed my

mind that I will be able to write news on various topics much more being an editor. Though a bit

unsure, I boldly accepted the assignment. I know that I cannot write news proficiently but I can

make use of the numerous advices my mentor has given me. I can also do some research on news

writing and attend seminars and necessary trainings. I did not let my weaknesses become a

hindrance in reaching my goals. Even if failure comes along the way, it should be considered as a

lesson not an obstacle. There was one occasion wherein none of our news is superior enough that

our Editor-in-Chief approved none. We were in a hiatus for a short while due to lack of material.

But we never give up; we strive to gather news that will be accepted by the Editor-in-Chief.

How have I been empowered? There are 10 ways to achieve self-empowerment

according to Operation Meditation (http://operationmeditation.com/discover/10-ways-to-

achieve-self-empowerment/). First is to be aware of the environment, yourself and your own

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Running head: Actually, I Can
capabilities. One should be prepared that stressful things are inevitable and be prepared for it.

Letting go of the past is the second step. Lessons learned from it should stay and any negative

parts must be left behind. Third is developing a new mindset to expand your horizons and to

grow as a human being. An appropriate mind set should be geared towards a positive manner not

a negative one. Not worrying about the future is the fourth step. Every day is a new day. No one

knows what the future holds and accept any challenges you may encounter and see it as an

empowering event. Fifth, trusting others and yourself propels you towards being a good decision

maker. Next is recognizing what you got and identify and embrace the gifts and talents you

possess. These will be your weapon in every difficulty that you may encounter. Taking time to

relax is the seventh and one of my favorites. We should always take a breather. My primary

stress reliever is my baby. Whenever I hold him in my arms, I feel that all my worries have gone

away. Being responsible is the eighth. We should take responsibilities in every actions that we

take and decisions that we make. Sharing is caring and this is the ninth. Once we know how to

empower ourselves, we should tell and show others how to do it. Last is being truthful. It is said

that “Honesty is the best policy”. Once you lie, you will feel ashamed and results to feeling of

worthlessness. We should always be true to ourselves.

In conclusion, self-empowerment needs to meet numerous ways to attain it. It does not

start and end to one thing and yourself only. I think the only time you can say that you are truly

empowered is the time that you will be able to empower others.

References
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Running head: Actually, I Can
Weissberg, R. (1999) The Politics of Empowerment

http://operationmeditation.com/discover/10-ways-to-achieve-self-empowerment/