You are designed to overcome. You want to succeed. You want to recover after being knocked down. You want your voice to be heard. You are connected to divinity in a unique way. You want to feel as if you belong, because acceptance shows you that you matter. If these feelings resonate, please know that you are not alone.
For a long time now, women have been inhaling the aftermath of passing opportunities and the lack of access, representation, fairness, voice, and independence caused by gender inequalities. Indeed, women all over the world have carried the trauma of being overpowered and mistreated in their communities, workplaces and intimate relationships.
In the last few decades, this large-scale systematic problem has started to take a turn toward the positive. For example, the United Nations reported in 2020 that “more girls are going to school, fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality.” While more females are getting educated, only 29% of leadership positions in the U.S. are occupied by women.
In parallel to noticeable progress, challenges remain. One such challenge includes the prediction of setback and negative impact on women caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which “exacerbates existing inequalities for women and girls across every sphere – from health and the economy, to security and social protection.”
Throughout time, social transformation has been led by some truly courageous women and men who have taken an active role in fighting for women’s rights. Now, more than ever, it’s important to sustain the momentum of these efforts on both the individual and collective level.
At Providence, we care deeply about women’s health and embrace the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women everywhere.
What is #ShePower?
You possess exceptional characteristics that make you unique and authentic, but often you may overlook them because to you they may seem ordinary. The #ShePower is something that exists within you and is a characteristic, ability, strength, or personality trait that helps you live with more abundance, courage, happiness, love, and inner peace. In a period of great change, you must honor and embrace your inner gifts and talents. When you stay connected to your #ShePower/s you can be powerful.
Finding your #ShePower?
Some #ShePower traits are embedded in your DNA, like being charismatic, and others evolve over time, like expanding your perception about the world. If you have not identified your #ShePower, write down all of the unique qualities you possess, like being optimistic, intelligent, grounded, a leader, ambitious, tenacious, loyal, energetic, warm-hearted – basically anything that you are proud of and has helped you overcome change or conflict to create meaningful experiences for yourself and others. Remember that you have an incredible potential inside of you and that your #ShePower can help you banish fear, seize opportunities and guide you along your journey – allowing you to break through uncertainty with strength and belief that things will work out.
Reclaiming your #ShePower
Somewhere along the way, you may have forgotten about your #ShePower. Why? Possibly the churn of life, or the doubts that creep in and slow you down. And yes, sometimes you may not even recognize yourself – that is the sign that you need to reclaim your #ShePower.
If you find yourself unbalanced, unmotivated or uninspired, do some personal investigation to find out why you feel this way and whether these feelings have become permanent. Permanent – low frequency feelings – such as sadness, grief, failure, regret, pain, and stress can lead to more serious conditions such as suffering, anxiety, depression and other illnesses. But powerful women, don’t you worry, because you are survivors and, by design, very resilient – you just have to stay connected to your #ShePower.
Here are a few suggestions on how to reclaim your #ShePower:
Your inner spark (fire) matters as it’s the best indicator of how present your #ShePower is. The formula is easy and involves three stages of self-evaluation:
- Look within and see if ignition is happening. Did you become inspired by something or someone and feel motivated or see a positive change in your mood and thoughts? Hold on to that, and nurture it.
- Observe if your spark is expanding. Are you able to keep the fire burning long enough to take action? Are you in an environment where your #ShePower is aligned and gaining ground? If so, you may also feel visible and appreciated. Hold on to that too.
- Stay connected to your inner spark. Allocate time to track the consistency of the fire. Does it transition, flare up, decay, or glow? Then identify what causes that. Without embracing your #ShePower, your will, motivation, and power decrease, reducing your fire down, turning it into embers and ash. But don’t worry, because the #ShePower is always inside you and you have the power to ignite it at any time.
If you can, find a way to come back to what you love, and do it often. When you come back to what lifts you up, you will place yourself in a high frequency state where contentment, enthusiasm, serenity, and confidence are present and serve as the driving force behind your actions. Harness and embrace your #ShePower in a divine way because you deserve it.
Recognizing #Shepower in other women and girls
Today, more than ever, young girls need healthy models of power – empowering them to thrive. If you find yourself in a position to influence young girls, use it to inspire them, help them build their confidence and recognize their own #ShePower.
If you've ever felt your #Shepower slipping away and have found ways to reclaim it, you can help other women find theirs. Most often, just being present, listening, sharing, and connecting can help. You can also join social media groups and women’s circles -- a simple Google search will give you some options.
In addition to virtual or in-person resources, there are many holidays that celebrate noteworthy women. A few to include on your calendar are:
- Women’s History Month – March
- International Women’s Day – March 8th
- National Sister’s Day – August 6th
- National Women’s Day – August 26th
- Women’s Equality Day – Sep 19th
Share on social
Tag us on Instagram: Share your #ShePower by tagging @Providenceheatlhsystems and using the hashtags: #Shepower2021 #Shepower #femaleempowerment
Submit your #ShePower by sharing your video with She Power - Work2BeWell (Providence Program).
Re-share the video on your personal Facebook channel
Find a doctor
Access a full range of healthcare services through Providence Express Care Virtual. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory or search for one in your area.
Related resources
Medical Screenings Every Woman Should Have.
Let’s talk female empowerment: An interview with Bec Rawlings, bareknuckle boxing champion.
Let’s talk female empowerment: An interview with Selita Ebanks.
Let’s talk female empowerment: An interview with Olympic medalist Lauren Sesselmann.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
