Its BLOG TIME peeps! This weeks issue The Movement to Power – M2P courtesy of JoAnna Mendoza The Woman’s Equality movement has evolved into something greater. Within the last decade, there’s been a shift in what equality means. It’s become less about gender and more about the acceptance of differences and the awareness of human rights. Equality is redefined to mean empowerment. We must work on reshaping old perspectives and developing opportunities for change. By cultivating an environment that welcomes diversity, we create stronger families and communities. The goal is to forge a healthier society that benefits everyone. The combination of these concepts is the foundation behind moving to your personal power. Defining Empowerment In order to spark a movement forward within us, we must understand what empowerment means. To “empower” is to give someone the authority, or power to do something. In order to act, we’re given permission from someone else to do so. The theory that we must operate in a suspended state until someone tells us it’s ok to do something, is absurd. Nonetheless, we do this more often than we’d like to admit. We subconsciously seek approval from others. For example, when we try on an outfit, we might ask how it looks on us. If we get a positive response, we feel confident and it validates our feelings. Of course, it looks great on me; it’s my favorite dress. But…. if we get a negative answer, we feel insecure and the night is usually ruined. What does he mean this dress doesn’t look good on me? I wore it on our first date. He was singing a different tune then. The Improved Definition Words help shape our opinions about matters. Attaching a personal message lets us engage in behavior that will empower us. Your definition of empowerment should be one that does not wait or seek approval from others. Power- ability, capability, potential (to do or act) Movement- action, changing, transforming. Empower- To activate/enable the potential or capability. Em + Movement + Power = Empowerment Empowerment- To provide the tools/resources necessary to enable a person to move to their inner power without waiting for authority [from others] to do so. image My Trigger As a PFC, new to the Marine Corps, making a good impression during physical training was a sure way to gain respect. I was ready for the three-mile run. Standing in formation, I was pushed out, and told, “Get out Mendoza.” Confused and unsure of what to do, I looked at the Platoon Sergeant for guidance. He smiled and said, “Let’s see if she can hang.” Apparently, females didn’t run with the platoon back then. Keep in mind this was not so long ago, late 90s. Refusing to be intimidated, I subjected myself to ridicule. Eventually, I gained the respect of my male counterparts. I never gave up, even though they ran me into the dirt every chance they got. My efforts inspired other females to face fears. Granted there was a lot of pain involved, but it was worth it. If you can take it, you can make it, as Louis Zamperini would say. And I took it like a champ The M2P Theory The movement to power is the idea that we can empower ourselves as long as we are willing to step outside of our comfort zones. On the battlefield, Marines are aware that stagnation kills and movement means life. Leaders base their decisions on the ability to move forward. Marines never retreat. Moving forward provides the best chance for survival in tough situations. The movement to power values strengthens and shortcomings equally. Therefore, we can participate in practices that aid us in surpassing [what we thought were] limitations, making us powerful examples of transformation. The Four Concepts of M2P 1. Embrace Your Differences Diversity brings viable solutions to challenging situations. Embracing what is unique about yourself helps others to see what you bring to the table. Others won’t believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. Identify your strengthens and shortcomings. Hone your skills and work on developing your shortcomings. You can’t get better if you don’t work on at it. 2. Reshaping the Mindset Educate people about your talents through you action. A visual example is more influential, than explaining what you can do. Walk the talk. This not only reduces biases, but also reshapes toxic perceptions. When I chose to run, I changed the way a platoon of men looked at women in the Marine Corps. Changing the mindset of one person is just as important as changing the mindset of fifty people. 3. Creating Opportunity for Change We can’t fail if we’ve never had the opportunity to succeed. Participate in projects or events that you would never think of doing. It’s important to understand that success isn’t forged overnight. There will be failures, but that’s not a valid reason to give up. John F. Kennedy said, “Those that dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” 4. Share Your Achievements Most people take the path of least resistance because it’s the easy route. However, these people rarely make the pages of history books, let alone inspire others. Sharing your achievements and struggles, gives others hope. It encourages them to overcome their fears, try new ventures, and tap into the power they never knew they had. Closing the Power Gap The movement to power is not about competing for what gender can have the most power. It’s a tool to encourage women, as well as men, to seek challenges that will trigger them to move to the power within them. We empower each other by pushing through barriers, fulfilling our personal goals and sharing our achievements. The end-state is to transform our lives, so we can positively influence others to do the same. Remember, girls compete and women empower. meet JoAnna- unite4women #movement #Empowerment #power #women #military #marine #PFCM2P #diversity #mind #body #opportunity #achievements
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 19:10:18 +0000