In our lives, we often encounter moments that, while seemingly mundane, hold profound lessons about empowerment and self-worth. I want to share a story from a few years back, a simple incident at a presidential election center that taught me a difficult and lasting lesson about self-advocacy.

A Day at the Polls

I decided to volunteer at the election polls for the Presidential election a few years back. It was just another busy day volunteering at the election center. The buzz of civic duty filled the air, with each of us assigned to specific stations and roles. We had a simple system for breaks, ensuring everyone had time to rest and refuel. Being the people watcher that I am, I noticed many of the volunteers happily chatting and exchanging laughs and smiles throughout the day while doing their tasks. But amid this routine, I witnessed something that struck a chord within me and bothers me to this day.

Among us was an older lady, dedicated and focused, who manned her station with unwavering commitment. As the hours ticked by, I noticed she never once got up for a snack or a break. It wasn't until well past her scheduled lunchtime that she meekly approached the lead volunteer and said, "Excuse me, I don't ask for much in life, but could I be excused to have some lunch?"

To be honest, I didn't think much of it at the time, but I have since recounted this story to my husband several times and it has continued to nag at me. At first glance, you might think that this lady was being noble and was trying to allow others to take a break perhaps because she thought other people might need it more. That perhaps she was happy to do so, because she wasn't hungry. But there was a sad hopelessness in her voice that I'll never forget.

Misplaced Virtue

This isn't a tale of her selflessness or dedication. Instead, it's a stark illustration of a lack of self-empowerment. Here was a woman who, even in the basic act of fulfilling her hunger, placed herself last, waiting for permission to address her fundamental human needs.

This incident made me reflect deeply. How many of us live our lives in this manner? Constantly putting others first, not out of genuine altruism, but out of a deeply ingrained belief that our needs and desires are secondary, or even unworthy of attention.

The Cost of Self-Neglect

Living this way – always at the end of our own priority list – we risk never truly living at all. Our dreams, aspirations, and potential get buried under layers of self-neglect and disregard. And for what? The approval of others? The misguided badge of honor that is self-sacrifice?

I'm not saying that there aren't times in life where putting others first is appropriate or necessary. I can think of plenty of times where people give from genuine love, care, or duty. But there is a difference when someone sacrifices their own well-being as if they believed they owe the world something. 

The Choice of Empowerment

It took me a while to realize why I kept thinking of this story over and over again, and I finally realized that I saw me in that lady. I saw what I would become if I always viewed myself as secondary, unworthy, and worthless. I saw what I would become if I kept believing that I am never enough. 

I now wake up and make the choice to choose ME. I don't want to end up like that lady. Not because she wasn't a good person, but because I saw the trap of a life lived without self-advocacy. We all deserve to stand up for our needs, to pursue our dreams, and to live a life where we treat ourselves with the same compassion and importance we extend to others.

If you're reading this and it resonates with you, if you're tired of feeling like an afterthought in your own life, I want you to know it doesn't have to be this way. You are a being of immense potential, and it's time you start treating yourself as such.

I invite you to join me in a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's explore what it means to truly advocate for ourselves and to live a life aligned with our deepest values and ambitions.

In Closing

Our lives are too precious to be lived in the shadows of others' expectations and needs. It's time to step into the light of self-worth and empowerment. Remember, the journey to reclaiming your life starts with a simple yet powerful belief: You matter.

Take the First Step Towards a Vibrant Existence

For those ready to take the first step, I’m here to guide you. Reach out, book a session, and see how Club Phoenix can help you unlock the life you deserve.