"it is our duty to fight for our freedom. it is our duty to win. we must love each other and support each other. we have nothing to lose but our chains."
assata shakur
dear muse,
empowerment is not always loud
sometimes, it is the quiet decision to trust yourself
to speak honestly
to honor a boundary
to take up space without asking permission
to choose what feels true for you, even when it asks you to leave behind an old version of yourself
you are not waiting to become empowered
you are learning that the power has been yours all along
enjoy this week's love letter...
*all photos are links to more information, the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
our meditation or playlist
rooted in power
close your eyes, breathe deeply, and picture yourself surrounded by your ancestors
those who fought, spoke, and dreamed so you could stand tall
with each inhale, imagine their strength flowing into you
with each exhale, carry their legacy forward
a meditation for building true confidence to start your day
by mindful movement
our podcast or playlist
if you’re tired of listening to a voice that beats you down, fills you with doubt, and argues against your goals and dreams, it’s time to change your thinking
this podcasts empowers you with the steps you need to start programming a more positive, empowering, and confident mindset and make talking to yourself in a positive way a new habit starting today
enjoy this week's podcast
how to stop screwing yourself over
by the mel robbins podcast
our journal prompt
we’ve all been there
we feel stuck by feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy
these feelings overwhelm us, leaving us feeling unempowered, out of control, and even hopeless
although these feelings are just a part of the human condition, there are many things that you can do to get out of that slump and feel more empowered in your life
eight ways to feel more empowered in your life
by life purpose institute
our book selection
this captivating, dual-timeline novel weaves together the stories of two women separated by decades but united by the same fierce desire for autonomy
in the 1970s, we meet Eddie, a former socialite who sheds her old life to build a wilderness retreat aimed at helping women unlock their inner independence
in the present day, we follow Rowan, an aspiring screenwriter whose life has stalled, who uncovers Eddie’s old journals and finds the spark she needs to rewrite her own future
it is a beautiful, inspiring mystery about what happens when women stop asking for permission and start claiming their power
enjoy!
by karma brown
finally, our film selection
a soulful comedy starring Michelle Buteau as Mavis Beaumont, a 38-year-old assistant stylist forced to rebuild her life in Brooklyn after a devastating breakup
Mavis fights to overcome a scarcity mindset, conquer self-doubt, and find profound joy by leaning on her vibrant community and learning to fully appreciate herself
starring michelle buteau, tone bell, & marouane zotti
your ritual
empowerment doesn't always arrive with a grand gesture
sometimes, it begins with remembering that your voice matters, your desires are valid, and you are allowed to choose yourself
the voice ritual - speak one truth you’ve been holding back; set aside 5 minutes and ask yourself: “what do I wish I could say?” write the answer without editing yourself; no overexplaining or apologizing
the choice ritual - make one decision that honors you; think of one choice you've been postponing because you're worried about disappointing someone, making the “wrong” decision, or needing approval; choose one small action and take it today
the take-up-space ritual - practice being fully present without shrinking; for one day, notice every moment you make yourself smaller—physically, verbally, emotionally, or energetically; stop apologizing for something that doesn't require an apology; finish your sentence without minimizing your thoughts; ask for what you want directly; accept a compliment with a simple “thank you”
may you move through this week with a little more trust in your own knowing and a little less need for permission
enjoy!
in closing
empowerment is not given, it is claimed
it is the daily act of choosing to rise, even when it feels easier to shrink
it is the courage to honor your truth, to protect your peace, and to create change that ripples far beyond yourself
as you step into this week, remember, each boundary you set, each truth you speak, each dream you pursue becomes a bridge that someone else will one day cross with greater ease
with love,
tamara charese
as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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