Empower: To give power or influence, to promote self-actualization. To make strong and confident in one’s life and in claiming their rights.
Do you know how much I love this word? Well I do, a lot! Its definition includes 3 of my absolute favorite words and ones I live by and say every day. Power. Strength. Confidence. Empowerment puts the strength in Strength and Sunshine. Empowerment is something we all hold within us, but sometimes it lies hidden until we realize just how to claim our empowerment and let it guide us in our every day lives.
To women, empowerment may not feel as innate and accessible at first. Women have been seen as weak, timid, submissive, and easily taken advantage of. Women are portrayed all to often as powerless and without the confidence to stand up for themselves or even independent enough to take care and provide for themselves. To me, that’s just unacceptable and needs to change. Women can and ARE empowered, they just need to discover it within themselves and encourage their fellow females to do the same.
Today I’m excited to be partnering with Swoob to promote their empowered women campaign with SABRE and how an active lifestyle can help empower women and increase their safety. You already know that I am a huge advocate for women’s fitness and not being scared to lift heavy, find release, or go the distance. To be empowered you need the confidence that you can take care of yourself and be safe. Fitness can give you all of that and more. In the form of strengthening the muscles, stretching the body, preventing injury, learning how to fuel and nourish yourself, how to establish mental toughness, break barriers, and give the greatest most everlasting confidence possible.
As a young college aged woman (in a big city, no less), feeling empowered has never been more essential. With sexual assault being seemingly on the rise and prominent in the news lately, it is never far from my mind that women’s safety must be talked about and empowerment must be spread. No matter what age a woman is, she should never feel powerless or weak. She should never be scared to speak up and stand up.
This story, written by Alana Maiello, called We Are All Survivors, says it all. A young, “fragile” girl, taken advantage of and then didn’t speak up. But she has learned now it doesn’t have to be this way. She could have used her empowerment to fight back, speak up, and never give up. Her story is powerful and she wants all women to know that we are all survivors, we are strong, and we should never give up. We are empowered. Empowered together as women.
I have never been in a situation where I felt powerless or where my safety was compromised, but I feel like I know my confidence and strength enough that I will use every ounce of power in me to never give-up and to stand-up. I may only be 18 (19 in a few weeks), but I know I am worth it. I know that as a woman, it is my duty to help spread the empowerment I feel and help other’s find it themselves. One of the biggest teachers of this empowerment has been my active lifestyle and fitness. That’s why it is so important for all women to live an active lifestyle.
Through my strength training I have learned just how strong my body, the female body, is. Lifting weights is still thought of as a “male thing”, but that is so far from the truth. I think by just getting women to embrace this form of fitness can, no, it WILL, increase feelings of empowerment. There is nothing better than being able to squat double your body weight or lift 60 pounds over your head. Strength training actually shows you that your body is strong and can fight back.
Through my yoga practice I have learned the beauty of confidence. Once I learned to trust my body to not let me down, my confidence increased ten-fold. Twisting and holding my body in the most complex positions shows me that believing I can do something and having the confidence to try, will result in success. It may take a few tries, but I would never let myself give-up. Giving up is failure and there is no confidence in failure.
Through my short stint with running, HIIT, and miles of biking, I have learned just how much endurance and mental toughness I have. When your body requires you to keep pushing on, through miles, minutes, and hours, it takes a lot to keep telling yourself that you can. To stay strong, even when you feel like stopping, but no matter how fast or slow you go, you don’t, you never give-up.
For me, fitness has empowered me and will keep empowering me. That’s what I love about it so much. Not only is it important and great for the body physically, but it is important in self-worth and your mental state. Every woman needs to adopt an active lifestyle, no matter what that might include. Strength training, Crossfit, yoga, running, jogging, biking, surfing, hiking, whatever.
One of Swoob’s missions is to help women in this journey of self empowerment. “We inspire women to change the world. We believe that women have incredible potential and that healthy living helps unlock that power. Confidence, strength, and love is the core of what we do and create.” That’s why they create such beautiful athletic wear to keep women feeling confident while they empower themselves though fitness. I love that concept and that’s why I am proud to wear Swoob’s Dragonfly Sports Bra. It always helps to wear something comfortable while I’m increasing my empowerment through fitness. I’m sure all women want to feel the same way and Swoob has created their brand to do just that.
Together, as women, active and fit women, we can help each other along the journey to finding, learning, and continually gaining self empowerment and confidence. Together we can support each other so that we never give-in or give-up. Let’s make a pact to keep each other active, healthy, strong, and confident. We are survivors and thrivers.
So tell me:
+ What makes you feel empowered?
+ How will you help support other women in finding empowerment?
**This post is part of my partnership with Swoob. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I am proud to be raising awareness.**
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Sherry
This post is empowering and inspiring! Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you join us again this week.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
kimmythevegan
Amazing post! So many different ways for women to feel strong and empowered! Running makes me feel strong =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Thanks dear!
Erlene
Very inspirational post. I have two girls, so it’s important that they feel confident in themselves. Thanks for sharing this on Merry Monday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, it so is!
Ana Valentin
What a beautiful post Rebecca! What empowers me is a great workout, great wholesome food and being one with nature . There is nothing like feeling the Earth beneath your feet, the grounds heartbeat and the tickle of a breeze along your skin. There is nothing like the top of a mountain after a long hike. Nothing empowers me more seriously. Also positivity, especially in the bloggin realm!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! It is all the simple innate human things that can really empower us!
Ariana
What a beautiful post! I love how confident you are – I’m sure you inspire many women to feel just as strong and powerful in their bodies as you do.
Like you, fitness makes me feel empowered. Whenever I find myself in a tough situation in life I always remind myself of a difficult training session I made it through, and remind myself that this is no different.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Ariana! I hope I can inspire!
There is nothing more beneficial than living an active healthy life and growing stronger and more confident each day!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige
Lifting weights, having a good, positive body image, my health, and oddly enough, my monthly cycle make me feel empowered!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O! Good posture is so important! That always makes me feel so confident and empowered! Standing and holding your head high!
Jaime
I so need this today. Monday I started a 60 day PiYo workout schedule that I’m hoping will help me tone up and lose a little of this baby fat. It requires SO much balance and strength, and when I tried doing it before I kept telling myself “I’m too fat and weak to do this”. My legs already feel stronger, and I’m much more confident in myself! We women are much stronger than we realize.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! They are! Never be scared to try and never put yourself down! You deserve confidence and empowerment! Keep it up girl!
Farrah
Such an important topic to discuss! :] I couldn’t agree with you more!
Lifting weights, BJJ, and dance have all contributed to making me feel empowered. :] I’m hoping to be able to encourage my future patients to find some sort of fitness that they love and to roll with it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
And you’re in such a great position to make that impact….which I know you will! XOXO
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
I feel the most empowered when I achieve something, speak my mind, and when I do something with confidence. Empowerment is so important- owning your achievements and recognizing your strengths feels so great and is also key to personal happiness, I think. I think more women, especially, should be more comfortable with recognizing their achievements and how awesome they are!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They should! When they do, they will be happier and in a better mindset when they need to be strong and stand-up!
Crystal Green
This is an empowering post. You really are a strong woman both inside and out. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much dear!
Alana Maiello
Thank you so much Rebecca for your words! I can tell you are such a strong girl! Thanks so much for reading my story and helping to spread the message that women can overcome anything! – Alana
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Alana! You wrote your story so beautifully! Stay strong! Love always! XOXO
mags
Go Girl! Gotta love strong women!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! 😉
Brooke @ Silver Lining
I totally agree – confidence makes me feel empowered! When I am educated and feel confident, I can do anything!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is that magic trait we should all try to cultivate!
Evolve with Mary
POWERFUL!!!!! What an awesome post!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Mary!
Katie Cavuto
I LOVE your blog and love this post- You post is so inspiring to read- and you are only 18! Unbelievable!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much dear!
Krysten
LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this post and you!! Thank you for sharing beautiful!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Krysten! XOXO
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
I am in awe of your strength, intelligence, and sophistication at 18 years old. You are truly empowered and an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and introducing me to Swoob.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Jessica!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Yes strength, confidence and power. What a fierce combination. I have been in compromised situations where my safety was at risk and I have to say, if I didn’t know my own strength, I knew it after that. It’s amazing how strong an empowered woman can be!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! I hope we all can feel that way! We all deserve to feel that strength and power we hold!
Lora
As you know, I am a survivor of sexual assault. I love everything about this post and I, too, love yoga and fitness for the confidence it brings. Besos!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Lora <3 It's so so so important that we raise awareness for this!
Rebecca
Thanks for sharing! I think encouraging empowerment is so so important! I feel empowered when I am just myself. being me is enough & I can do what I want to better myself & the world, that’s empowerment to me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
As long as you feel confident and safe!
Linda @ Veganosity
Great post Rebecca!
I tried my best to raise my daughter and my son to not look at gender, race, or social class. We are all equal, we all deserve to be respected, and our differences (there are) should be celebrated. Sadly, I’ve experienced more women try to tear me down than men. As a society we have a long way to go. I hope to one day live in a world where we don’t have to categorize people by what they look like on the outside, but in the meantime, I’ll continue to look at a person’s character and morals and not their chromosomes and skin color.
Having said that, I practiced Shotokan karate for years and I know how vulnerable women are to male predators. I encourage all women to learn self defense, but still know that no matter how physically strong you are, a stronger man can take you down. When you’re walking alone you need to take the headphones out of your ears, look up and around you, not down at your phone, and let people know that you’re aware of your surroundings. Also, carry pepper spray and make sure it’s available if you need it. Those were lessons taught to me by an amazing sensei.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Women need to know how to defend themselves. I walked around with my alarm and never ever would have my phone (or valuables) out. Sadly so many people do. The amount of times people have crashed into me walking in the middle of the city. It made me so frustrated.
Erica @ Coming Up Roses
I LOVE this. The idea of empowerment…everything you said above…so good, and such great reminders to carry with us in everyday life! And DAYUM girl you are so strong, I love it! Rock those muscles!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Erica!
Sheryl
Great job! You are wise beyond your years.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Deryn @ Running on Real Food
Wow, that a beautiful post, Rebecca! So wise for just 19 too! I’m 32 and still figuring all this out 🙂 Thank you for sharing this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Deryn! We are never done learning and growing ourselves!
Lois
I love this post… so inspiring! I think the main thing is to be true to ourselves and to love one another that bit more. I just want us women to encourage and show kindness that bit more to each other. I feel empowered when I see other women help and encourage one other. And great sadness when we don’t.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, Lois, I totally agree! We need to help and lift each other up!
Heather @ FITaspire
This post! Especially with the video music in my head, it just read as so EMPOWERING – I could hear your passion! I agree with your comments on strength training – great way to build your power & confidence. Running makes me feel the same – sleek & fast (even when the speed doesn’t agree). #girlpower
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Heather! It is amazing how fitness can make you feel! One of the most inspiring things in my life for sure!
Elle Spann
I think that one part of empowering women is to not let each other tear other women down. Though we don’t go through the same life circumstances, we are all struggling with something. It’s hard enough being a woman in today’s society. Other women shouldn’t make it harder!
Elle
Southern Elle Style
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You said it girl! We should be helping each other along the way because we all DO have our own struggles and we should never be scared to ask for help and support!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
With 2 daughters I think about this all the time, how can I best help them not fear speaking up, being themselves, not giving in to peer pressure, etc. It’s tough, but I try to remember that I can to a large degree shape their views with how I treat myself, my husband, and them (the little guy in there too!) I try to remember they are learning how to be a woman, a person, from how they see me. It’s definitely the biggest incentive for me to be honest with myself and challenge my own fears and insecurities.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That is so right Michele! It’s all about being the best example we can be and supporting one another! We are all in this together and we should help each other always, never put each other or ourselves down!
Leslie
I love this! I want to be able to do all those yoga poses your doing. I was shooting for the scorpion pose but I think that’s a little too much to try to do by December. I don’t want to hurt myself.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m not doing anything hard here. That’s not the point of this post.
Susie @ SuzLyfe
I hate that so many women belittle and tear each other down. We should always work to build each other up, to help each other realize full potential, but not to fill with false hopes–I think empowerment is about optimistic realism, with a dash of dreaming 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea. It will take a lot, but we HAVE the potential to empower each other. No matter, we need to stand up for ourselves always!
Lissa
I have three brothers. I didn’t have a choice. I had to fight back. Two of the three of my brothers were on football teams. Women have to learn their strong points. Women may not have strong fists and not much of an upper body, but women do have strong legs, strong knees. If a woman knows where to kick a man, she can put him in his place. Also women are great with conversation. Women can fight back verbally and have an advantage.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You’re right! women have unique strengths men will never have. We are smart and we can use that always!