Power for living is never found externally...it doesn't consist of
the things one controls outwardly. This is an illusion of power
and it can and does change with the varying circumstances of life.

For example, beauty fades, cars rust, houses deteroriate and
relatives inherit. Many people believe that power comes from
the things they control and manipulate. Nothing in this external
world is permanent...everything is "slippery" and will one day slip
away from you.

Real power only comes to us as we take responsibility for our
lives. It comes when we stop playing the "victim" and "blame"
game. You and you alone are responsible for your destiny.

When I working on my masters degree I had to face was called
a professional assessment close to graduation. Completing this
assessenment would make me a candidate for graduation. If I
failed the assessment I could be made to stay in school longer.

Just before going in, a friend of mine told me, "Go in there and
take charge." Taking charge became a metaphor for the way I
choose to live my life. It was some of the best advice I ever
received. I passed this advice on to my children and to those I
coach. When you are willing to step up to the "plate" and take
charge, there is no way for you to be a victim. Take charge of
your life!

Power also comes as you give to yourself. Many people see this
as selfish. Let me ask you this question. If you don't give to
yourself and take care of yourself then who will? How can you
give to others if you have nothing to give because you've
neglected nurturing yourself? So the act of self-nurture is truly
one of enablement.

Power comes from being honest about what you truly want and
need, in life, and not being afraid to ask for it. 100% of the time
we won't get what we don't ask for. It's not wrong to ask for
what you need physically or spiritually.

Power is also found in community. We come into this world
alone and we leave it alone. But while we are here we can
create interdependence. One of my favorite authors wrote that "it
is easier to go through this life holding hands with others than to
go it alone." Power comes from being a part of something bigger
than yourself.

Stay open to giving and receiving love. It will sustain life and
happiness.

Real power is always lived and comes from the inside out, not
from the outside in.

Steve Pilkington is a Personal/Professional Development Coach.
You can subscribe to his FREE ezine: "Create The Life You Are
Meant To Live" by sending a blank email to
subscribe@lifecoachpro.net with "subscribe" in the subject
line or visit http://www.lifecoachpro.net