The first step in Empowering your Relationships is to develop your own personal power, or Self-Empowerment*.  There are several steps to this process. The first step is Self-Awareness.

You may think you know yourself pretty well, and you may in fact, know quite a bit about the inner workings of your personality. We all have hidden sides to ourselves, much like a large house with rooms that are closed off for one reason or another.  When we avoid looking in those closed-off places it tends to produce distress, fear, confusion, and anxiety.

Here are some questions that can help you begin to open some doors:

(This is a writing exercise—you need to record your responses so you can read them back to yourself and re-read them to see if you want to add to or change any of your answers. When you re-read what you’ve written, notice any reply that surprises you. Writing your responses on paper helps encourage the subjective/ emotional side of your brain rather than the logical side.)

• I feel wonderful when I:
• I would feel more wonderful if I:
• What I fear most is:
• What I know about myself:
• Experiences that have shaped my values and attitudes:
• I feel happiest, most at peace, and in charge of my life when:
• What things I’ve learned that make me a better person:
• What  qualities I have that I want to pass on to my children:
• What I need to learn more about to understand myself better:

*Self-Empowerment:  To become stronger and more confident, especially in controlling your life and claiming your rights. (Oxford Dictionary)