Lesson 25
Empowerment
Participants explore what it means to empower themselves and others. This lesson teaches that true empowerment comes from within—from knowledge, character, and the decision to take control of your life regardless of circumstances.
Module Resources
In This Module
Taking Control
Claim responsibility for your life and its direction
Inner Power
Discover that true power comes from within, not external circumstances
Empowering Others
Learn how your empowerment can inspire and lift others
Understanding Empowerment
Empowerment means taking control of your life and its direction. It's the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling your life and claiming your rights. True empowerment comes from within—no one can give it to you, and no one can take it away.
Even in prison, where external control is extreme, you retain the power to choose your attitude, your actions, and your growth. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, wrote that the last of human freedoms is to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.
Sources of Empowerment
- Knowledge: Education and understanding give you power over your circumstances
- Character: Your values and integrity create inner strength
- Skills: Capabilities give you options and confidence
- Relationships: Positive connections provide support and opportunity
- Mindset: How you think about your situation shapes your experience
Choosing Empowerment
Empowerment is a choice. Every day you can choose to:
- Take responsibility rather than blame others
- Learn something new rather than waste time
- Build relationships rather than isolate
- Focus on what you can control rather than what you can't
- Work toward your future rather than dwell in the past
Empowering Others
As you become more empowered, you can help others do the same. By sharing your knowledge, encouraging others, and modeling positive behavior, you multiply your impact. Empowered people create more empowered people.
Reflection Exercises
Write responses to the following questions. Take time for thoughtful, detailed answers.
Current Empowerment
In what areas of your life do you feel most empowered? What gives you that sense of power and control?
Disempowerment
Where do you feel disempowered? What could you do to take more control in these areas?
Building Power
What knowledge, skills, or character traits are you developing that will empower your future?
Empowering Others
How can you help empower others around you? What do you have to offer?