Feeling Empowered: Becoming the Badass Woman That You Are

Feeling empowered is key to accepting ourselves and finding the confidence to take on situations that we believe sometimes might be bigger than us. There are different ways to feel empowered: taking a self-defense class, listening to music, speaking to ourselves in a positive manner, reading motivating stories, going to the gym, etc. This post is all about a few easy ways to feel empowered and becoming the badass woman that you are. 

Embrace your Power

Empowerment isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about owning your strength, embracing your power, and stepping into your true potential. Recently, I had an experience that left me feeling more empowered than ever—a Women’s Self-Defense Class hosted by our local police department in collaboration with a nearby Taekwondo Studio. The anticipation of learning to defend myself and meeting other like-minded women was thrilling yet nerve-wracking. Little did I know, those two hours would transform me into a total badass, brimming with confidence and ready to take on the world.

Steps to Feeling Empowered

1. Discovering Your Inner Strength

The Women’s Self-Defense Class was an eye-opener. As I walked into the room, I saw a diverse group of about 20 women of various ages, races, and body types, all eager to learn and empower themselves. The energy was a mix of excitement and nervousness, but the sense of camaraderie was undeniable. Little did we know, we were about to uncover a strength within ourselves that we had only dreamed of. By the end of those 120 minutes, every single one of us felt like a force to be reckoned with.

2. The Power of Facing Fear

One of the first lessons we learned was to look our attacker in the face. This wasn’t just a defensive tactic; it was a profound psychological shift. By locking eyes with our imaginary assailant, we claimed our power and refused to be intimidated. We were taught to scream “GET BACK” as we defended ourselves, using our voices to assert our dominance and control over the situation. This exercise alone was a game-changer, instilling a sense of confidence and readiness that was palpable.

3. Mastering the Moves

The instructors guided us through strikes and kicks aimed at the most vulnerable areas: the nose, neck, and groin. We paired up to practice, and the room buzzed with the sounds of determined voices and the thuds of strikes landing on pads. As we moved on to the punching bags held by Taekwondo black belts, our confidence soared. For two hours, we punched, kicked, screamed, and sweated, transforming our nervous energy into raw, empowering strength. By the end of it, we felt invincible, every bit the badass we aspired to be.

4. Overcoming Self-Doubt

Just when we thought the class couldn’t get more intense, the instructors brought out a box of small plywood squares. The black belts demonstrated how to break them with a single strike, and we were challenged to do the same. My initial reaction was sheer disbelief—how could I possibly break a board without hurting myself? But as I watched the first brave woman step up, yell “HA,” and snap the board in half, my doubts began to fade. One by one, we followed suit, and each successful break met with cheers and applause. When my turn came, I took a deep breath, struck with all my might, and felt the exhilarating rush of the board splitting under my hand. Holding those pieces of plywood above my head, I felt unstoppable.

5. Celebrating the Victory

As the class concluded, we stood together, clutching our broken boards like trophies. The sense of achievement and mutual respect was overwhelming. We had come in as strangers, but we left as a united force of empowered women, each of us transformed by the experience. The instructor and the police officer received heartfelt thanks from everyone as we filed out, our smiles reflecting our newfound confidence.

6. Taking Empowerment Beyond the Class

Stepping into the dark parking lot, the air was charged with a sense of invincibility. One woman jokingly remarked to her friend, “It’s as if I want someone to come and attack me now.” Of course, we didn’t actually wish for danger, but the sentiment was clear: we felt ready to face any challenge. This newfound empowerment extended far beyond the confines of the class, fueling our everyday lives with confidence and strength.

7. Everyday Ways to Feel Empowered

Feeling empowered is about more than just physical strength. It’s about mental resilience and emotional fortitude. Here are a few ways to keep that badass spirit alive:

Take a Self-Defense Classes:

Try taking on new skills or build on ones you’ve learned. This not only keeps you prepared but also reinforces your confidence. Regular practice ensures that these techniques become second nature, and the camaraderie of training with other women continues to provide mutual support and inspiration.

Listen to Empowering Music:

Music has an incredible ability to lift our spirits and energize us. Create a playlist of songs that make you feel unstoppable, whether it’s the anthems of strong women or beats that get your blood pumping. Turn up the volume and let the music remind you of your inner strength. Check out one of my favorite Spotify Playlists that makes me feel badass.  

Practice Positive Self-Talk:

The way we speak to ourselves can significantly impact our confidence. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Start your day by looking in the mirror and telling yourself, “I am strong, I am capable, I am a badass.” Over time, these affirmations will become ingrained in your mindset.

Read Inspiring Stories:

Surround yourself with stories of women who have overcome obstacles and achieved greatness. These narratives can provide motivation and perspective, showing you that no challenge is insurmountable. Whether it’s a biography of a trailblazing woman or a collection of uplifting essays, let these stories fuel your own journey.

Stay Active and Healthy:

Physical health is closely tied to mental well-being. Regular exercise not only strengthens your body but also boosts your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, practicing yoga, or engaging in any physical activity you enjoy, staying active helps maintain that empowered feeling.

Engage in Creative Activities:

Sometimes, empowerment comes from expressing yourself creatively. Whether you enjoy painting, writing, dancing, or any other form of art, give yourself the freedom to create. This not only boosts your mood but also helps you connect with your inner self and express your emotions.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People:

The company you keep plays a crucial role in your sense of empowerment. Surround yourself with friends, family, and mentors who uplift and encourage you. Engage in communities, both online and offline, where you can share experiences and gain support. 

Set and Achieve Goals:

Empowerment grows with each goal you set and achieve. Start with small, manageable goals and gradually tackle bigger challenges. Each success builds your confidence and proves to yourself that you are capable of achieving great things.

Educate Yourself:

Knowledge is power. Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or simply reading about topics that interest you, expanding your knowledge base increases your confidence and opens up new possibilities.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:

Taking time to center yourself can significantly enhance your sense of empowerment. Mindfulness and meditation practices help you stay present, reduce stress, and gain clarity. By fostering a calm and focused mind, you’ll find it easier to face challenges with confidence. Check out my blog post about journaling and finding a healthy morning routine.  

Celebrate your uniqueness:

Everyone has a unique blend of experiences, skills, and traits that make them who they are. Embracing your authentic self means acknowledging and celebrating what makes you different. Your individuality is your superpower.

Overcoming Societal Expectations:

Society often imposes certain expectations on women, but empowerment comes from rejecting those limitations and defining your own path. Break free from stereotypes and create your own rules.

Empowerment is a journey, not a destination. It’s about embracing who you are and finding the confidence to tackle any situation, no matter how daunting it may seem. Whether it’s through a self-defense class, a powerful song, or a motivating story, there are countless ways to tap into your inner strength and become the badass woman you are meant to be.

What makes you feel empowered? Share your stories and experiences in the comments below. If you haven’t already, consider joining a local self-defense class or exploring other avenues to build your confidence and strength. Let’s inspire each other to become the most badass versions of ourselves!