Being healthy and strong helps me feel confident in my own skin.

By treating my body with respect – fueling it properly, moving it consistently and taking care of it with chiropractic work, acupuncture, massages and stress relief – I am making an investment in longevity, which makes me feel powerful.

I’m the slowest runner I know.

My steps feel heavy and time seems to slow down when I’m mid-­run.

My cheeks flush a red hue that’s so bright, I’m often asked if I feel ok after I finish.

It just isn’t easy for me.

But when I finish a jog, I feel incredible. I know I’ve pushed through something that doesn’t come naturally to me.

So even if I look the worst, I’m pretty confident that I feel the best!

I’m crushing a tough, strenuous workout.

My inversion practice makes me feel powerful.

Seeing Tripod Headstand for the first time is what got me hooked on yoga.

The potential of the body to make so many amazing shapes really lights the fire in my practice.

At the same time, the ability to not get attached to those postures keeps me humble.

Making a decision to care for my body when going upside down might not be the right thing – if I’m sick, or working through an injury for example – is equally empowering.

The asana practice helps us cultivate a sense of agency that really begins to carry through into our life decisions, where our understanding of personal power matters most.

I do a long run with a few of my training friends early on a Saturday morning.

I’ve found a handful of strong women who challenge my pace every week, and I feel so powerful running together as we talk about everything under the sun.

Miles tick by and before you know it, we’ve accomplished something that felt insurmountable hours before.

An undeniable synchronistic flow of events, opportunities and ‘aha’ moments line up all at once.

I get super excited and inspired when this happens.

I’m loving others unconditionally.

I recognize what I have accomplished, where I came from, and where I plan on going to accomplish what I envision.

I’m in sunshine, doing a creative yoga practice, writing, eating vibrant food, and laughing.

I am blessed enough to watch someone else find personal empowerment either on or off of their mat.

I’m helping others.

There is nothing better than the hug or smile from helping someone in need.

Doing stuff that scares me makes me feel powerful and confident.

Submitting work to my boss ahead of the deadline, finishing a marathon strong and confident, and making my loved ones feel loved.

The one thing that makes me feel powerful is moving my body to great music…dancing makes me feel alive and strong.

I am traveling.

Navigating through different places and cultures creates a challenge that makes me stronger and more resilient.

When I come home I have such a different perspective and I find that I am more confident in my daily life.

This quote makes me feel powerful:

“Michelangelo was once asked ‘How do you create a great sculpture, the David or the Pieta?’

And, he said that in his mind God had already created the sculpture. His job was to get rid of the excess marble.”

Setting a vision and going for it makes me feel powerful.

When I have goals I’m working towards, the journey there makes me feel powerful.

While there are always setbacks along the path to achieving goals, there are also moments that get me closer.

And when those moments happen, I definitely stand a little taller and walk a little prouder.

Running fast. Finishing a race with a new PR. Just being alive is a pretty powerful thing!

I feel most powerful when I set out to accomplish something that I have no prior experience doing—and achieve it.

It is a feeling of self-worth that is extremely empowering.