How to feel empowered when you feel defeated...

There will be hard times-

As women, a lot of expectations fall on us. We are expected to be the glue that keeps all ends in tact. We are the nurturers, those prone to anxiety and depression. We are "the strong" ones.

What happens when we feel defeated? How do we overcome these moments of low self-esteem, low confidence, and not having an answer to how we can feel empowered again?

There is no one who knows you better than yourself. You need to start by looking within at what you feel defeated about. Is it your health? Is it your relationships? Is it the loss of a job? Write down what that is.

Forgiveness

Read over everything you've just wrote and forgive it. Forgive yourself for letting this situation take over your happiness and holding you back from your full potential. Make it known to yourself that you will not let this stop you from your power.

Focus

Now we start to rebuild. Focus on you and only you, then look around at the things that are going right for you. Take a piece of paper and write down everything positive about yourself, everything you love about yourself. List all of your best attributes, things that make you unique. Don't try to compare yourself to others or list things you may think you wish you were or had. You need to start by appreciating where you are now. Focus on what you have.

Keep up the positive self talk

When I feel defeated in a situation, I instantly begin finding things to put me back in control of my feelings about my situation. This may be hard, but it's crucial to hear it from yourself first. Create a list of affirmations or even download an app that sends reminders to your phone throughout the day. (I love the "I Am" app!) Dedicate a few minutes a day in a quiet place to read and repeat these positive words. Try to memorize some of them and recall them in your mind throughout the day when you are having a difficult moment.

Find someone to confide in. Remember that you are not alone.

We all go through struggles at some point in life, and it feels good to know that we're not the only ones who have experienced these things. It's important to remember that there are people out there, perhaps even your own loved ones, who want to help you and support you. Speak with people you know can help uplift you.

Whatever it may be that you feel defeated on, find something to put yourself back in control of the situation and begin to feel empowered again. You have the power to change the situation. You have the power to change your mood. You have the power to do anything you set your mind on, so stop telling yourself that you don't and start proving it to yourself!