Finding light in the dark: Harnessing your unique strengths.
What do you do when the world feels heavy?
When everything seems to require more effort, more energy—more of you. Lately, that’s how life has felt to me: cold, weighty, unrelenting.
Usually, when I feel like this, I turn to my yoga mat or my mindfulness practice. But these past few months, that hasn’t been enough. Even though I limit my time online, my social media feed has been a constant stream of chaos—voices shouting from all sides, each post more inflammatory than the last. By the end of each day, I’ve felt drained, unsure of what to believe, unsure if I even feel safe. Maybe that sounds dramatic, but I know I’m not alone. Many women in my circle have shared the same feelings. We’re all searching for something—a flicker of hope, a way to feel lighter.
And then, last week, I experienced something that shifted my perspective. Something beautiful. Something that filled me with warm, quiet hope.
I’m currently halfway through the Hanley Leadership Development program for healthcare professionals in Maine. In our most recent session, we had the privilege of hearing from leaders at the Wabanaki Health & Wellness Center about healthcare equity. They opened with a sharing circle, a simple yet profound practice. The question posed—coincidentally one I’d been considering since the start of the year—was this: What is your personal power?
One by one, all 33 of us answered. As I listened, I felt something shift. Connection. Inspiration. A growing light. Each response was vulnerable yet strong, honest yet deeply personal. Hearing leaders in healthcare—people who dedicate their lives to helping others—express what they believe to be their personal power was a reminder of something I’d been missing: the beauty of presence. The magic of holding space. The power of showing up as our authentic selves.
Yes, some people will show up in ways we don’t like. Some will challenge us, or even anger us. But when people show up authentically, we also find our people. Our tribe.
So, what is personal power? It’s the thing that makes you, you. The unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives you bring to the table. It’s a force that, when harnessed, has the potential to shape the world around you—for better or worse. Hopefully, for better.
For most of my life, I believed my personal power was listening. A classic introvert move, right? But lately, I’ve started to see it differently. My personal power, I’ve realized, is curiosity. I love meeting people and learning about them—their passions, their travels, their struggles, their dreams. I love creating space for honest conversations, for connection. And I’m endlessly curious when it comes to learning—about holistic health, wellness, communication, and the human experience.
With this shift in perspective, I find myself asking: How do I use this power? How do I create spaces where people feel seen, where we can learn from and inspire one another? Because, as Voltaire (or Uncle Ben, if you’re a Marvel fan) famously said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Identifying our personal power is only the first step. The real challenge—the real opportunity—is in how we use it.
Discovering your personal power is like lighting a lantern in a dark room—the more people who light theirs, the brighter the world becomes. So, what’s your personal power? Take a moment today to sit with this question, and more importantly, to find ways to use it.
About Meg
I wear several hats that allow me to contribute positively to the lives of those around me. As a health coach, I am committed to guiding individuals on their wellness journeys, helping them make sustainable choices that lead to vibrant and balanced lives. Through my role as a yoga teacher, I have the privilege of sharing the transformative benefits of this ancient practice with my students. Moreover, as a personal trainer, I believe in empowering others to harness their physical potential and lead active lives.
Embark on a transformative health and wellness journey tailored exclusively for you through my specialized health coaching services. Discover the power of mindfulness practices, enhance your sleep quality, and achieve an overall sense of well-being with personalized one-on-one coaching sessions. If you find yourself facing challenges in making positive changes, consider the invaluable support and guidance that a health coach can provide. Your path to a healthier and happier lifestyle begins here.