Baby Boomers Need to Stay Empowered

Consider empowerment to be an individual process, a personal path or journey you must take in order to achieve self-fulfillment. Baby boomers sometimes feel dis-empowered because of all the stuff on their "plate." However, life for you is just starting, so you must continue to reach forward towards your full potential and develop your sense of self.

Some things you can do to stay empowered are the following:

Work on developing a strong social network of people you trust and who are supportive. This will increase your self-worth and self-confidence. Knowing people care for you and are there if you need them helps you get through difficult times and unexpected challenges.

Don't be a martyr. Take care of yourself above all else to ensure you maintain your health and well-being. You should never feel guilty about focusing on yourself and your personal care. You can do this by nurturing positive thoughts and messages of support. When you say things like, "I deserve only the best in life" or "I am feeling and doing well," you are reminding yourself of your importance and worthiness.

The most significant relationship in your life is with yourself. To find someone you like is great, but to like yourself is even greater. To respect others with admiration and love is important, but it is more vital to believe in yourself and all the good in life your deserve. You alone should be the judge of your own self-worth. Therefore, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Your life is yours to control. Work on managing your challenges (including any long-term family crises) with skills that help you overcome these obstacles and bounce you back from adversity. The way you do this is by expecting things to turn out well, by staying calm in the face of turmoil and by keeping your focus on healthy solutions and actions. When you are in control of your life, you are better able to implement the most effective coping skills and management strategies. These decisions will result in better choices and more successful outcomes for you.

Always understand that your choices are endless. It is very empowering to know that you can decide how you are going to feel at any given moment, no matter what the circumstances. Plus, by being part of the action and not just an observer, you are taking life by the reins and enjoying the ride.

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life and 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!

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