Courage for career women blog

with Vanessa May

Rise above: a guide to empowerment for career women.

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In the bustling realm of a career woman’s life, my journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of growth, resilience, and the empowering shift from fawning to self-advocacy.  Like many others, I too grappled with the inclination to prioritise everyone else’s needs over my own – a habit that often left me feeling overshadowed in both my personal and professional spheres.

Embracing my fears:

The first pivotal step in my transformation was confronting and embracing my fears.  It wasn’t an easy process. I had to delve deep into the anxieties that held me back, whether it was the fear of not meeting expectations or the fear of being perceived as too assertive.  Acknowledging these fears became the compass guiding me towards a path of self-discovery and growth.

Stepping into courage:

As I began to confront my fears, I discovered the true essence of courage.  Each step outside my comfort zone became a victory – a testament to my ability to triumph over self-limiting beliefs.  From expressing my opinions in meetings to taking on leadership roles, I learned that courage wasn’t the absence of fear but the audacity to move forward despite it.

Mind, body, spirit, and emotions in harmony:

The journey towards self-advocacy demanded a holistic approach.  Mentally, I engaged in deep self-reflection, setting clear professional boundaries and goals.  Physically, I prioritised my well-being, recognising that a healthy body and calm state was crucial for the challenges ahead. On a spiritual level, I reconnected with my core values, ensuring that my actions resonated with my authentic self.  Emotionally, I learned to navigate the intricate dances of feelings, transforming them from potential roadblocks into tools for constructive self-expression.

Self-advocacy as liberation:

The realisation that self-advocacy was not a selfish pursuit but a form of self-liberation was key.  I found my voice in meetings, spoke truth to power, contributed ideas without hesitation, and set boundaries that allowed me to balance work and personal life.  In doing so, I created an environment that celebrated authenticity, mutual respect, and collaboration.

My journey from fawning to self-advocacy has been a profound evolution – one that continues to shape my experiences and interactions.  It is a testament to the empowering transformation that occurs when we confront our fears, step into courage, and work harmoniously with our mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Today, as I navigate the intricate tapestry of my career, I stand not only as a career woman but as a self-advocate, empowered and unapologetically authentic.

My mission is to help women who want more courage to self-advocate and rise in their professional and personal lives. I’m deeply committed to this work and in 2024 have created a complimentary breakthrough one hour session to offer something of value and help you learn more about how I work. Check out the details here.