In today’s post, I want to share some EMPOWERING thoughts to help shift the way you think about situations when they happen to you!

As someone who has done extensive work on herself and as a coach who has worked with hundreds of women, I’ve noticed that negative thinking can be a major obstacle to personal growth, self love, confidence and success. Negative thoughts can be especially powerful when we’re feeling vulnerable, stressed, or overwhelmed by a challenging situation in your personal or professional lives.

Recently, I found myself in just such a situation. I was struggling with an issue in my business and feeling lots of negative emotions. I kept replaying the situation over and over again, ruminating on what happened and how I failed in that situation. Then I caught myself thinking, “Well, she’s taking advantage of me.”

As soon as I heard that thought, I realized it was a negative and disempowering one. It suggested that I had no control over the situation and that I was powerless to change the behaviors of others. I felt trapped and helpless.

But then I realized a hard truth that hit me square in the face:

People don’t take advantage of you.

You LET people take advantage of you.

That might seem like a small difference, but it’s actually a very important one. When you say, “They are taking advantage of me,” you’re giving someone else control over your life.

You feel like you can’t change the situation or alter your feelings, and it feels very heavy – as if you’ll never be free of this feeling.

You’re telling yourself that you can’t do anything to change the situation and that you’re a victim of circumstance.

But when you say, “I am LETTING them take advantage of me,” you’re taking ownership of the situation. You’re acknowledging that you have the power to change the way others treat you. You’re telling yourself that you can do something about the situation and that you’re not a helpless victim.

This shift in thinking is incredibly empowering. It reminds us that we have control over our lives and that we can take action to change the things that aren’t working for us. It helps us to be more proactive and less reactive in our interactions with others.

So if you find yourself in a situation where you feel like someone is taking advantage of you, try shifting your thinking. Instead of saying, “They are taking advantage of me,” say, “I am LETTING them take advantage of me.” See how it feels. Notice how it changes your perspective and your emotions.

And remember: You have the power to take control of your life and to stand up for yourself. It all starts with using empowering language when negativity presents itself in your thoughts. You have responsibility for how others treat you, so do something about it!