roseA harsh word, a disapproving look or an offhand comment from another can catapult us into feelings of unworthiness. Whatever sense of self-worth we have can feel diminished in an instant because of another’s actions. The moment we relinquish our power to others, we feel both helpless and hopeless.

The need to be loved and accepted by others makes us vulnerable to feeling hurt, criticized, and judged. We tend to embrace these feelings as reflections of unworthiness. It is difficult to see beyond our own pain and distress to imagine the possibility of moving forward.

By consciously identifying victim thoughts and reframing them, we can begin to lift ourselves out of a victim mentality and reclaim our power. Wayne Dyer shares: “With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”

The power we are ultimately searching for cannot be found in the physical world. As we deepen in faith, we are empowered and allow God to work through us. There is less attention to reassuring our ego and more appreciation for God expressing through us. The light of God within is the power we are seeking and God’s power is love.

The power of love heals, forgives, and makes new. Turning to our divine self instead of our victim self, we are powerful. We know our worthiness, and we live in harmony and freedom.