In my last post I stated that you cannot empower anyone; that their power must come from inside themselves. Then I shared that there are three things you can do to support their reaching their power. The first was to see them with it. See them already standing, walking, living in that power- that wholeness of who they are.

The second thing is this: Be an example by living in your own power. Have you ever noticed that when you’re around some people, you feel better about yourself? They have an influence on you without even saying a word. They live true to themselves and that has a ripple effect; it spreads to you. So consider this: You can live true to yourself and have that same impact on others. Live it.

I recently heard a story about a worried mother whose son didn’t eat well; he just wanted to eat sugar, and he was weak and sick because of it. She took him to Mahatma Gandhi to ask for help. The boy adored Gandhi and she was sure he would do whatever the man told him to do. They waited in line, and when it was her turn to share her request, Gandhi told her to go home and return with the boy in two weeks.  Of course, she was disappointed. But she was also desperate so she accepted his instruction, went home, and returned with her son two weeks later. This time, Ghandhi called the boy to him and in a firm voice said to him, “Don’t eat sugar.”

The mother was confused. She asked, “Why did you not just say that two weeks ago?”

“Because,” answered Gandhi, “two weeks ago I was still eating sugar.”

What an example! (And yes, I know there’s debate whether or not that story is literally true. But even if it is not true, the message is sound.) That’s much better than trying to use your words to convince someone else about what they should do. Live an example so they can see what’s possible.

Next week I’ll share part 3. Stay tuned.