Wellness: What are you powered by?

While driving home from an appointment in the city recently, I noticed a blue truck with a bumper sticker that said “Powered by Jesus.” Passing the truck, I curiously glanced over to see the driver bopping along with the windows down, a passenger animatedly sharing a story beside him. As my car overtook his he turned and flashed me a big smile. I returned the smile and as I drove away I wondered, what am I powered by? Contemplating this for the duration of my drive, I ended up with a lot more questions than answers: What are you powered by? What gets you up in the morning and gives purpose to your life? What is the fuel that keeps you powered? Does what you’re powered by change as we age? Is being powered by something the same as a life purpose? Is true power internal or external?

After much reflection I would say I’m powered by love and my fuel is noticing beauty, spending time in nature, moving my body, and gratitude.

When I was younger my response would have been radically different. Back then I was striving to finish school and become a dietitian. I was striving to make money, buy a house, and start a family. I was striving to fit in. I didn’t know it at the time but I was powered by fear. Fear of not being enough. Fear of letting people down. Fear of failure. Fear of not being loved.

We seem to have created a world that makes us feel like we’re not enough (fear) and then offers us solutions (external power) in things like weight loss pills, plastic surgery, big houses, big cars, fancy purses and jeans. The problem is the jeans wear out, the house needs updating, and the pills can make you feel sick. I love mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book title Wherever You Go, There You Are. To me this means that no matter the external situation, you are who you are. So whether I’m dressed in $300 jeans or a pair from the thrift store, I’m still me even though the world would have me believe I’m more powerful/sexy/skinny in the $300 jeans. This type of external “power” is a facade that can be easily shaken with the next consumptive trend.

How do we learn to be powered authentically? It starts by asking yourself the question, if everything in my life disappeared who am I? Who are you without all the things, accomplishments, trips, and investments? If all that disappeared, what are you left with? This is your authenticity. Your true power.

When clients find their authentic source of power they experience more ease and grace, and are way less impacted by the judgements and opinions of others. Authenticity is an anchor that tethers you to your unflappable power.

Nicole Hambleton is a wellness coach, meditation, and energy medicine practitioner living in Mulmur. Visitwww.purpletentwellness.com and find her on Instagram @purpletentwellness.