You are powerful, by Tracy Maxwell

This is the title of chapter 8 in my book, Being Single, with Cancer: A Solo Survivor’s Guide to Life, Love, Health & Happiness, and also the topic of one of the sessions in a 5-week tele-course I teach.  The thing is, for a long time, I didn’t feel that way myself. It wasn’t until cancer knocked me flat on my back that I truly understood my own power. The power to heal, the power to make a difference, the power to connect others in meaningful ways, the power to change my perspective. We are all powerful, but many of us are going through life like I was – not recognizing our own unique superpowers, or even actively denying them. 

If you had told me ten years ago that I would have left my stable and enjoyable job in higher education, founded a nonprofit, published a book and started my own business, I definitely wouldn’t have believed you.  I had a certain context for my life, and powerful was not it. In fact, for much of my life, I have had a negative connotation about power and “the powerful,” seeing mostly those who abuse their power by taking advantage of others and gain their positions through sheer force of ego. I didn’t want anything to do with that.

But now that I recognize what power really is, and the kind of difference I can make when I own my power. WOW - sign me up! I love to teach about the power of vulnerability, forgiveness, surrender, gratitude, authenticity, trust and faith.  These are not qualities we typically associate with power, but they are the most powerful practices I know. Without all of those things, I never would have been able to start a nonprofit focused on hazing prevention, go on national television as an expert in anything and share my message with thousands of college students as a professional speaker.

My experience with cancer gave me a whole new direction for my work, and allowed me to vulnerably share my journey in a book, as a healing coach and through workshops and healing trips. When we can own our power, we don’t let things like frustrations, set-backs, doubt, fear and the unknown stop us. We know that no matter what, if we focus on our vision and own our power, there is always a way. I wake up every day so excited to get to work because I see the impact of pushing my power button, and I love helping others push theirs as well.

Tracy Maxwell is a professional speaker, author, healing coach and three-time cancer survivor. Helping people recognize and heal the patterns in life that are keeping them from experiencing complete health, well-being and fulfillment is her greatest joy. You can connect with her on social media, read her blog, buy her book or find out more about her coaching at www.IAMTracyMaxwell.com