A recent experience prompted me to reflect on the question: What does power mean to you?

In my book, “An Artist’s Story: Self-Love and Loving Your Inner Child,” I describe power as the essential lesson of taking responsibility for oneself. This concept extends to every facet of our lives, particularly in the face of challenges.

Adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, enhancing our awareness, depth, and evolution toward our true potential. I believe that every challenge carries a lesson and a silver lining.

My own struggles began when my father rejected me shortly after I turned 18. I’ve learnt that even those who seem like our adversaries can be our greatest teachers, pushing us to confront and learn from our most troubling emotions.

A recent U tube video titled “Understanding Father Wound Effects” resonated with me. My father was emotionally distant during my childhood before he severed ties completely. Now, at 52, I recognise that this experience cast a long shadow over my life, especially until I faced the profound loss of my own first born at 33. It was then that I began to delve deep within myself, nurturing my inner child through creativity, art, and writing.

Susan E. Schwartz, a Jungian analyst and author of the book “The Absent Father Effect on Daughters,” symbolically illustrates how a father can stifle a daughter’s creativity and sense of self, leading to challenges like eating disorders and fragile self-esteem. I remember my struggles in my 20s with bulimia and attempts to drink, but my chronic migraines and endometriosis prevented me from going down that path. I felt I became the family’s black sheep, unfairly blamed for my father’s rejection.

Personal Power and its origins

A recent event led me to reflect on personal power and its origins. I’ve realized that struggles with self-worth, often rooted in experiences of abandonment, can drive reliance on money and alcohol as representations of power.

Materialism and ego stand in stark contrast to spiritual connection and nurturing one’s inner child. It’s vital to approach money pragmatically and kindly, rather than with emotion and control. A healthy ego is rooted not in material wealth, but in spiritual connection.

My power lies in taking responsibility for myself, developing self awareness, deepening understanding and having a connection to the creative spirit of my inner child.

Where does your power lie?

About Anna Jane Wilson

I love to write and paint. My daytime job is currently partnering up with my husband and Michelin Star Chef, Walter Trupp and in my spare time, creativity burns deep inside me, turning it into words and art is my joy! To learn more go to my website home page: Leap of Faith Wellness https://leapoffaithwellness.com.au

With love Anna Jane