Life Advice: You have Superpower

In 1984, a wonderful TV series debuted. It was Punky Brewster and I enjoyed the message that it portrayed.
No matter what the troubles the main character faced, she remained hopeful, confident, and empowered to prevail by staying true to her own instincts.
Punky often met challenges with her “Punky Power” attitude.
I was happy that my young kids watched the show because that had been my life motto and hoped they would absorb the message.
We often hear “you cannot control others but you can control your reaction to them”.
This is one of the soundest bits of advice.
I witness people frequently frustrated and angered by the behavior of others. I adopted a reliable philosophy somewhere along my journey. I try extremely hard never to give others, especially strangers, the “power” to make me angry or bitter. I don’t believe everyone realizes that they have that power.
The first step in the development of one’s personal power for calm and self-preservation is to understand how differently individuals ‘see the world’.
Our personalities are, by far, our most diverse assets.
The second step, is to study people a bit and understand when you are not being understood. Don’t dwell once you know this.
Thirdly, the best realization is that you do not control anyone else and there may be a point when talking, complaining, and explaining, just won’t work. It’s okay and it doesn’t have a thing to do with anyone’s ‘goodness’.
From there, learning not to accept anyone’s critique of you as an ‘expert’ level guideline. You are not made up of the opinions of others! You define who you are and must live your ‘good’ life.
Humility and honesty are a must when you maintain a critique of yourself. It is an evolution that will lead to wisdom and contentment when you question yourself along the way. When how you behave feels wrong, you can work on it. Also, pay close attention to people who impress you and seem decent. You can learn much about their motivations and character strengths and use those things for improving yourself.
Finally, always remember NOBODY’S PERFECT so forgive yourself and others generously. Don’t forget to laugh at yourself. Everyone is a goober now and then. Every day starts anew. You’ve got this.
When all else fails, fall back on these powerful and wise childhood sayings and you’ll be fine:

YOU HAVE THE POWER!