Power Moves You have as a Female Empath

I was listening to Taylor Swift's " The Man" and the lyrics that connected with me was

They'd say I hustled

Put in the work

They wouldn't shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve

What I was wearing

If I was rude

Could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves?

For one, this is just a great song, and two, it got me thinking about what kind of power moves does someone like me have? I am an Empath, kind of anxious a lot, and pretty sensitive. All of these things do not scream "Alpha or power." Or take on a board room full of people but we all have power moves. Empaths just have a different method.

When I was in the clinical portion of Chiropractic school I traveled with other fellow chiropractic clinicians to the University of Missouri to treat athletes. I was nervous but excited to do something like this. I remember I would try to get to know the athletes a little better. This "move" helped me feel more comfortable, allowed my brain time to put a treatment together, and found myself engaging in conversation and laughing. I thought I was doing good.

The head clinician pulled me aside during the middle of my rotation and said, "What are you doing? You are laughing and flirting with all of these athletes way and you look stupid. No one will ever take you seriously. You will fail in this profession acting like that." word for word. I was blindsided. My personality was coming off to the male head clinician like I was flirting and not capable enough to take on this profession. I felt sick to my stomach and ended up going to the bathroom to cry it out. I had to come back with a fresh face that hid how small I felt in that moment. Looking back I wish I could have called him a big Asshole and stood up for myself. But instead, I felt like a giant fraud and a "stupid girl.," It is hard enough to "figure out who we are" on top of being judged by people who think they are better than us.

Dusting myself off and getting back up again, being engaging, sincere, caring, and a good listener are what make me a good clinician. THAT is my power move. Empaths are resilient, usually the strong silent type, and can have a good cry or conversation with you whenever you need one.

If you are an Empath, think about what your killer power move is. It is probably something that someone told you a long time ago was wrong about yourself. Call them an Asshole (maybe under your breath), know that you are extraordinary, and being an Empath is a superpower. You are what makes this world heal and be a better place.

With all the love and light,

Dr. Ariel Blackburn

Chiropractor

Momma Bear

Empath