What empowers me?

This is a nice and easy, classic answer. Empowerment empowers me.

Empowering Myself

Whether it’s empowering myself through self-care practices such as meditation, exercise, and reading, or empowering others through supporting small/social businesses, fundraising events, and social movements. Both stimulate my mind and heart, giving me those endorphins necessary to boost my mood and thus, self-esteem.

I think those fulsome, satisfactory, job-well-done kind of feelings are what truly empowers us, or me at least.

That’s how I felt when I participated in June Dresses for the first time this past June.

Travel and Volunteerism

Travelling/volunteering in India at that time I was limited on dress options, but hey, what better time to practice minimalism (a concept I consider a self-care practice in itself).

I jumped at the movement when my program leader, Kelsey, told me why I shouldn’t be grossed out when I see her wearing the same dress all month. Women supporting women is exactly what we all should be exemplifying in today’s climate.

More so, after being educated on the Tibetan Freedom Movement in Dharamsala and meeting these incredibly empowered Tibetan women living in refuge, I thought who better to give back to and raise awareness for through this opportunity with June Dresses.

I raised a whopping $150 for the Tibetan Women’s Association, Toronto, Canada location. Even so, the experience of simultaneously practicing minimalism and solidarity with Tibetan women empowered me to the very core, which will stick with me until June Dresses and I meet again next year to make an even bigger impact!

So this is where I plug in my own ventures that I do year round that empowers me, you, and others in need.

Helping Others

Like I mentioned, helping myself while helping others is where I’ve found purpose and joy in my life.

As a result, I’ve come up with different mindfulness activities that stimulate my creativity and contribution to a better world.

I handcraft sustainable, healing jewelry and self-care products such as copper earrings, hemp necklaces with gemstones, body/lip scrubs and essential oil mists. Each purchase is a contribution to a cause that I’m supporting at the time.

Last month, it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month due to the fundraising event my family holds annually. This month the proceeds go towards Yellow Brick House, a community of women’s shelters in support of a walk I’ll be participating in for the elimination of violence against women.

Not only does the act of creating these products benefit my mental health, but they can also be used in your self-care practices, and at the same time empowering a cause in need.

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and inspiration June Dresses gave me as a woman, activist, and just someone trying to find my purpose in this world.

Kyra
@herpursuit2peace