16 Steps of Empowerment

RED ROAD ~ A Return To The Circle


(16 Steps of Empowerment)





1. We affirm we have the power to take charge of our lives and

stop being dependent on substances or other people for our

self-esteem and security.



2. We come to believe the Great Spirit awakens the healing wisdom

within us when we open ourselves to that power.



3. We make a decision to become our authentic selves and trust in

the healing power of the truth.



4. We examine our beliefs, addictions, and dependent behavior in

the context of living in a hierarchal, patriarchal culture.



5. We share with another person and the universe all those things

inside of us for which we feel shame and guilt.



6. We affirm and enjoy our strengths, talents, and creativity,

striving not to hide these qualities to protect others' egos.



7. We become willing to let go of shame, guilt, and any behavior

that keeps us from loving ourselves and others.



8. We make a list of people we have harmed and people who have

harmed us and take steps to clear out negative energy by making

amends and sharing our grievances in a respectful way.



9. We express love and gratitude to others, and increasingly

appreciate the wonder of life and the blessings we do have.



10. We continue to trust our reality and daily affirm that we see

what we see, we know what we know, and we feel what we feel.



11. We promptly acknowledge our mistakes and make amends

when appropriate, but we do not say we are sorry for things we have

not done, and we do not cover up, analyze, or take responsibility for

the shortcomings of others.



12. We seek out situations, jobs, and people that affirm our

intelligence, perceptions, and self-worth to avoid situations or people

who are hurtful, harmful, or demeaning to us.



13. We take steps to heal our physical bodies, organize our lives,

reduce stress, and have fun.



14. We seek to find our inward calling and develop the will and

wisdom to follow it.



15. We accept the ups and downs of life as natural events that can

be used as lessons for our growth.



16. We grow an awareness that we are inter-related with all living

things and we contribute to restoring peace and balance on Mother

Earth.