Last weekend, Malaika and I had a girls weekend. Richard and his brother went to Utah to help their parents get the house ready for winter. Aside from watching TV and movies, we took a self-defense course.The course was offered by Girl Scouts and Malaika earned her first Cadette Interest Project Award. Since moms could attend the class too, I decided to learn how to defend myself, just in case.

I learned how to break several holds an attacker was likely to use, using just my body and my weight. It was amazingly easy. I had a great time hanging out with teenaged girls too, and they did not seem to mind that three moms had decided to take the class too. After lunch, the girls learned about the types of abuse that may occur in relationships and what to do about it. What was amazing was that the presentation was done by high school students!

Then we got to break boards with our hand. Yep, it’s true. I did not think I could do it, but I broke a board. Then the girls were given two boards to break. The three moms declined the offer to participate any further in the board breaking experience. But for some unknown reason, I decided I would try and break two boards. Of course, by the time I made this decision almost all of the girls had already accomplished this feat, leaving me with 22 teenage girls watching.

So I focused and hit the boards lightly, then medium, then hard. And much to my amazement, they broke. The girls cheered and clapped. And I felt strong and powerful. On the way home, Malaika talked non-stop about the day. But I did hear her say she was proud of me for being the only mom to break two boards.

I realize today how significant Saturday was. I bonded with my daughter and earned her respect. I am beginning to accept the fact that she is a young woman and needs to know these things. But most of all I empowered myself. I accomplished something I never thought I could do. I put myself out there and I did it!

This week do something to empower yourself. Try something you have never tried before. Believe you can accomplish whatever you choose. This week be strong, brave and powerful.