[Note: The #1000DaysEmpowering project is the result of a pledge I made to provide educational and empowering posts for 1,000 days in a row on my professional Facebook page.]

#1000DaysEmpowering

Day 500 of 1,000

Wow. I just typed 500.

Halfway there!

When I typed “Day 1 of 1,000” 500 days ago, I had a solid idea of my message. I knew I wanted to empower. I knew I wanted to make a very public point of the fact that Empowerment Self Defense is a proven, powerful, and key violence prevention strategy.

What I didn’t know was where the series of posts would lead us, or what the world would look like halfway through.

But, in spite of all the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced, ESD practitioners have come together and shown unprecedented creativity.

But, in spite of all the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced, ESD practitioners have come together and shown unprecedented creativity.

With online classes and awareness campaigns, our message is out there and is reaching more people every day.

The proof? A few days ago, I put out a call asking you to fill in the blank:

#ESDWorks because _______________.

Here are some of your amazing answers:

… it connects people with the inner strength that already exists within them.

… it turns into action all the words about prevention of violence, teaching how, when, and also why it is our right to defend ourselves.

… it gives us the confidence to speak up for what we know we deserve.

… if you know you can fight to defend yourself, you can stand up for yourself in all situations.

… it maintains complete agency and choice, while also offering support.

… because it is an evidence-based system that teaches a variety of lifelong skills that manifest into a positive attitude that changes the individual and the society.

… because it equips you and makes you aware that you are a victory waiting to happen.

If you haven’t filled in the blank, it’s not too late! I want to read your response.

I feel so lucky that when the work gets tough, I can look at comments like these and immediately feel energized and inspired.

I’ll say it again. You all empower me. I feel so lucky that when the work gets tough, I can look at comments like these and immediately feel energized and inspired.

Thank you all for sticking with me and keeping this vital conversation going. Here’s to the next 500 days.

I’m so excited to see what they will bring!