Be Empowered!

Author Jan Bethancourt wanted to "mother, not smother" her daughter when she went away to college. Because of major health challenges with fibromyalgia and degenerative disc, her daughter was feeling less confident. Bethancourt prayed, "Help me know what to say so that she will recognize her worth." Her prayers were answered in the form of short inspirational sayings that she e-mailed her daughter each week. Bethancourt uses chocolate as a metaphor for confidence, courage, and compassion. Chocolate-covered wisdom nourishes the spirit and helps women recognize their gifts, identify their goals, and trust their abilities. For many years, as a child, the author was told that she couldn't eat her chocolate Easter bunny before breakfast. Insight came many years later when she realized that when you are old enough, you can decide to eat chocolate with breakfast. An awareness dawned"I am empowered!" It is a message all women need to embrace.