Did you grow up thinking Entitlement was a dirty word? Are you uncomfortable with individuals who walk around with a strong sense of it? Some of the things I grew up hearing about “entitled” people were that they were full of themselves, too big for their britches or their heads were too big. Sound familiar? Not exactly flattering descriptions are they?

When you encounter someone who is truly in their own power – how does that really make you feel? Is it something you celebrate or does it bring out some insecurities? Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a little more of it? Are your responses tied to what you heard or experienced growing up? Do you experience some mixed emotions; perhaps feelings of jealousy with a titch of judgment?

We recently added a kitten to our home and this tiny little creature has the most fully developed sense of entitlement that I have seen in a long while and it’s a joy to watch. He makes no apologies for himself. Although he is less than half the size of the other cats and could easily fit into the mouth of the dog he knows he is everyone’s equal so nothing intimidates him!

I cannot tell you how much fun it is to watch someone that has no fear; someone who comes from a place of entitlement that has nothing to do with anyone else’s sense of worth. I am once again reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Marrianne Williamson “…your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you… As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others…”

Caroline Myss suggests in her book Anatomy of the Spirit, that everything in our lives is symbol and can teach us much about our selves if we choose to embrace the learning. So from that perspective I chose to look at what I was observing in my kitten; and started asking myself some questions; When I walk into a room or new situation do I wait for someone to welcome me or do I initiate the conversation? Do I slip in the back and call myself an ‘observer’ or do I participate because I know I have something to offer? Do I have a playfulness and joy that encourages others to play along and explore? How about you, how do you walk into a room or a new situation?

Contrary to what some believe; we are all entitled to be happy, to love and be loved, to realize our dreams and to understand that we are all connected to something far greater than these physical shells that contain us. The only thing stopping us from experiencing any or all of that is a belief that someone else has a say in the matter.

No one can give you a sense of self worth or a belief that you’re worth loving, you deserve happiness and that you can contribute. These are things that are yours for the taking. No one can give them to you, no one owes them to you and no one can take them away.

Is it time to take your power back? Is it time to come fully into who you really are and what you’re really connected to?

When we walk in the world connected to who we truly are we are in an amazing position to do what we’re called to do. We can then connect with all beings from a place of collaboration, cooperation and confidence; instead of divisiveness, fear or insecurity. Imagine living your life excited that everyone is thriving, that everyone is confident and aware of their own value! It starts with each of us making a commitment to ourselves; to embrace the knowledge of what we are entitled to, just because we exist!

Author's Bio: 

Layne Schmidt is a life long learner. She believes that we all have an innate ability to create a life of our own choosing. She has developed some practicl tools to help people get through old (ineffective) behaviors with the desire to help them see more clearly how they are standing in their own way of whatever it is they truly want to experience in this life time.