Empowerment Hacks: The Art of Reclaiming Ourselves

By JM Balbuena

Baby JM Balbuena at 2 months old.

No one is born doubting their worth. No one enters this world believing they must shrink to fit into someone else’s expectations. Yet, as women, we are subtly—and sometimes blatantly—conditioned to second-guess ourselves, to dim our light, to color carefully within the lines.

This isn’t a conscious choice we make. It’s programming. A silent agreement handed down through generations, whispering that our brilliance might be too much, that our strength might alienate us, that our ambition might make us unlovable or unsafe.

But here’s the truth: Self-love is not selfish. It is a radical act of rebellion.

Think about it—when we unapologetically embrace our power, we disrupt centuries of conditioning. We challenge the outdated narratives that have kept us small. We step into the fullness of who we were always meant to be.

A Blank Canvas, A New Beginning

Imagine for a moment that you are a blank canvas. Not in the sense of being empty, but in the sense of limitless potential. At birth, we arrive untouched by fear, judgment, or doubt. Over time, society, culture, and personal experiences start painting over the canvas, which we then embody as our reality, and sometimes it paints in colors that don’t belong to us.

But what if we got to start fresh?

Empowerment Hacks is a commitment to a fresh start. If you are with me, then get comfortable and close your eyes. Picture yourself standing before a blank canvas, holding a brush in your hand. Around you are buckets of grace, compassion, patience, beauty, tenacity, resilience, discernment, and unconditional love—all waiting for you to dip in and create the masterpiece that is your life.

Go ahead pick a color or two or three. This is your world, your life, your power! Which colors will you choose? Will you paint bold strokes of confidence? Soft washes of self-compassion? Intricate patterns of courage, authenticity, tenacity? Straight lines are also perfect here! Paint outside the canvas if you want. There is no lack of paint here so use as much or as little as you want sis!

We are now on a beautiful journey, together, yet we are all in control of our own lane. You get to decide the qualities that define you—not society, not outdated beliefs, not the voices of doubt that were never yours to begin with.

Your Invitation to Empowerment

This monthly blog, Empowerment Hacks, is your safe space to unlearn, reimagine, and step into your highest self. Together, we will dismantle the barriers that hold us back and rewrite the narratives that no longer serve us.

And today, I dare to ask you: What will you choose to paint onto your canvas? What will you claim for yourself going forward?

Let’s begin this journey together—boldly, on purpose, and with our hearts wide open.

Welcome to Empowerment Hacks PS Society!

About Me

I am a self-proclaimed empowered woman, an advocate for women’s affairs, and a believer in the boundless potential of those who dare to own their power. As an award-winning author and filmmaker, entrepreneur, and creative, I have dedicated my work to storytelling that challenges the status quo and empowers communities to elevate beyond boundaries. My mission with this blog is to create spaces where women can reclaim their voices, rewrite their narratives, and embrace their greatness—unapologetically. Let’s kiss the sky!

Thanks PS Society for the opportunity to share my thoughts with this lovely community <3