05/20/2026
Good morning! ☀️
Over the years I’ve thought often about the true meaning of personal power.
Is it the ability to influence others?
Is it being in a position (such as a job) that allows us to tell others what to do?
Is it having money, physical beauty or popularity?
I have witnessed people in such positions appear to have great power over others. Or what seemed to be power at the time. 🤔
However it was all the kind of power that faded or could be gone in the blink of an eye.
Why? Because its power that still depended on the attention or approval of others.
Influence can be lost if we have limited substance to offer. Talent must be genuine, grow and evolve.
Jobs can be lost, as well as money, and as we all know beauty fades and changes. So does popularity.
In my humble opinion the only true power isn’t found in the exertion of power at all, but in being respected.
Self respect, and the dynamic of being respectable is found through discernment and ultimately our decisions.
Kindness is healing and impactful. Strength and boundary setting when it is needed is powerful.
Supporting others when it is needed is impactful. Stepping back so they can support themselves when it is needed is powerful.
Doing a good job is the hallmark of self respect.
Others wanting to do a good job in your presence because they respect you is powerful. Forcing someone to do a good job when we aren’t creates resentment.
Speaking truth is important, but not respectable or powerful in and of itself. The discernment to know how, when and where to share truth is the real power.
When we overtake or impact another through intimidation, position or threat, this isn’t power.
When we hold something over another’s head that we’ve done for them, this isn’t power.
When we remind someone of their past or present weaknesses, this is not power.
It’s deep rooted fear, internal weakness and lack of self respect.
Once you begin to identify false power in yourself or another, you can’t unsee it.
In fact reading this has possibly made you aware of it somewhere in your life already.
Remember that others are not automatically awarded your respect, no matter who they are or what position they hold.
When an individual does the work to love and respect self, to be respected and respectful, it’s becomes very difficult to fake this toward others who have never earned it.
It’s not only ok, but it’s important for you to understand that you owe no one your respect, allegiance or loyalty who has not earned it.
Knowing and acting on this is the first step of your own authentic power.
Claim it. ✨
Have a fabulous day out there! 😇
