Part I Series: Stepping Into Your Power: Reclaiming What Was Already Yours

Personal Power

Photo by Guille Álvarez on Unsplash

The Essence of Power

The word "power" originates from the Latin word posse, meaning "to be able" or “to have the ability." Power has also been referred to as "the capacity to act or do something." Evolving into meaning control, authority, influence, or physical force.

When we think of Power, it's multidimensional, incorporating both the invisible and visible realms, as well as the internal and external dimensions.

The invisible realm consists of hidden forces that shape our thoughts, emotions, and social norms, including beliefs, cultural values, Identity reframing, and energy. Whereas the visible can be observed, formalized, or measured, which can include titles, wealth, votes, influence, and the physical. Moreover, the Internal consists of our personal traits and inner resources such as confidence, clarity, resilience, intuition, and purpose.

Lastly, the external dimensions, which refer to outside structures or social dynamics, incorporate access to networks, systemic privilege (racial, gender, economic, or abled-bodied), laws, and reputation, all of which shape how we perceive the world, influence others, and navigate systems.

Understanding them helps us lead, influence, and live with greater awareness and authenticity.

Personal Power (Inner Power)

Personal power, the most important of all, refers to the inner strength we possess, comprising our mindset, values, and self-relationship. Additionally, this is the kind of Power that radiates from within—often quiet, but profoundly influential. Others do not grant it, nor is it dependent on titles. Instead, it's earned through self-awareness, alignment, and intentional living.

A Personal Reclamation

Since choosing early retirement in April, I have continued to reassess my life. Who am I? What do I want? And where do I want to go? Given that I was ill-prepared to make this decision, I was also ill-prepared for what would come next.

Realizing our unique qualities lie within, I began deconstructing my life as I know it.

It started with stripping away the titles and roles I had held, along with the status that came with them. I am no longer bound to the organization where I spent 39 years of my life. Now, being the captain of my ship, I am free to steer my life and career in the direction I want to go.

On April 11, 2025, it was a day of rebirth and renewal.

Having gone through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, I am now actually excited to see what life has to offer. With a blank canvas, I can have a life and career that aligns with my values and what I am passionate about, which is so empowering.

Living Authentically and Freely

Living authentically, I no longer feel the need to compete against myself or with anyone else.

Now, I can take my time and do what I think is right without feeling pressured by anyone else's expectations, which is so liberating. Recognizing that all skills are transferable, I've identified the resources that are most complementary at this stage in my life.

Additionally, I've decided which skills to eliminate, those that need revisiting, and the new skills I will need to learn as I start over.

Ensuring that my business aspirations, whether through collaborations, joint ventures, or partnerships, align with my values, mission, and vision, including both short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.

Simplify to Elevate

I have found it therapeutic to declutter by getting rid of things (clothes, books, and merchandise, etc.) that no longer serve me, making my home more harmonious and spacious, instantly elevating my energy and vibration.

I have also assessed the people in my life to determine who adds value and those who do not. Due to lifestyle changes, I've chosen which people, activities, and associated costs can be eliminated. By keeping things simple, my life has become manageable and less stressful.

Unpacking the Past, Healing Forward

My mother, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life, was later diagnosed with schizophrenia.

She spent the remaining years of her life institutionalized, and during this time, she insisted that no one knew she had a daughter. The impact of this, along with the abandonment, will have lasting effects as I continue searching for answers during my healing journey.

My eldest brother appears to seek absolution, while I seek answers to why he rejected me and why I wasn't allowed to have relationships with his wife and children.

Yet, he has a close relationship with my daughter. It's something I've told my daughter I cannot forgive without explanation and an apology. I have also promised not to bring this issue up again.

In realizing that she has her cross to bear, knowing that her deceased father denied any association with her, resulting in her two younger sisters never accepting paternity.

Concerned that the conversation created a wedge, it appeared to have brought my daughter and me closer.

Strength Through Setback

Having fallen several weeks ago when Ruger escaped from his harness, I immediately panicked and began to run. As my right leg bucked, I fell to the concrete, bloodying both elbows and my left knee. As I slowly got up, I hobbled over to the neighbor's house and brought Ruger home.

Barely able to walk or sleep, I was able to get in to see the chiropractor and masseuse.

Having the nerve pressing against the spinal cord caused numbness in my fingers, a condition known as sciatica (inflammation), so I returned for an emergency visit. Being instructed to drink plenty of water after receiving another adjustment, I can only sit comfortably without pain on the couch.

By making wellness a priority, I can become physically, mentally, and emotionally agile, requiring meditation, strength training, and core exercises in addition to my daily walks, which typically range from 3 to 4 miles a day.

Trusting the Path

By redesigning my life based on who I am and where I am in this moment feels right. By following my intuition, I am going in the direction I am supposed to go. I trust the process because my intuition never leads me astray. While doing so, it’s also essential to stay grounded in truth.

Summary: The Power Within

What is it: The ability to trust yourself, act with integrity, and stay grounded in your values.

Why it's most important:

• It's not dependent on title, status, or external validation.

• It fuels all other types of power—expert, relational, ethical, and even spiritual.

• It sustains you in uncertainty, grounds your decisions, and keeps you aligned with your values.

Why it matters:

It's the kind of Power no one can give you—and no one can take away.

When to use it:

• When navigating change, conflict, or criticism

• When you need to make aligned, courageous decisions

When you're breaking free from fear, imposter syndrome, or over-functioning

Quote to Reflect:

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true Power." – Lao Tzu