Changing my perception of power
I’ve started listening to podcasts while running, and Glennon Doyle’s ‘We Can Do Hard Things’ has become a firm favourite. This month, one of her guests was the fabulous Tracee Ellis Ross. While I resonated with so much of what Tracee shared, what struck me was something that Glennon said at the end of their conversation.
“You have shown up with all your power and vulnerability, and somehow they’re the exact same thing.”
As someone who used to see power as a negative trait, associating it with those who seem to enjoy power over others, I rejected my own for the longest time. It wasn’t until someone asked me, as part of a healing workshop, to write down all of the things (and people) I associated with power, that I realised just how toxic my idea of power was, and why I rejected it for myself. I won’t name all of the things and people in my original list, as my impression of them may not be who they are (especially those I don’t know personally), but let’s just say it didn’t include one positive representation of power. I had to spend some time re-considering where I experienced positive examples of people leaning into power (there were plenty, I just thought of them as ‘strong’ not ‘powerful’ but they were — are — both), to learn how to reclaim mine.
I’m only just stepping into it tentatively now, checking in with myself daily on what it means to me. That’s why Glennon’s comment struck me. It made me stop and think.
What if showing up with all your vulnerability IS an act of power?
From my point of view — now — vulnerability and power can be the same. I’m always quoting Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability, and how it’s necessary for connection (a core value for me). I now think that embracing it is powerful too. I mean, imagine facing yourself, in all of your imperfectness, and just accepting where you are and who you are, right here, right now. How courageous is that? And it’s so powerful for others to see, and be inspired by.
What’s your relationship with power? I am particularly interested in women’s interpretation of what this means for them, and/or what men think of when you imagine a powerful woman. Is it positive, negative or neutral (I am making assumptions as I write this and would love to have these challenged!)? Who were the powerful female/feminine role models you grew up with? Do share in the comments below!
This ‘random thought’ piece started out as an instagram post in response to the ‘How to make peace in your own head’ episode with Tracee Ellis Ross. Go listen, be inspired! 😊
If you connected with these words in any way, please hit the little hands below! And if you leave a comment I will get back to you! I am always up for making new connections.💜
