A question to you first of all – do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman in your own right?
Responses
It’s good for you to see whether you considered this in any of the following ways –
- Well maybe I am
- No not me
- Of course I am
- I might have to bite my lips and think about this
- What exactly do you mean by Powerful as I can’t even think about my answer until I know that?
- Yes, in my own way I know I am
- No
- Yes
I’ve only put down what 8 possible answers and you might have something different – let me know.
Put-down
What I’m addressing here is the fact that society seems to be afraid of powerful women in whatever form that is demonstrated, observed, seen, heard…………………………. There is usually some sort of put-down overtly or covertly (men and women) about a woman who, not only stands in her own power, is comfortable in her power.
- Who does she think she is?
- Let’s put her in her place
- A man in women’s clothing
- Yes, thank you, and let’s move on
- Where did she come from?
- Oh, what a strident voice!
- Raised eyebrows and sneaky glances at others
- Is it that time of the month?
And so on.
Choice
Yet, powerful women don’t have to be loud, strident, bossy, aggressive even if they are caricatured in this way. You simply have to be comfortable in your own skin, can speak loudly or softly, choose how and when you want to be in charge, demonstrate your abilities, sit back, step forward, hold your ground, let go of your stance, choose to compromise and even not be liked.
Again, I am sure you can give more examples from your own life. Again, I’d love to hear them.
Respect
You see, you are a good person and your power is meant to be listened to by you even when it is a demand, a plea or a persistent whisper. You, and your power, require respect from yourself that you, and the world, know what your boundaries are. This far and no further!!!
Your power is meant to be acted upon (even acted out at times!), not hidden away so it shrivels up and comes out aggressively, nastily, sarcastically, passive aggressively, dagger in the back way………………
Your power is your fuel to take action in the world!!!!!
I want you to know that it’s healthy to be a woman standing in her own power. And I’d love to know about your power and the actions you’ve taken quietly or loudly.
I work with women who have a nagging emptiness inside which just won’t go away because they’ve lost touch with their dreams and themselves. Those women have told me that it’s like coming home to themselves as they re-gain confidence, start taking risks and go after their dreams. See www.thevisiblewoman.com or contact me on irene@irenebrankin.co.uk
Wonderful post Irene. Yes, I do consider myself to be a powerful woman. I can be loud although I hope not strident. I can be bossy, but I hope never aggressive.
Mostly I am quietly and confidently working away building the life I want and helping others to do the same.
No trumpets required, no bows down. For me, as long as I have that inner knowing that I am doing what I love and making some small difference in the world, then yes, I am powerful. xx
I’m hearing you, Wendy, with no trumpets sounding!! Carry on enjoying being a wonderful role model for others xx
Hello Irene, what a lovely post. I do certainly think of myself as a powerful woman. It hasn’t always been easy in the boardrooms of the 80s and 90s but during this century I’ve found a way to make a transition to a softer form of power that has meant I haven’t had to take on a masculine role and behavior just to deserve my place at the table. It hasn’t made it any less annoying for some people on the other side, but it has been easier and less debilitating for me.
Thanks, Jenny, for your lovely comment. The transition you’ve made has been well worth it and I know you stand tall in your choice xx