Written by Andre Betancur, Power & Equity Specialist, Student Wellness Center
It finally happened this week. I folded up my winter coats and assorted cold weather gear, neatly packed them into a cardboard box, and shoved the entire thing into an empty corner of my attic. I could’ve done it weeks ago, it’s been getting warmer and warmer each day, but I was afraid. I was afraid I’d still need them, so I just let them continue taking up space in my closet.
Once I finally allowed myself to walk away from winter and step into spring, I felt a surging sense of relief. I do that all the time; I forget that doing something so simple can have such a profound effect on how I feel. I know I’m not special in that way, it’s easy for us all to let fear hold us back; to believe we’re just witnesses to life rather than active participants.
It takes a lot of courage to admit that we have power, it takes even more courage to use it. Now I’m not suggesting that folding your laundry or finishing an essay you’ve been putting off is going to bring about world peace or prevent the rise of fascism. However, it is true that when we find the courage to utilize our power, we create ripples of change in ways both small and large.
What is personal power?
Personal power comes from reflecting on who we are and understanding that we have choices. It’s reliant on us being able to determine what we stand for and making choices that align with our values. It’s important to note that courage doesn’t mean not having any fear, it means moving forward despite it. We become empowered to live honestly, to support ourselves and our community, and to act with intention when we pair our personal power with courage.
How do we use our personal power in positive ways?
- Having and utilizing personal power doesn’t mean we need to be a leader in every aspect of our lives. It can look like supporting others and standing with them in the face of adversity and disempowerment. Listening to a friend’s troubles with compassion and empathy or advocating for a marginalized community under political attack can have profound impacts regardless of how visible or grand those acts may be.
- The easiest thing in the world to do is to do nothing and be silent. Using our voices can have positive effects on ourselves and others. That could come in the form of speaking up when someone makes a harmful joke, such as a joke about sexual assault or a racial joke. Confrontation can be scary but finding the courage to speak up anyway is how our personal power can create real, positive change. We can also use our voice to set boundaries to protect our physical and mental wellbeing. Whether we’re setting boundaries within our sexual experiences or within our friendships, doing so demonstrates self-respect and encourages others to respect us too.
- Personal power also shows up in how we react to failure and adversity. Choosing to move forward and persevere, especially in times like these, is a positive alternative to giving up. This can look like asking for help from others, defiantly refusing to give up and stand up for what’s right, and choosing to hope when things are uncertain.
Again, we can use our personal power in positive ways every day, even in the smallest and simplest of ways that benefit ourselves, others, and our community. Whether you’re supporting a friend, reflecting on your values, or putting away your winter clothes, opportunities for empowerment can be found all around us.