My power? Diplomacy. It's a "gift" my father bestowed upon me for my 16th birthday. To this day, I consider it my greatest trait. Diplomacy gives me power because I don't fall victim to close-mindedness. Diplomacy gives me power because I am respectful to those around me - even if we disagree. Many have said that they think I'm "wishy-washy" or "wimpy" because I generally won't "take sides". To this I reply "That's not true. Being a Diplomat doesn't mean I don't have morals - or convictions. Being a Diplomat means that I proudly hold on to them - share them - even flaunt them. I simply respect everyone else who's doing the same."

My absolute favorite book about personal power is called, The Power Of People: Four Kinds Of People Who Can Change Your Life by Dr. Verna Cornelia Price. In this book she describes four kinds of people - adders, subtracters, multipliers and dividers. She also talks about how we are all born with power. No one has more power than you. No one can take your power. But - you can give your power away. I remember this last point when I'm ruminating about someone (and often how awful I feel they have treated me) and realize that I am giving them my power by letting them take my valuable time and energy. Check out Amazon for "the little purple book."

What a great question! Power is agency over my choices and knowing that I'm making choices that don't damage my integrity. For me, integrity is that one thing that is all mine and it matters a lot to me. Others may not always like or agree with my choices or decisions, but as long as I know that I'm coming from a good place and doing the right thing, I can feel good about them - powerful even.

Power, to me, is personal agency - knowing that I can impact my own future. Whenever I feel out of control, I look for ways to get a grip on SOMEthing.

Power for me is reflected through the choices I take that get me one step closer to being genuine with myself and others. At the same time, those choices help to clear out anything (things, people, events, perceptions) that move me away from being align with purpose.

Power to me is speaking up, declaring my ambition, replacing negative self talk with positive self talk, asking for help when I need it and always advocating for myself.

I agree with you wholeheartedly Antonia. I'd also add I feel most powerful when whatever I am doing is aligned with my values - One of which is making a positive difference. If it seems I'm moving in that direction, I feel like Rosie the Riveter (We Can Do It.)

Yes, Antonia - power comes from your thoughts. It HAS to start there.

Power is the ability to control your life, where you go, what you do with your limited time on this earth. By freeing yourself from the demands of money, you gain more power. Yes, money is necessary to achieve both, freedom and power over your life, but realizing you don't need gobs of it is absolutely empowering. I cultivate it by keeping my needs simple, my bank account padded and taking the time every day to remind myself I have everything I need. Then, on occasion, I exercise my power. Take myself where I want to go and do what feels freeing - a trip to the Boundary Waters, a month learning to sail in the Bahamas. Day-to-day I have been called a minimalist, but I feel rich and powerful over my own life. Does this make sense? Would you agree?