What does power mean to you?

Power.
Simply put power is one of those words that takes on a different meaning for the person using it and various contexts.
What does power mean to you?
At this point in my life power comes in numerous forms.  Various cliches come to mind: Power is something that comes from within, Power is what you hold in your heart, Power is what you make it--etc.  Power is the ability to do what you want to do while being true to yourself.  In this lifetime you only have yourself to answer to and a higher power if that's something that you believe in.  Living your life with little or no regrets is powerful and no one can ever take that away from you.
We live in a very capitalistic society and with a capitalistic mentality, power is seen as everything that each individual should aspire to.  Songs have been written about what power means.  Take the following lyrics by The Lox for example:
It's the key to life.
Money, power, and respect.
Whatchu' need in life.
Money, power, and respect.
When you eatin' right.
Money, power, and respect.
Help you sleep at night.
You'll see the light.
It's the key to life.
Money, power, and respect.
Whatchu' need in life.
Money, power, and respect.
When you eatin' right.
Money, power, and respect.
Money, power, and respect.
Money, power, and respect.


These lyrics define capitalism.  These lyrics represent the young American work ethic for some people regardless of class, ethnic background, financial background, etc.  
In these lyrics money, power and respect are all tied together, but can they be separate?  All of these words when standing alone or maybe put in a different order will have a different impact on people.  Does one really need money, power and respect to be the best that they can be?  


What does power mean to me?  From the referenced lyrics power, respect and money have a different meaning.  I believe that I have gotten wiser as I have aged and for me right now power is a cliche that I am trying to attain.  I have no problem admitting this.  No problem at all.
I want the power to use my voice, my humor and outlook on life to be an influence on all those around me as I believe that I have something to offer each individual that I meet and I feel the same way about others. 


Power as defined by me today:  the ability to love and be loved, the ability to communicate with others when angry, frustrated and happy, the earned respect of friends, family and new acquaintances and most importantly safety and stability.  I don't believe that this is too much.  


Power, what does it mean to you?

Milestones part one

     The other day an old friend posed a question about reaching the age of 35.  The question was a fill in the blank:  By the time a woman reaches the age of 35 she should _________.  There were multiple answers to this question and I have my own view, the following list is in no particular order and is not complete at this time--simply an overview of my thoughts at this time in my life...

     I am a person that believes that you can follow your own life map and plan, don't let anyone else decide your path for you, HOWEVER, I do believe that there are some experiences that should be shared by each and everyone if at all possible.  This list of milestones offers some of the few experiences that I think women of a certain age, not just 35 should share.

1.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should be comfortable with her own company.  I must clarify this statement, comfortable with your own company, meaning you can be by yourself and not be overwhelmed with the feeling of being alone or labeled a failure by society.  I am completely comfortable with my own company and this is partly because I was raised as an only child and I believe that I am pretty enjoyable to be around, such is life.  

2.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should have traveled outside of her city, state and if at all possible her country.  Travel is so important on various levels.  I have traveled and I believe that my thinking, outlook on life, tastes and expectations have all been enhanced due to my traveling experiences.

3.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should truly understand what makes a person a good mate.  Is finding a good mate easy, no...however, people should know that as you get older and want stability if the person that you are with does not want stability or your goals--they may not be the best choice for a mate.  Yes, I know sometimes opposites attract, but not on all levels.

4.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should have a few solid friendships.  There is no greater feeling than having a few people in your corner in times of good, bad, in between and who simply love you for who you are.

5.  By the time a woman is 30 plus she should have a specialty food that she makes.  Yes, I do believe that all people should know their way around a kitchen, not just women.  I mention food because I believe that nothing builds community and connection like good food.

That's it for now...this is only the beginning of this list.

Comments...thoughts...reflections?

Still finding me...

Foremost I have to say that I have a wonderful life.  I am loved, cared for, smart and witty, all in that order.  Currently I am in an unfamiliar space, meaning that I am searching for me, hence the title of this blog.  

I am getting my mojo back.  

There is so much going on in the world and I am trying to find my place.  What is my place in this world?  Where is my place in this world?  I know that I do have a place, and believe me I know that it is a good one, sadly I just haven't put my finger on it, but I have the utmost confidence in knowing that this place of mine does exist.  

I am finding me and I am thankful that I have the time and a healthy relationship to do so.

This image was taken at a time before a major transition was about to take place...when this picture was taken I was full of happiness and love...I will be getting back to that place, still finding me.