I turned the topic of power over to the FaceBook Queen of My Self page:

Q. What does power mean to you? What does it mean to have power? To be empowered? To wield power? To be a powerful Queen?

Are you powerful? What does that mean to you? I would appreciate your considered thoughts on this topic.
Many thanks, xx Queen Mama Donna

A. To me power means being able to say the hard stuff with GRACE and non-attachment!
– Judith, NY

A. To have power is to be able to help those who do not and be their voice and strength
– Vanessa, MA

A. My power is to create. I am a novelist, poet, and singer. I also created a plan to educate and raise my autistic/bipolar/epileptic son so that he could achieve the very best in life. Now he’s in residential school, which was the most difficult and best decision I have ever made. My real power in this life comes from caring for others; my brother, a severely damaged PTSD soul, lives with us. The power of protection and love is not something I considered real power until you asked this question; this will have a very great impact on how I think of myself from now on. Thank you, Mama Donna.
– Jessie, NY

A. I focus on heart power, that which is of the Highest from. I hope that I have moved from ego power, which is so unhealthy. Wouldn’t it be nice if the world moved from ego power? What a beautiful place it could be. Smile!
– Bobbee, CA

A. It’s all about staying in the present moment, being as true to ourselves as much as possible and still loving ourselves when we move into the past, present or somewhere else.
– Miriam, CA

A. The best kind of power comes from within. It’s spiritual. To have power is to be in tune with my highest self and express that, to speak my own truth, to express my thoughts without fear or wondering what other people will think. Knowledge is power, to wield power means to share knowledge. Sometimes I do feel powerful.
– Loran, UT

A. I am enjoying reading your articles on women and power! For me, I think the issue is the word “power.” Perhaps we associate it with power over someone or something. And I, for one, was brought up to be a “good girl” in a Methodist household in 1950s and 60s England!! And we certainly wouldn’t have associated being good with exerting power over someone else!!! 🙂 In any case, I think that women are more subtle than that and can stand in our own power without having to dominate in a loud way and make a big song and dance about it. We can be quietly and calmly in control and exerting our power. I associate being power-full with feeling grounded, centered and with all my energy aligned and harmonized. Generally speaking, I think we can easily get to feeling as though we are being pulled and pushed in many different directions by the demands and whims of others. We lose touch with our own groundedness and centeredness. Remembering to come back to and operate from that space is so valuable, I think.
– Margaret, UK

A. I am a powerful woman. I am becoming more powerful every day. I intend to use my power to further the causes I believe in and to make a positive contribution to the world.
– Lucy, IN

* Please send me your thoughts about power. Also stories of your own empowerment. When shared, these ideas and examples are extremely inspiring to others. Thanks.

* ***
Donna Henes is the author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife. She offers counseling and upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity. Consult the MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

The Queen welcomes questions concerning all issues of interest to women in their mature years. Send your inquiries to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.