No matter, who we are, we do have some power, and how we use that power matters. I thought of this today as I was reminded of the many ways Donald Trump abused of his presidential power, and how that led to the death and destruction of too many lives in the United States and abroad. Trump clearly abused his power as he spread dangerous, destructive, and deadly propaganda and lies, and also, while he worked with cronies to utilize his role as a way to increase his personal privilege, wealth, power, protection, and pleasure. Donald Trump abused the power he had as President of the United States and continues to abuse his power today. He is a deadly and destructive man.
That said, it's important for all of us to take stock of the power we have and how we use that power. Power comes in many forms. We may have power based on our culture, shade, religion, or history. If you were born into a family that belongs to the wealthiest, most privileged group in your area, you may have more personal power than those who were born into families with less advantage or inclusion. If you are born into a family with good ethics and lots of love, you may have more psychological power than those born into criminal families without positive levels of support, care, or love. Your health power can be a product of your family's healthy habits and health history while your financial power is often related to the networks, education, and family wealth you have. Our power-portfolios differ from person to person, and it's important to consider that power as you make choices.
Looking back, as a young college graduate, I had the power of good friends, a loving family, a good education, positive employment, and big dreams. My family, friends, and teachers greatly encouraged my passions and dreams over time. I sought to fulfill those dreams by becoming a teacher, getting married, and having a family. That traditional triad was most important to me and served to empower my direction and actions for decades. I feel fortunate that I lived amongst people who encouraged me to be who I was and follow my dreams.
Now, I'm at a different place in life--a place with older children and past my career as an educator. Right now my greatest powers include time and the will to help others in positive ways. I want to do what I can to support and encourage others with regard to the good work they do for themselves and others. This is a positive place to be, and a place where I take my choices and decisions seriously.
There's a lot of powers we share as people. Almost all of us have the power to be a positive influence on the people around us. We also have the power to learn what we can about the world around us and do what we can to promote positive living for all. We have the power to be responsible community members too and the power to live in honest, positive, helpful ways. We have the power to turn away from deadly, dangerous, destructive acts, and the power to find the people and organizations that help us to be our best possible selves.
Identifying the powers we have in life is very important when it comes to living a good life, and also using those powers to live well and build a good world is essential too. We can do this.