Personal Sovereignty: The What’s & Why’s for Women

Personal what???

Personal sovereignty: The right to have control and agency over your own life... But there’s more— free from external pressures or expectations.

It means making decisions that are aligned with your values and goals without constraints imposed by societal expectations, cultural norms, or gender roles.

For women specifically, this becomes especially important, as we face unique challenges regarding the aforementioned in addition to caretaking and family responsibilities. Achieving personal sovereignty can help women break free from these constraints and create a life that is in line with their own values and desires. This quality is something that we all possess but often fail to exercise. Why? Because it can be scary to take full responsibility for ourselves and own our choices. Allowing someone else (like a parent, partner, or government) to make decisions for us is much easier with the blame placed on anyone but ourselves. However, when we do this, we give up our power and our sovereignty.

The multi-faceted nature of personal sovereignty depends on your individual circumstances and goals. For some women, it may mean achieving financial independence, pursuing a career or entrepreneurial endeavor, or creating a work-life balance that offers them the scarce resource of time, allowing them to "selfishly" prioritize their own needs and desires. For others, it may mean creating a strong sense of self, cultivating a positive body image, or developing a strong social network and support system.

Why does it matter?

Women have long struggled to achieve a sense of autonomy, seeking the freedom and power to craft their lives in the most meaningful manner. Challenging antiquated assumptions of a woman's role and our societal contributions opens the opportunity to achieve sovereignty. The desire still burns with fervor; many want to liberate themselves from society's expectations, particularly regarding gender roles and structural limitations.

Wielding personal sovereignty, then, becomes essential for women to ensure a better future for themselves and the generations that follow. While this journey starts and ends with the self, women can serve as meaningful models for their children and other women, helping to cast down gender stereotypes and expectations while inspiring others to pursue their goals. By contributing their unique skills and willful perspectives to social, economic, and political issues, this can lead to effective social change within communities at large, a purpose whose rippling effect does not inversely marginalize others.

The concept of the "self" within personal sovereignty

Personal sovereignty can have a significant impact on an individual's self-concept. By achieving personal sovereignty, women stand to gain a sense of control and agency over their lives, which can boost their self-esteem and self-confidence. This can be especially important for women, who may face societal expectations and cultural norms that discourage them from prioritizing their own needs and desires.

With personal sovereignty, they are able to make decisions that are aligned with their values and goals, rather than being driven by external pressures or expectations. This can help them feel like their inner beliefs and actions are in line, which can lead to a more positive and true sense of self.

For example, if a woman values independence and self-determination but feels constrained by societal expectations or financial dependence on a partner, she may struggle with feelings of anxiety, frustration, or self-doubt. But if she works toward personal sovereignty and financial and personal independence, she can make her inner beliefs and actions more in line with each other. This can help her feel better about herself and give her a better sense of well-being.

What story is inexplicably tied to your identity? There are narratives society imposes upon us, including those of our family and friends, that become linked to how we define ourselves. The concept of "self" plays an integral role in fostering personal sovereignty by first understanding and appreciating who we are at our core. This is a powerful tool for women to cultivate self-awareness, treading the line between staying true to who they are and allowing themselves to grow and change. We must be willing to excavate our current worldview to find true power and freedom without it being rooted in degenerative elements like victim mentality and feminist entitlement. Only through understanding ourselves as individuals can true personal sovereignty be achieved.

The benefits of increasing sovereignty

Historically, women have long suffered from a lack of personal sovereignty once held by power structures beyond their control. However, taking steps to increase individual autonomy offers an incredible opportunity to break free from pre-existing roles and limitations in life, leading to more freedom and meaning. Women can gain greater self-awareness, confidence in decision-making, and liberation when they take action toward reclaiming their lives. These actions open new doors for growth previously held back by outdated attitudes. Women must be brave enough to challenge such modes of thinking, including their own, to become empowered.

When it comes to wealth building, personal sovereignty provides individuals with the financial independence and freedom to make sound decisions that align with their values and goals, which can lead to increased earning potential, diversified income streams, and greater financial stability. Personal sovereignty can also encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment, which can be powerful ways to build wealth and mitigate financial dependence. By pursuing personal sovereignty, people can take charge of their financial lives and set up the conditions for long-term financial success and security.

When examining what it means to be sovereign, both internally and externally, several vital takeaways will likely reveal themselves while embarking on this journey. The power of personal sovereignty lies within us; we need to tap into it. So I invite you to join me in becoming a sovereign woman. Recognize the value you possess so you can bring your best self into the world through your own will. Let's explore and uncover the greatness within each of us.