Power is Taken - Not Given

Dear Permission to be Powerful Reader,We’re taught to believe in “being good enough.”Work hard. Play nice. Do well.And maybe… one day… you’ll be rewarded.It’s the biggest scam in history—A lie to keep you paying your dues until you die.Like a good sheep.Because power is never given.The King didn’t build America for the Founding Fathers.Your boss won’t hand you what you’re worth.No one gives their heart just because you want it.Power is taken.And taking it demands courage—and risk.Often, it comes from saying the thing that makes the room go silent.Stop waiting.Stop hoping.No one will ever anoint you.No endorsement will make you feel “enough.”At some point, you have to say it: F**K the haters.I accept that I’m controversial.I accept that some people don’t like me.Have the courage to be disliked.Find values worth being rejected for.Never abandon yourself to maintain appearances.Ironically, when you claim your power…You often get the respect you’ve been craving all along.But even then, it’s just a bonus.Because your self-respect will always be worth more.If you’re not open to me, I’m not open to you.I waste zero energy on the wrong people…And make space for the right ones to show themselves.So—what power can you take back right now?Where is your agency?What do you control today?You control who gets access to you.And some people don’t deserve it.But you’re handing it to them anyway.In life, you get what you tolerate.You teach people how to treat you.Pirates don’t wait for a royal pardon.They take the gold. Burn the ship.And they never ask for permission.Until next time,Dancer, Writer, Buddhist.P.S.: I’ve got 30 free nonfiction books just for you. Take your pick.Permission to be Powerful is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.antonvolney.com/subscribe