April 22 – Owning Your Story: The Power of Autonomy

“Continue to strive to be the best person you can be every day.” Ally Brooke

We've spent this week exploring the multifaceted nature of autonomy. We've seen how it unfolds throughout our lives, from the first steps of independence in childhood to the nuanced self-awareness of maturity. We've also acknowledged the challenges that can threaten autonomy, both internal and external.

At its core, autonomy isn't simply about the freedom to choose. It's the fundamental human capacity for self-determination. It's the ability to chart our own course, discover who we are at our most authentic selves, and live a life that reflects our values and aspirations.  Think of it as a journey of self-discovery, where we define what our "fence" is made of, as T.D. Jakes describes in Disruptive Thinking. Is it fear, societal expectations, or limiting beliefs that hold us back? By understanding these barriers, we can muster the courage to jump over them or find alternative routes forward.

“Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?” Sun Tzu

The pursuit of autonomy isn't a solitary endeavor. Jakes reminds us, "In the absence of any superheroes ... the onus for change rests on us." As individuals, we can cultivate a culture of autonomy by actively fostering it within ourselves and others. Developing self-awareness, pursuing our passions, and setting healthy boundaries are all building blocks of a fulfilling life.

Autonomy thrives in a world that values individual rights and freedoms. We can be active participants in creating such a world by supporting organizations that promote education and cultural exchange. It means challenging stereotypes and advocating for policies that uphold individual rights for all. Ultimately, a world where everyone has the opportunity to define their own "fence" and pursue their dreams is a world that benefits.

“Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.” William James

Jakes further emphasizes that "it's not always about changing the world. It starts with changing your world." This can be as simple as standing up to bullies, as Norman Rosenthal suggests in The Gift of Adversity, or engaging in civil online discourse as outlined by Alexandra Hudson in The Soul of Civility. Every interaction, every choice that upholds individual worth and fosters respect, contributes to a more autonomous world.

Hudson reminds us of the duality of language and its power to uplift or divide. As we interact with others, both online and offline, we have the choice to use language for healing and progress. We can be the "superheroes" Jakes describes the ones who champion civility and understanding. When we actively choose to respect and empower ourselves and others, we build a world where autonomy thrives, leading to a more fulfilling experience for all.

“The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” Anne Frank

Remember, the journey towards autonomy is a lifelong process. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your victories, and never stop owning your story. As we each strive to live authentically and empower others to do the same, we collectively create a world of greater freedom, innovation, and connection.

Activity:

Here are some ideas to exercise your autonomy and encourage the autonomy of others online from Alexandra Hudson in The Soul of Civility:

1 – Read something before sharing it. Fight the urge to share on the basis of a headline (or perhaps, even worse, someone else’s summary.)

2 – Remember the old advertisement for Tootsie Pops? How many licks does it take to get to the center? Use this online, if it takes more than three clicks to get to the original article, don’t share it.

3 – Never, ever “hate-click”.

4 – Be critical of what you read.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.