What Do I Mean by Sovereign?

You know, it’s a word that just started showing up – in blogs, in books, in newsletters. At first, I nodded, smiled, and thought how rare that word is. It sounded like something that would mostly apply to a Queen or King. 

It seemed to describe an attribute of a person in power over others. And since I’ve never been too attracted to the notion of having power over another being, I ‘moved on’, so to speak.

But as the word continued to appear in my world, I became intrigued by the invitation it seemed to offer by its reappearance.  Sovereignty was calling me – beckoning me to allow it into my consciousness.

And so, I began to explore this word’s meaning, eventually deciding to incorporate sovereignty into my life ~ I’ve been exploring ‘Being Sovereign’ and it’s been a delicious adventure!

Definition of Sovereign.

Now for the grammatical stuff. Dictionary definitions categorize the word sovereign as both a noun and an adjective; and these definitions include concepts of power, authority, and rulership.

And there was once a British gold coin called a Sovereign. It was first minted in 1489. It was the largest and most valuable English coin of its time. It was adorned with beautifully engraved heads of various monarchs or “Sovereigns”. 

It was used to send a message of prestige, after years of war. But I believe we can incorporate sovereignty in our daily life to age with grace and confidence. See more here.

As a noun “sovereignty” gets interesting in the political arena. Popular sovereignty is a political principle in which the source of governing power is the will of the people. Both ancient Greece and The United States currently use this principle in their form of governing and choosing leaders. See this article by Ashley Dugger further explaining. So, as we enter the second half of life, we benefit by getting to know our own 'will' - in the form of desires, deep listening, and connection.

With time and evolution, the meaning of sovereignty has expanded from pure ‘power over another’ to include the personal realm of responsibility, freedom, and self-creation. The word “sovereignty” holds a useful and essential contribution for today’s woman. 

Of note, Vocabulary.com expands its definition of sovereignty to include “the freedom a state or thing has to control itself”. Another way to hold this concept of self-control is to consider developing ‘Inner Authority’. The convictions that we develop with thoughtful consideration and wisdom form the basis of this well of knowing. 

I find myself using both forms of the word as I incorporate their concepts into my life. For example, one could say “I am sovereign in my life” and as a result, “I have sovereignty over my choices”. 

As someone who is passionate about women’s health and well-being, it seems to me that it is this meaning of sovereignty -- as personal power and self-creation – which is more than a mere noun or adjective. 

Rather, I have come to believe that the practice of becoming sovereign is a necessary endeavor for a woman over fifty.  Becoming sovereign is an essential aspect for a woman who wants to live with vibrancy and potency in the second half of life. 

Practice Becoming Sovereign.

Why is this so? A woman who is sovereign lives in a state of honoring her inner world with respect and she doesn’t need anyone to be anything. She cherishes life experiences and others with a tender heart, and she is undertaking the essential task of liberating her voice and learning to know and express her desires.

She is connected to the receptive field from which guidance and infinite love flow ceaselessly and abundantly. This source of inner strength and knowing comes from her relationship with The Divine.  This invisible and often untapped font of love is the lifeline for the sovereign woman.

Stop Suppressing Your Desires

Our sovereignty is typically not encouraged in the world – and many of us have had to suppress our desires, tune out our voice and ignore our will as a requisite to survival or even to getting ‘ahead’. 

If you’ve ever said a hesitant ‘Yes’ when your heart meant ‘No’; if you’re in a job, relationship or situation that is stifling you; if you sense a need to which you don’t give voice; if your peace of mind is pasted and taped together until the next upset; if you believe that your happiness is contingent upon that of your children, partner or someone else; if any of these is so ~ you may feel slightly to constantly discouraged, anxious or depressed.

SO much compassion for you if this is true for you – even a little bit! I have lived within that space which I call ‘The Suppressed Voice’. It happens naturally over years and situations of not feeling safe to express what’s true for ourselves. It’s difficult to live from an unshakable confidence with hopeful anticipation of your present or your future when your voice isn’t free.  

Sovereignty is what’s needed to develop this tender hopeful confidence that you’ll be ok --- no matter what, that you are free to express yourself and have the skills to do so with ease.  If you’ve ever tended a flower garden, you know that weeds seem to appear out of nowhere and your loving eye and careful spading prevents the flowers from being choked.

It’s the same with embracing and becoming sovereign. The weeds take the form of your thoughts, mindset, and wobbly belief that you can do it. They appear in moments when your voice falters or you decide not to speak up, not to ruffle someone’s feelings. 

Liberate Your Voice

Liberating your voice and becoming sovereign is a process of discernment and an act of love. When we’re suppressing ourselves, we can be withholding our essence from those for whom we care most deeply.

Often, it’s your superpower of being sensitive and aware that is at the core of holding back. In no way am I criticizing you for being cautious. I’m inviting you to consider if you experience sadness, feel isolated or unseen, unheard?

Because I’m well aware that these are symptoms of the suppressed voice, and if any of these are true for you, it’s an indicator that cultivating sovereignty could be your next right step in life.

Personal Freedom Can Be Yours

Personal freedom, full expression and a life of vibrant potency can be yours --- and not at the expense of your relationships or health. To the contrary, cultivating sovereignty will improve all these things and it’s a true act of love for yourself, your family, and your life. Sign up here to get on the waitlist and learn more about Vital Voices!