Blog #59. Crone Wisdom on Democracy

Like many, I’ve found myself doom-scrolling more than I care to admit—eyes glued to headlines, heart clenched somewhere between rage and resignation. The world feels like it’s teetering on the edge of something, doesn’t it? I remind myself of something simple, grounding, and true:

Democracy isn’t just a right. It’s a responsibility.

We may not run countries, sit on Supreme Courts, or write constitutional amendments—but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. One of the great revelations of aging is realizing just how much impact we can have, right from where we are.

We’ve come of age in an era where the idea of citizenship has often been reduced to voting and paying taxes. But true citizenship? It’s bolder. It asks more of us—and gives more in return. Now more than ever, we’re reminded that democracy isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we inhabit. It’s only alive if we keep it that way.

To be a citizen in a democracy means participating in the common good. It means asking not just what’s best for me, but what’s best for us. It’s listening deeply. Speaking truth. Challenging injustice, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s stepping up, showing up, and standing tall—even when the world would rather we older women sit quietly at home.

Personal power isn’t something you have. It’s something you use—or it fades. Whether that’s casting a ballot, showing up to a school board meeting, mentoring a younger activist, or refusing to normalize injustice—every act matters. Every action is a message about what you’re willing to stand for.

You can’t delegate integrity. You can’t outsource courage. As Crones, we know that personal power doesn’t come from waiting to be asked. It comes from acting on what we know to be true.

You might think, What can I really do? The world doesn’t need us to do everything. It needs us to do something. And to do it in alignment with what we know to be right. Right now, we can be modeling our values every time we walk through the world with dignity and discernment. That’s democracy too. Quiet power. Cultural stewardship. Holding space for dialogue without surrendering to despair.

As Crones—wise, seasoned, gloriously unapologetic—we have a responsibility to show up for the future, not just reflect on the past. Not in a “look at my résumé” way, but in a “watch how I live” kind of way. We are examples, whether we mean to be or not.

Here’s my invitation to you:

·        Make a list of what you can do. Pick one thing. Then do it with your full heart.

·        Write. March. Mentor. Question. Create.

·        Be visible, vocal, and values-driven.

We don’t need to do everything. We need to do something consistently. Live like your legacy matters, because it does.

Are you ready to walk that talk with a circle of wise, values-driven women? Join our membership community at Where Wisdom Meets Wonder. We welcome your voice, your vision, and your values.