The Power of Independence: How to Trust Yourself, Speak Up, and Take the Lead in Your Own Life

(Even When Everyone’s Still Telling You to Sit Down and Smile Pretty)

You ever notice how the world loves an independent woman—right up until she actually starts acting like one?

Say no to something you don’t want to do? “Too difficult.”
Speak your mind without a smile? “Too intense.”
Make a decision without group approval? “Too much.”

Here’s the truth: being independent doesn’t make you too much. It makes you powerful. And sometimes, power is exactly what scares them.

Let’s get one thing straight: independence isn’t just about paying your own bills and learning how to plunge a toilet. Real independence? It’s knowing how to trust your gut, set boundaries without apologizing, and make decisions without needing a group chat vote.

This post is your comeback story. Let’s talk about the kind of self-trust and emotional freedom that doesn’t just shift your energy—it changes the room.

Independence Is Not a Dirty Word

There’s something funny (read: infuriating) about how the world treats independent people—especially women. If you’re too quiet, you lack confidence. Too outspoken? You’re intimidating. Too direct? You need to soften your tone. Too decisive? You must be overcompensating.

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Spoiler alert: you’re allowed to take up space.

Being independent doesn’t mean being cold, unfeeling, or unwilling to collaborate. It means you know how to function without shape-shifting for other people’s comfort. It means you’re the main character in your own life—not the sidekick with no storyline.

You’re allowed to be ambitious without being labeled. To rest without explaining. To say no and not be sorry.

Related: The Hustle Detox Journal — because sometimes independence starts with slowing down.

Trusting Yourself Isn’t Arrogance—It’s Survival

We’ve all been there: spiraling over a decision, texting three friends and an ex you shouldn’t still be talking to, hoping someone else will just tell you what to do.

Here’s the truth: you already know.

You’re not confused—you’re conditioned to doubt yourself.

Trusting yourself means making choices that feel aligned, not approved. It means noticing the tiny voice inside that says, “Nope, that’s not for me,” and listening to it before it has to start screaming.

Learning to trust yourself isn’t a spiritual buzzword—it’s an act of rebellion in a world that profits from your self-doubt.

Related: Rebuilding Your Light — for when self-trust feels impossible but you’re ready to try again.

Speaking Up Without the Panic Spiral

Raise your hand if you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to scream NO in all caps. 🙋

Speaking up isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about deciding your needs are just as important as anyone else’s and refusing to gaslight yourself into silence.

You’re allowed to:

• Ask for what you want
• Say no without a PowerPoint explanation
• Disagree without playing devil’s advocate just to soften the blow

You don’t need to be palatable to be powerful.

More empowerment: Letting Go of Kid-Mom — for anyone still rewriting the roles they were handed.

Take the Lead (Even if You’re Shaking)

Taking the lead in your own life doesn’t mean you have it all figured out. It means you’re willing to make moves before you have all the answers. It means you’re done waiting for permission slips from people who don’t live with your consequences.

Leadership starts with saying, “I trust myself to figure it out.” Even if your voice shakes. Even if you mess it up the first few times. Especially then.

You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You just need to be present.

Ready to Level Up? We Made You a Workbook

If you’re ready to stop living in reaction mode and start showing up like the lead character in your own damn story, we made something just for you.

The Power of Independence Workbook is your no-fluff, no-filter guide to:

• Identifying where you’re still outsourcing your decisions
• Reclaiming your voice (without the emotional hangover)
• Creating rituals that help you trust yourself again

This isn’t homework. It’s healing work.

You weren’t born to be liked. You were born to be whole.

And the more you trust that? The louder your power gets.

Now go out there and take up space like it’s your birthright. Because it is.

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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