Setting Intentions: Agency
07.02.24 | somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean
For Reflection:
When you hear the word agency, what comes to mind?
Do you feel that you have agency in your life right now? Why or why not?
Do you feel that your sense of agency has changed over time?
In the United States, today is Independence Day. How does agency relate to independence?
Do you feel independent at this stage of your life? Why or why not?
How does your sense of independence impact the agency you feel you can exercise right now?
Hello, July.
Each year, the 4th of July sneaks up on me - I find myself suddenly shocked at how fast the summer is flying by, and I often find myself disappointed with how I’ve spent my time thus far (always too much on the to-do list, too little time for reading and relaxing). This year, I find myself in that place again. I’m not unhappy, and I am grateful for that. But I am restless. Constantly moving and doing and meeting and achieving and running, running, running (figuratively, of course - I am not a runner). And I feel determined this time around to interrupt that cycle.
Perhaps my subconscious knew I would feel this way, because I am currently en route to a two-week trip with little to no schedule or responsibilities. I am resisting even saying that “I plan to rest,” because even that is putting an expectation on this time. So, instead I’ll say that I hope to rest. I hope to be present. I hope to remember some of who I am when I have little responsibility, and much agency - over my time, my plans, and my attitude.
For me, traveling has always been a reminder that my expectations need not determine others’ actions. My values, priorities, and ways of being in the world are simply that - mine. They do not have to be someone else’s.
It is fitting, then, that I’m making this trip over the 4th of July. On a day so thoroughly imbued with the expectations and values of a nation that believes itself to be doing things the “right way,” I will be reminding myself that independence is a complex ideal. That freedom is a complex ideal. And that, for this nation’s history, that independence and that freedom has been dependent on others’ lack of it.
Rather than focus on independence this month, I am focusing on agency. How are my decisions impacted by the place I live? How are my decisions impacted by the community that surrounds me? How are my decisions impacted by the policies set in place in my city, state, and country? How are the decisions available to me - the amount of agency I have - different than others who live in the same place as me? How are the decisions available to me different than others who live in different places than me? Who has the agency to make decisions that benefit themselves in our society? How does my agency rely upon others, and how is it limited by the ideals and values I hold? What limits to my independence am I willing to accept to prioritize these values?
In the coming weeks, I will share about the people, places, and practices which inform the way I exercise agency in my own life. And I hope you’ll consider some of these questions, too. Because we don’t get free alone, friends. Whether we realize it or not, we all already give up some of our freedoms in the name of governance and the good of society. And if we don’t believe the society we have built promotes the freedom of all, we must use our voices to change it. This month, I hope you’ll come along with me to consider the agency and power we do have.
The questions offered at the top of each Zip Code Project post can be used as daily journal prompts. This month, there will be 31 in total. If you’d like access to all 31 July questions ahead of time, send me a message at hello@thezipcodeproject.substack.com or on Instagram @autumndelongrodgers. I would love to send them over so you never miss one.
Until next time, friends.