I’ll state the obvious.

It’s 2024.

The Dalai Lama’s quote from 2009 is now 15 years old. Let that sit on your brain for just a minute.

Those of us who live in the United States have just completed one of our greatest honors and privileges–we voted for the next president of our country.

Right now, there are many conflicting emotions out there ranging from excitement and expectation to despair and defeat. And women from every economic class are thinking about this election and what it means for their future, as well as the future of their daughters, granddaughters, and all of the rest of the women who will come next.

Let’s look at how each of these seven factions might be feeling right now and thinking about the past and the future.

The Crone:

Smooths her silver hair and speaks with quiet certainty

After watching seventy-five years of promises and parades, victories and defeats, I see clearly now what the Dalai Lama meant. Ladies, the power was never about winning the presidency – it’s about how we lead in our communities, our businesses, our homes. While men fight over a single chair in Washington, we’re quietly building networks of change everywhere else. Don’t wait for permission from the White House to save the world. We’re already doing it, one act of courage at a time.

The Middle-Aged Woman:

Glances at her phone while juggling paperwork for her mother’s medical care and her daughter’s college applications

Here we are, caught between yesterday’s battles and tomorrow’s hopes. While they squabble in Washington, we’re doing the real work – balancing careers, raising children, caring for parents, holding communities together. The Dalai Lama saw what I see every day in hospital waiting rooms and school meetings: women quietly weaving the fabric of society back together. The presidency? That’s just one seat at one table. We’re building millions of tables, and everyone’s invited. The future isn’t about winning elections – it’s about transforming how power works.

The Young Woman:

Adjusts her laptop while her toddler naps and her work notifications ping

Listen up, sisters: We’ve got too much real work to do to get stuck in this political drama. The Dalai Lama wasn’t talking about breaking glass ceilings – he was talking about redesigning the whole building. While they’re all focused on who sits in the Oval Office, we’re out here creating flexible workplaces, sustainable communities, and new ways of leading. The revolution isn’t happening in Washington – it’s happening in our startups, our school boards, and our social networks. We’re not waiting for permission to change the world.

Teenager:

Sits up with a thoughtful expression

I had to look up who the Dalai Lama is. I know I’ve heard the name, but never really knew what he was or why his words might mean so much. Now that I know who he is, I asked my mom what that quote meant to her. She got very emotional as she explained that we, as western women, have so many rights and privileges that are denied to women in other countries. Whoa! I can’t imagine a world where I couldn’t do the things I do now–like go to the mall with my friends, listen to whatever I like–Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Willow Smith, Halle Bailey, and Tate McRae. I can’t imagine not being able to make videos that I can post on TikTok or Instagram. The world is crazy. And both my mom and dad seem overly tense.

I think politics is a circus! I mean really who cares about the presidency. It’s not the end of the world. My mom says maybe someday I’ll understand how important these things are. She says maybe I’ll save the world. Maybe I’ll be one of those “western women” the Dalai Lama spoke about. I have no plans to save the world! I just wanna get through high school and get out from under my parents’ rules for awhile.

Though, to be honest, sometimes my friends and I do talk about what we see happening with all the homeless people and drugs and violence. It doesn’t affect me personally so it’s hard to even imagine what my life would be like if that were me.

Young girl:

Finishing dinner with the family

My mom isn’t happy right now. I’m not sure what I did. She says it has nothing to do with me, but then I heard her and my dad talking about what the future holds for me and my brother. And Dad just tried to say, “We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done. We’ll raise our kids to be kind and helpful. We’ll talk to them about what’s going on when they ask.”

I’m not sure I should ask. It doesn’t make any sense. They’re both watching the television a lot more and swearing! I’m going back to my room. And listening to Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.

Goddess of THE FUTURE WOMAN:

A radiant presence fills the space, shimmering with timeless wisdom

I am the embodiment of all that the Dalai Lama foresaw – the Western woman as the world’s salvation. For too long, the structures of power have been built to elevate the selfish ambitions of men. But the future belongs to those who wield influence through compassion, connection, and community.

While they battle for seats of authority, we are redefining leadership itself. Our quiet revolutions ripple through classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms – places where true change takes root. The presidency is but one stage; we are building stages everywhere, inviting all to participate in shaping a more harmonious world.

The time has come to stop asking for permission and start creating the future we know is possible. I am the goddess of this new era, forged from the wisdom of our foremothers and the boundless potential of our daughters. Together, we will save this world – not by winning elections, but by reinventing the very nature of power.

God–the Universe–the Source of All:

A resonant, timeless voice echoes through the quantum field

The Western woman’s power to transform has only just begun. While they cling to outdated structures, you create the future with each compassionate act, each visionary idea, each community you uplift. The revolution is not about winning seats of authority, but reinventing the very nature of power.

I see your potential – to bridge divides, to model courage, to build the harmonious world the Dalai Lama foresaw. Do not wait for their permission. The time is now to birth a new era, woven from the wisdom of your foremothers and the boundless dreams of your daughters.

This is your world to shape. You have the strength, the vision, and the love to remake it.

What do you think?

Which voice speaks to you?