Some people are just so outrageously different to ourselves that it's somehow personally offensive. Even though they aren't really affecting us in any way - they are technically just getting on with their lives and we with ours - we feel the need to say something to them, to somehow get involved.
I'm not certain why that is.
There must be a fundamental part of us that is born to rally. To state our case, to defend our beliefs, to rise against the tide. The older we get, the more likely we are to defend what we know and question what we don't. But it's a red rag to a bull, isn't it? Even though we want to go gently, we're going to have to take on the might of the bull at some stage with only our wits and our little red rag to defend ourselves.
I think it's important to keep going, though. As long as you have an open and curious mind and continually seek to question and investigate your own beliefs, I support anyone who is willing to hold up that red rag and say 'enough'. Even if I don't believe in what you believe in, even if I question your reasons for needing to defend them, even then.
Because what's the alternative? Getting mauled by the bull anyway, that's what. So many people see that little person out there in the centre of the ring and say, "she's wasting her time, she'll never win" and they look away. But they are the herd, not the bull fighter. Time spent standing up for yourself is never a waste of time.
I say, don't be afraid. To question things you don't understand. To suggest alternatives. To ask for things to change. To stand up and be counted and, in the gentlest, most kindest way possible, to take on the bullies, the selfish, the arrogant and the cruel. Fight the bullshit, whatever it takes, even if you don't think you can win, even if you're a lone figure and people question your motives and maybe your sanity. Even if you question them yourself. Because at the end of the day, our fight is all we've really got. The trick is to know when you've won.
Do you stand up for yourself?
Do you believe in anything enough to take on the world?
♥
This post is dedicated to Melissa. Belief alone is peace, my friend.
[Image by Cassia Beck]
