You know what you stand for, the things you believe in; the things that matter most in your life. These bedrock beliefs are your foundation, your core; they comprise the basis for who you are today. These fundamental principles define what you do, how you think and how you act.
And they dictate what you won't stand for as well.
Standing strong in the face of adversity is anything but easy. It takes fortitude, it takes courage; it takes resolute determination and will. Sticking to your belief system is easy when things are clicking, when everything is going your way. But when things start going awry, when things start getting a little bit sticky, do you stay true to your beliefs - or do you look for the easy way out? Do you stand firm - or do you toss your beliefs aside and just go with the flow?
When you stand up for yourself and your beliefs, especially when the stakes are high, you may find yourself standing alone. And that can be daunting, overwhelming, even disheartening at times.
There are few things more unsettling than standing up for what you know is right only to have everyone else, especially those closest to you, desert you. Left on your own and all alone, you can feel abandoned, weak and highly vulnerable. You start wondering if you're doing the right thing. You start having second thoughts. And you start wavering, waffling and wilting under pressure. Yet these very moments can propel you to greatness if given half a chance.
When you stand strong, criticism will be hurled your direction. Whenever and wherever you take an unpopular stand, there will be dissenting voices in the crowd striving to shut you down or shut you up. Some may call you names. Others may question your motives and character. And there are those who may get downright down and dirty, doing whatever they can to besmirch you and your good name.
Right then and right there, amidst the most uncomfortable of uncomfortable circumstances, you are put to the ultimate test. Will you wilt in the heat of the moment and give in, tossing your principles aside or will you stand strong for what you believe is right no matter what?
Standing strong is what winning in life is all about. No, you may not always win. And yes, you will taste defeat more times than you care to remember. But make no mistake about it, when you stand up for your principles, you' re never a loser. By resolutely believing in yourself and your convictions, you develop character and an internal strength that cannot be defeated.
It's time to stand up. Believe what you believe... then live it every ounce of your soul. No more backing down, no more giving up; no more cowering in the face of difficult choices and decisions. No more squirming, no more worrying about what others may think. No more sitting on the fence, hoping you'll please those all around you. No more apologizing for what you believe.
(let's read that again, shall we? No more apologizing for what you believe.)
Don't worry about what others say or think. Just do what you know is right in your heart.
The Bottom Line: When you stand up for what you believe, you stand out.
[End Quote]
My thoughts:
This was something I read by the Power Performance Program. I'm not sure how I stumbled upon it, but somehow, I think I was directed there for a reason. I think it's a group dedicated to motivational speaking, newsletters, etc. that inspire people to be their best and succeed in life. It was rather fitting that I found it, actually. It's definitely not always pleasant to stand up for your beliefs, because not everyone shares them. But I'd rather be true to myself, than try and please everyone. We all know what a losing battle that is. When you stand for what you believe in, you are building character. When you are true to yourself and honest with those around you, that is a characteristic of true strength. Don't be afraid of those not willing to accept it - they are unsure of themselves.
If you are going to identify yourself with something, you need the backbone to take the heat when not everyone feels the same way about it as you do. Strength through adversity.
