[2021-11-14] Standing up
Sometimes you see an injustice and want to denounce it. But it can feel like you're hitting your head against a brick wall—like you're making no progress at all.
However, the sheer act of standing up—for yourself or others—does achieve an objective.
First, you can hold your head high, knowing that you called out wrongdoing, that you defended the defensible, and that you did so with integrity.
Second, while the impact of your efforts may be apparent only weeks, months or years after you have taken action, you can rest assured that you nevertheless effected a change. The change may be felt by only one other person—someone else who also saw the injustice and is reassured that they were not alone. The change may be felt by multiple people—those who will join you in the fight or who will take up the cause after you move on. And the change may be felt by a person in power—someone in a position to put things right.
Third, you get closure. You can walk away knowing that you gave it your all, regardless of the outcome. You can sleep without regret.
Sometimes, taking a stand is the best option. Other times, walking away is the only choice. In many cases, doing both is the optimum course.
Remember the moments when you stepped up and stepped out. They will give you strength for the next time you encounter injustice.
