Stand Up!

When our personal values and morals are put into question, we have a choice to make. We can stand up for what we truly believe and go against the grain or back down and pretend to be something we’re not. Everyday we are put in situations to make decisions. Everything from agreeing to what your professor’s say even though you feel offended. Following your boss’ orders when they are unethical. Or something as minuscule as being pressured into that extra beer when you feel you’ve had enough. We more often than not, don’t say anything. We just go along with it even though we feel uncomfortable. We don’t want our grade to be affected, lose our job, or seem "uncool." So, we find it easier to just overlook the problem and go with the flow. It’s what they expect of us.

We all "believe" that we follow our morals, but when put to the test, we sometimes take the less impacted way out and throw our beliefs aside. I’m pretty sure, no matter how much we don’t want to confess, we have all let our feelings, friends, pressure, or acceptance overpower our values and lead us to the bad side. I can think of many instances myself right now. Just like we know we should always take the high road when situations get out of hand, but it is often easier to lower our standards and give in. We demean ourselves by doing this, it shows we can’t handle the pressure. Try to stay controlled and keep your composure. They are just life’s little tests in every experience we face. Get used to it, they’re not going away anytime soon. So, the more familiar you are with these annoying little "tests", the better prepared you’ll become.

Next time you’re in an awkward, uncomfortable or unethical situation, stand up for yourself. I know, I know, easier said than done when actually put on stage. But you’d be surprised to find you might actually be respected for your morality and honor. I know in my books, you’d basically be a bad-ass. No one should be forced into doing something they don’t feel is right and everyone can fight for what they believe. That’s one of the great things about this country. We HAVE the freedom to express our opinion and make our own choices. Words of wisdom: Don’t change your identity, define yourself by "who you are." It’s not about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.