Throughout my life, I have developed a fervent passion for the many causes that I feel are important, and like most people, I hold opinions about the countless issues that are plaguing both myself, and the world. Obviously, opinions do not necessarily always lead to action, and so I often question why I, and so many others are so quick to offer an opinion, yet remain unwilling to take the necessary action to affect change. Furthermore, why am I so afraid to hear what you have to say, just because it differs from my own personal perspective and point-of-view?

In my own personal experience, a huge correlation exists between making resolutions and taking action, in that, so often when I make a resolution, I do not end up following through. However, when I just take the action without first forming a resolution, I find that my follow through tends to be much greater.

A teacher of mine once told me something that really resonated with me and has stuck with me to this day; he said that the brain tells us that once we have made a resolution, by extension, we have completed the action. This makes complete sense to me, as I believe that resolutions and their correlated actions are inextricably linked.

Additionally, I find that when I am offering my opinion— or for that matter, standing on my soapbox— I tend to keep myself focused on the problem, rather than focusing on any potential solutions.

Upon reflection, I know why I am so fearful of hearing what others have to say when I know that they hold differing viewpoints: I am deathly afraid that I may actually have to change my mind, and this is not something I like doing. If I hear what you have to say, and then change my mind as a result, I then have to admit to myself and others that what I believed was untrue. I don’t like admitting that I am wrong, as this challenges my ego in so many different ways.

With all of the various news outlets and social media posts— and the opinion pieces often contained therein— my head is truly spinning from trying to absorb all of the countless perspectives that contain everyone’s varied, yet important personal truths. And so, in trying to make some sense of everything that is going on, I am going to pose several questions to you:

How do you decipher what is truth and what is fiction in what you are viewing and reading? Further, how do you determine when you are being stubborn and refusing to see a new point-of-view? How do you challenge yourself to take action instead of just talking and saying empty words? Are you open to changing your mind, and does change scare you like it scares me? And, like me, are you tired of hearing so much talk, and not witnessing nearly enough action?

This week, I am committing to being a part of the solution and not part of the problem. I am committing to staying wide open, transparent, and receptive. I am committing to shutting my mouth more, and letting my actions speak louder than my words. I hope you will join me, as it is only through action that we can truly begin to affect positive change in our communities, and in our world.

Accountability, Community, Unconditional Love

Asher

 

Posted in Thought of the Week