Action & Beliefs

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. ~Eleanor Roosevelt Voice of America broadcast 1951

I recently attended the Charlotte Women’s Unity March, and this quote puts my feelings into words.

We live in a world where everyone has an opinion and can easily broadcast their opinions on social media. For some of us, the fear of rejection for our beliefs can outweigh our desire to voice them.

I urge you to voice your beliefs! Speak to others about what is important to you. Listen openly to others’ opinions and help them to understand yours.

But simply believing isn’t enough. One must work at it. I feel that Eleanor Roosevelt meant you can talk about things until you are blue in the face, but it will change nothing until you act upon those beliefs.

When you act, something magical happens.

Action allows you to create a stronger sense of self. Action forces you to think and feel on your own accord and will help you to understand who you are. Action evolves your own belief system.

You will gain self-confidence. The more we stand up for what we believe in, the more we build our self-confidence. It takes guts to voice and act on our beliefs, but the more we do it, the more self-confident we become.

You will build integrity. In a world full of people doing things for their own self-gain, especially at the expense of others, integrity is a unique characteristic. It means standing up for what you believe in, even if it’s hard. You’ll be able to look yourself in the mirror and feel proud, knowing you did the right thing.

Lastly, you will make a DIFFERENCE. You have the ability to make a change. So, go out there and work at it. Find a passion, speak about it, believe in it, and work at it.