For those who know me on a personal level, it is no secret that I believe we need to stop existing and start living.
As individuals, as members of our families and communities, as citizens of our countries, and as members of the global community, it is time to live.
It is no longer enough to simply strive for the basics, to accept perceived limitations and restraints, to settle for what they say is possible and let go of “unrealistic” dreams.
If we do not try, who will? If you do not take a stand now, then when? Complacency is comfortable, but also deadly. It is no longer enough to blame widespread problems on governments; what about the people? What are we doing to turn our lives around? What are we doing to eradicate poverty, unemployment, crime rates, and other societal afflictions?
We leave so much to the government, shake our heads and wonder what the world is coming to, but how often do we ask ourselves what we can do to improve the world? It is often said that Utopia is an unattainable illusion, that such a paradise cannot last on this earth. So what? So what if we fall short of perfection? It is more honourable to strive for it than to remain locked in stagnation.
Break free today. Make the vow to start a revolution, to propagate a new way of thinking and a new way of life. A fellow blogger once said “you are what you believe” and it is a true statement.
If you believe things will never change, they won’t. If you believe that there is no point in trying because your efforts would only be wasted, you won’t achieve anything.
But if you believe that change is possible, that you can make a difference, then you will. If you believe you can work with others towards a better world and make it happen, you can.
I believe in idealism.
I believe in positivity and the ability to leave a lasting impact as your legacy. Many will read these lines and scoff at my so-called naivete, and to them I say this: cynics live lives empty of the hope and passion enjoyed by dreamers. Naysayers are not happy people, innit?
The will to live. It is the desire to live a full life, the passion to experience more, and the determination to keep moving forward beyond all obstacles. It is not limited to personal gain and comfort, and it is not restricted to a chosen few.
It is a way of life embraced by heroes and pioneers, by dreamers and children, by those with hope and those with faith. Faith in human good, in values and ideals; hope for better days and brighter tomorrows, for a safer world for our children, for the continuous reign of peace over war; and the sacrifices made to protect these things are what make us heroes. We are all heroes. We are all protectors. Some of us have forgotten, and some have cast aside their roles.
I urge you to remember. Remember who and what you are. You are a beautiful person with potential and worth.
Rouse yourself from slumber and be an agent of change. Act against bribery and corruption. Fight against oppression of the poor and the helpless. Work towards a kinder and safer society.
Enough time has been spent wishing and waiting for something to happen; now is the time to make that nebulous “something” into concrete reality.
It starts today, and it starts with you.
