We all want and need to feel passionate about something in life. It’s called purpose. When that purpose goes against the tide of the status quo, it becomes activism. It can be directed to many and varied causes: animal cruelty; domestic abuse; asylum seekers; racism; womens rights; gender discrimination. The choices are many and the causes are all legitimate.

We all wish for this world to be more peaceful, harmonious and fair. But sometimes we get complacent with “the way things are” and don’t feel the suffering of others. Some people take on activism as their main purpose in life. They can move mountains with their enormous passion, commitment and energy. There are some who do it extremely well such as the likes of Rosie batty who has done an enormous amount for awareness into domestic violence. She is truly an inspiring individual. But sometimes it can work in the other way. It can put people off. It can actually make people oppose the very cause that they are campaigning for. It really is ironic.

As i get older (and hopefully a bit wiser), I am more convinced that the quiet groundswell of activism is far more powerful than the noisy type that keep banging on and on about their cause inundating us on social media. Think of Mahatma Gandhi, Dalai Lama or Mother Teresa who went about their work quietly but incredibly powerfully. Being an agent of change requires you to be an example and a role model first and foremost. Beyond that, it’s reasonable to share your views with those that are interested. But don’t try and impose your views on others. Don’t try and convince people who are not interested. One it doesn’t work and two you are more likely to push them in the other direction. And three, you won’t end up with too many friends!

What do you think?

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit