Calling All Rebels!
Each of us has an inner rebel—that creative, unique, passionate, bold, heavenly “hell-raiser.” Even on the minutest scale, there’s always something that we can do to make this life more wholesome, fulfilling, empowering and inspiring, like picking up litter, challenging an opinion or standing up for someone. Father Moon said it simply: “What is the goal or purpose of public righteousness? It is to leave behind something better; to better the environment. This is a goal, which everyone would like to achieve, including every individual, society, nation and even God Himself. Every being is striving toward something better than the present.” (July 18, 1982)
The thing is, anyone can see when something is blatantly wrong—a bullied child, a homeless person digging in the garbage, a dysfunctional family—but it takes someone with real guts to do anything about it.
There are other times when the right thing is not so obvious. Like when Jesus received his mission from heaven, he often had to rise above the law to accomplish it. A lot of what he did made him seem like a heretic. What was he fighting for that made him so passionate and confident?
I think most of us relate to righteous rebels and their adventures because we innately feel the same way they do. We want to make a change. If Jesus and other historical figures are any example, there are many ways to access and express our inner rebel. A lot of it stems from the willingness to simply be different from the mainstream... not so easy for some! I’m inviting you to make a switch in your mind today so that tomorrow will be different and better than yesterday. As Dr. Seuss said, “You have to be odd to be number one.”
Release the Rebel
Okay, so you’re ready to be different from the crowd—now what is it you want to change, and how can you amp up your confidence and boldness to act? How can we get to that place where, in that split second before every decision we make, we choose the bolder, better way?
1. Light Your Fire. For our actions to be genuine, we need to identify our own internal purpose. Each of us knows deep down what’s most important to us—what we want to fight for in our lives. It’s up to us then to zero in on that and let it anchor our actions. Write down three things that are most meaningful to you in your life—think about your values, passions, life goals, role models, etc. Put your list in a place where you can see it daily. All great leaders and rebels had a clear cause for which they were fighting; it’s what made them so compelling.
2. Let It Burn. Look at your list of three meaningful things at the start of each day and repeat them aloud to yourself. If we practice centering our first thoughts of the day on our core beliefs, then we can better act according to them.
3. Spread It. Now that we’re clear on our purpose and desire to change something, we can be bolder in taking action. Speak up for that colleague at work who doesn’t voice their opinion enough. Write a letter to Congress on a pressing issue. Organize a weekly book club or discussion group—if not just to check in with each other. Feel the gnarly pit of nervousness in your stomach (which is usually an indication that you’re about to do something bold and scary, yet rewarding), and just do it.
We can unearth our inner rebel each day by tapping into what riles up our inner, righteous beast, and creatively acting on it. Take an honest look around you and note the things you know could be better. What’s one small realistic thing you could do to make a change today?