Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Doing the right thing at the right time can be very tiring, but then again doing the wrong thing is also exhausting (which is why you are reading this; you are tired of being tired and want to be well.)
Standing up for what is right can be a rather lonely venture. (Just ask Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, Jesus Christ, William Wilberforce, Mother Teresa, John Brown, Harriett Tubman, The Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela…I can’t stop myself, counting people who do good is---well, good.)
Throughout history, there have always been those individuals who make the decision to do the right thing when others do not. When you read their stories, you can see that while their actions were right by today’s standards, they were not popular at the time. It’s very easy to stand with a crowd; to do what others are doing, but standing alone to do what is right in your heart is a completely different matter. It is lonely and it is tiring.
Throughout history, there have always been those individuals who make the decision to do the right thing when others do not. When you read their stories, you can see that while their actions were right by today’s standards, they were not popular at the time. It’s very easy to stand with a crowd; to do what others are doing, but standing alone to do what is right in your heart is a completely different matter. It is lonely and it is tiring.
I have gone on an extended fast for many years. I use the time during the holidays to focus and cleanse my mind and body. Too often though, this has been a burden to those around me. I never make an announcement or proclamation. I have never required or asked anyone to join but somehow, my practice of separation and fasting was causing others to be upset. I asked one friend why she was so bothered by my fasting and she said that it made her feel bad.
I wondered how what I was doing impacted her and she went on to tell me that eating alone was not fun, she needed me to eat with her. I have seen this same reaction when I tell people I don’t drink. I have been asked all kinds of questions, “Is it religious, are you in recovery, does drinking make you act crazy.” No, no and no I just don’t drink, but somehow, my not drinking was affecting friends who did. (Bless ‘em.)
We all have our own journey, and as I have stated previously, “What I eat won’t make you go.” What is good for me may be harmful to you. We must allow for one another’s ways without letting them be a hindrance to us.
Which takes me back to my original thought, your good, may not be the good of Jesus Christ, or Ghandi, it may be as simple as what is good for your body and spirit right now.
If not having cookies is what is good for you, do good. When you do, it may seem like you are in a corner alone, but as you become your best self, others will see your light and want it as well.
If not having cookies is what is good for you, do good. When you do, it may seem like you are in a corner alone, but as you become your best self, others will see your light and want it as well.
When you do the right thing by standing up for someone who is being bullied, or by not joining in on the laughter of harmful jokes, you may not be popular, but you are right. Right now, no one will applaud you and they may never, but doing what is right is your ovation. It may be tiresome but eventually you will find that it feels good. It will lighten your load and enable you to see in to the realm which the majority has overlooked.
You are here to make a difference on your surroundings. If you want to change the world, work on changing you.
Be Well, Be Authentic, Be Wonderful, Be You
Bertice Berry, PhD
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