The other day I saw a slogan that said, “I’m not opinionated. I’m just always right.” I haven’t stopped smiling about it. Especially as I am writing a particularly controversial book, it is impossible to not be opinionated. As a matter of fact, I absolutely need to be.
In looking at whether it is being opinionated, passionate or dogmatic which has a negative connotation of being arrogant along with being opinionated, it can be hard to know when you’re supposed to “go with the flow” and when you’re supposed to state your opinion.
What I have noticed is that many people have lost the feistiness, the spark that lights up their eyes and fuels the passion in their soul. Being more concerned about fitting in, not rocking the boat or the fear of being seen as opinionated, radical or maverick can over-ride the knowingness deep in our soul that what we feel is right and to say something about it. It can be much easier and safer to just stay quiet. It also takes a lot of energy to have an opinion and even more to vocalize it.
It’s a subject that best-selling author and activist Marianne Williamson raises frequently. In speaking about the apathy of the women in America (I apply this to both sexes in developed countries) and their desire to change something, she says: “they are disconnected both internally and externally from their power and the collective power of women to make the change”.
She explains that the female hyenas surround their cubs until they are fed and don’t allow the males anywhere near the food. Today with 17,000 children dying each day, one every 5 seconds, Marianne simply asks: Can the women of America not do better than the hyenas? In other words, will we find our power, our passion and our opinion personally and collectively to stand up for what we know is right?
Complacency is a subtle enemy. It’s like the frog in the water that doesn’t jump out because the water gets gradually warmer and warmer and eventually he is boiled to death. We’re being boiled to death as we tolerate more and more, gradually becoming accustomed to what would have horrified us before.
If you doubt that fact, just look at the current rating of movies or the television shows including the nudity and graphic language that is currently allowed on TV. We would never have tolerated much of what is now accepted as the norm a few decades ago.
Having an opinion can definitely be offensive when it is coupled with arrogance, that “if you don’t believe my way, you’re wrong” or a lack of respect if someone doesn’t believe the way you do. My dear dad is about as dogmatic as one can be about the rightness of his religious beliefs and the dangerous, deadly path I walk in my spiritual path. There is nothing subtle in his emails to me and he completely ignores that I am an adult entitled to my opinions. However, at 87 years of age, I just send him love and know he really thinks he’s saving me.
On the other hand, there are so many issues I believe we need to get opinionated about. I’ve just chosen one tiny little issue in my upcoming book but I could think of a hundred things I could stand up and be passionate about. What about you? If you’re having a hard time thinking of anything that you would stand on the mountaintop and declare with all of your life force, then you may need to recharge your opinion battery.
What good comes from having an opinion? Lots! First of all, I believe we are here for a reason. Especially, if you are reading newsletters like mine, you did not come to twiddle your thumbs and contemplate your navel. Trust me, you are here for a reason and it’s probably bigger than you are currently thinking.
So having an opinion lights the fire in your soul, finds your passion and sets you on your purpose. It gets you using your sacred gifts, your talents and blessings you are here to share with the world. It gives you a reason to move beyond yourself and your problems and challenges. It’s why you get out of bed in the morning with energy and vigor. An opinion will help you find meaningful goals and the fuel to reach them.
Yes, having an opinion does all of those things.
Are you ready to get opinionated? I hope so! We need more energized, passionate, driven people in the world who have a cause they are opinionated about and are willing to share with others. These are exciting times! You really need to find those opinions inside of you and start sharing them with others. See what they say, how it fine tunes you and makes you stronger and even more passionate.
And remember the next time someone shares an opinion with you, even if you don’t agree with it, bless them for having the courage to speak up and thank them for sharing it with you.
We can do better than the hyenas, can’t we?
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Love it Jan! Just had to tweet and FB you on this! On FB, I said…This led me to remember Dr. King and his passion and a quote, “I submit to you that if a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” Wondering if there is anything in your life that you are passionate enough about that you’d be willing to die for it?
An interesting question, huh?