Taking a stand

I have lived so much of my life by the mantra, "Don't tell them about it." There have been things I believed that I have kept hidden since I was very young, probably since I realized that people would hate me for my atheism. But then I found other things for people to hate me for. I don't know when I got used to hiding my true self, but I have become a secretive person, and I go around envious of those who are able to say what they think without fear. I admire people like that. I don't want to risk things like my livelihood making a statement that could get me fired. But someday it would be great to be fearless and stand up for what I think.

When I meet someone who is fearless and will face persecution to say what they think, it just reminds me of how far I fall short of my own ideals. There is so much in the world that I feel strongly about. But saying and doing nothing about it makes me indistinguishable from those who would fight on the other side. By doing nothing I only allow the status quo to continue.

This has given me a lot to think about.