You can't please everyone.
You can't get it your way every time.
You can't do it all.
You can't reach everywhere.
You can't say the right things to everyone.
Choose.
Define what you don't want.
Select what you do want.
Live it. Work it. Breathe it.
Do it all the way.
Some people won't like it.
Some situations will get uncomfortable.
It will get lonely at times.
Choose your principles and live by them.
Make your voice heard about that which you believe.
Move everything you do in the direction of what you stand for.
Ignore the lure of the popularity contest.
Have faith in your choice.
Whoever you are, whatever you do, now more than ever, Jordan needs us each to stand for something.
Reflect. Listen. Observe. Choose. Contribute.
12/07/2008
Stand for something
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18 comments:
I would also say question everything... almost like, don't listen to anyone...
well said nadine :)
Nadine, thanks, I needed to hear that. Sigh.
Whoever you are, whatever you do, now more than ever, Jordan needs us each to stand for something.
The words!!!
Even more, "yourself" needs you to stand for something!
You inspire many with these words, said I am sure from the bottom of your heart. Where does one reach over for that courage that laid so burried in teh dispair of maintaining the status quo? Do we have the termerity to be like the few who stand for what they believe in after we created one generation upon another in a heap of silent, albeit discontented populace? is there a day beyond this day where those who stood will also see the light and stare glaringly into the sun not blinded by the fear of blindness?
Your message is true...Our fear of bearing teh consequences whetehr in lost contentment or lost opportunities is also true...But only fools will pay...It is time that we have all become fools...A better Jordan needs that. Thank you for the enlightenment
Nadine,
You talk like any bleat contortionist
please ignore the fool that made the third anonymous comment. He is obviously an idiot that should not be reading your blog, but it takes all sorts. Hey foolish fool, when you learn to read, learn also to write and then appreciate the prose.
;)
We all have so much to reflect upon it seems....
Good reminder, but what does Jordan stand for?
Nadine, the new Jordanian savant, maven, Baron, prodigous,vicarious, one and only....
The majority of Jordanians don't have the guts to stand for something as they are afraid of everything. I've never encountered a more suspicious and paranoid society.
The comment by Mervaz is important as it is about individual character, the self needs you to stand for something.
إسمع خيوه: إذهب انت وربك حاربا إنا هنا قاعدون.
This is a message that should becoem a national cry, "Stand for something."Whether regarding the economy, rights, empowerment or the right to partake in a creative activity. Few will deny the truism behind the statement; why we, collectively, so refrain from standing for anything is a mighty question and its answer must come in rigorous analysis and resreach by an enlightened people and leadership. People who stood for nothing, never stood, they became weak and incapacitated and so does the country. A strong mindset is a prerequisite for the competitiveness of a nation and the rising welfare of its people. The cry should resonate in souls and minds everywhere. Is it not true we have become our own regulators and sabbotuers of our own growth. fear not but fear itself for the monster that lies within is much more vicious than that you confront.Thanks Nadine!
Karim, "don't listen to anyone".... great mantra!
Merva, So true! I think defining what we each want to stand for is important coz there's a need for collective contribution which becomes easier if we define our selves better. Knowing who we want/need to be is a powerful motivator.
Anonymous #2: I think the times have changed, and I believe there is a generation and a general force that does in fact want to break out of the status quo. The difference today from before is the tools we have to connect thru. Today, we don't need strength from direct family or government or school or society. We can connect with like minded people anywhere, in so many ways if our immediate environments are not conducive to growing and independent thinking. We can learn from each other, collaborate, explore safely, and weave a strong social fabric thru the tools of connectivity at our finger tips.
That never existed before. This is a very powerful opportunity, where the only mandatory is a commitment to embracing change and a willingness to contribute - while being exactly who you want to be. A new kind of tribe building, outside of bloodlines :)
Anonymous #7, I see your point. I think we come across that way simply because Jordanians have not exercised that right for a long time. When we talk in small circles or one-to-one, we find great passion, determination, confidence, wonderful dreams, and discover each other's unique skills. We just haven't exercised that openly nor collectively for a very long time. Perhaps it's time to practice.
Yusuf, I cannot agree with you more! "Fear not but fear itself for the monster that lies within is much more vicious than that you confront". Well said!...and that monster will keep growing if we keep feeding it its favorite staple.
Fear is the number one reason for so many things that we allow to hold us back. We are afraid of failing, afraid of what others will say, afraid of getting into trouble, afraid of sounding weird, afraid of hurting others, afraid of being different, afraid of rocking the boat, afraid of the looks we'll get and the invites we won't. We're even afraid of saying, 'I don't know' or 'I don't agree'.
I do think this can change today though. We now have a historical account of events and results that show us clearly how hiding behind fear doesn't work for us, nor for anyone for that matter. We are also able to learn from some trouble makers and heretics that standing for something is not that troublesome and bad after all. And we have these powerful connectivity and learning tools.
We need to nurture and build confidence in ourselves and faith in each other. If we each muster up the courage to decide what to stand for, we will in fact find that progressive common ground we are all aching for. Jordan is a small, safe country, and our challenges are attitudinal rather than fundamental hardships and atrocities.... so if we reengineer our attitudes, everything will change for us.
Nadine,
Do you honestly expect us to be snooker by your copious malarkey.
Only a jejune misanthrope would fall for that.
LOL @ the last Anonymous! Like all, you visit by choice.
I discovered this post after discovering a wifi connection while at a univ lecture... I enjoyed it very much... and thought must come back here to comment while no professor is staring trying to find out what i'm doing with my phone in the middle of a boring class...
I absolutely loved what you wrote... I would add contemplate to the last line :)
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