When did you take a stand?

Have you found yourself in a crowd with your fist raised and your voice declaring personal truth?

Have you given time and energy for a soul-felt, heart-felt cause?

If not, there is no better time to do so than now. Now is the time to find something you genuinely believe in and want to support and then give a part of yourself to that.

It is not just a good idea; it is based on research as being good for you.

A study from the University of Buffalo found that when we express personal opinions and demonstrate our core values in action, even in the face of group opposition, we gain positive psychological experiences.  The research assessed participants’ cardiovascular responses within those aiming to assert their individuality amidst disagreement. Those who experienced a state of “challenge,” in this manner gained benefits characterized by feelings of confidence and invigoration. Conversely, participants who sought to conform to a disagreeing group exhibited a “threat” response, associated with anxiety and discomfort

(Source: https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/07/014.html)

Furthermore, self-advocacy—actively voicing one’s needs and boundaries—is crucial for personal empowerment. This sort of self-advocacy can go far to ensure that our needs are met. It fosters respect from others and prevents mistreatment. This is particularly important for marginalized groups who might face higher levels of mistreatment. Building self-confidence and setting healthy boundaries are vital strategies for effective self-advocacy.

(Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/self-advocacy-benefits-and-strategies-8697994)

Finally, let’s talk about advocacy. Advocacy (the act of offering public support) plays a pivotal role in promoting social justice and equitable change. By educating communities and influencing policies, advocacy helps dismantle stereotypes, dispel misconceptions, and foster empathy. This collective effort contributes to a more informed and compassionate society. When our society is better informed, educated and compassionate, we all have a safer space to live and grow within.

(Source: https://und.edu/blog/advocacy-in-social-work.html)

So back to the start of this guidepost: When did you take a stand? Is it time to do so? 

For your sake, for our sake, please step in. Be the bison heading into a storm; be your own version of an #inspiredbadass by taking action. 

Your action need not be political. It need not be highly public. It does need to be personally potent for you. Take my friend Kyle Knowles as an example. Just before Christmas, he and I recorded an interview regarding his grief process. Kyle’s grief is a specifically painful brand of grief. He lost a cherished son to suicide. 

Through nothing short of gritty courage and a full surrender to the pain, Kyle is now rising up and taking a stand for his son’s life, for his own life, and for the process known as grief.

In our interview, Kyle shared how grief is the other side of love. He discussed the importance of community and grieving together. And he took a stand for it being okay to NOT BE OKAY. It takes strength to feel our emotions. 

You can watch and listen to our episode here. 

It equally takes strength and courage to take a stand. And that is what I’m encouraging us all to do.

Here are 10 ideas of how you might get started on taking a stand today. 

10 Steps to Help You Identify and Take a Stand

1. Reflect on What Matters Most to You
   Think about what matters most to you—education, equality, mental health, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, or another just cause that tugs at your heart. Where would your core values tell you to focus your efforts?

2. Become Aware of Everyday Challenges
   Pay attention to problems in your community or workplace that you wish were different—like bullying, lack of accessibility, or unsafe practices.

3. Educate Yourself on Issues
   Research causes that resonate with you—such as climate change, racial justice, homelessness, or public health—and understand how they affect people.

4. Notice What Sparks Emotion
   Identify moments when you feel frustrated, inspired, or outraged by something you see, read, or hear. These feelings can point to issues you care about deeply.

5. Ask “Who Needs Help?”
   Think about groups or individuals who are overlooked, mistreated, or underserved—like children in need, underrepresented voices, or endangered species.

6. Look for What Aligns with Your Skills
   Consider where your talents and resources can make a difference, such as fundraising, mentoring, advocating for policy changes, or raising awareness.

7. Talk to Others
   Discuss causes with friends, family, or colleagues to discover shared interests or hear about needs you hadn’t considered.

8. Start Close to Home
   Consider causes in your immediate circles, like improving your neighborhood, addressing challenges at work, or supporting local charities.

9. Test Your Commitment
   Try small actions in areas you care about—like signing a petition, donating to a cause, or attending a community meeting—to see what feels meaningful.

10. Follow Your Heart
    Choose a cause that aligns with your values and vision for the future and take a stand knowing even small actions can inspire big change. Let your choice be heart-felt and soul-felt. 

I am jumping in with both feet on this challenge myself. And you are part of my effort. I am taking a stand every time I write one of these guideposts for you. And do you know what I’m standing for? I’m here to enliven and enlarge your vision of the Inspired Badass inside you. I’m here taking a stand for what you can do with that unique and personal Badassery of yours.

You’ve got this. I’ve got your back. Go out there and take a stand. Please check back in and let me know what you have chosen to do and how that has influenced your life and the lives of others.