The Ugliest Word

Passive
Definition:  accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance; being the object of action rather than causing action.

Synonym:  apathetic, lifeless, impassive, asleep, compliant, docile, flat, idle, indifferent, inert, inactive, motionless, nonresistant, resigned, static, submissive. 

Not very appealing choices to describe oneself, are they?

Most of us don’t think of ourselves that way but take a close look…are you passive?

Guns, Immigration, Intolerance, Accountability, Honesty, Bullying, Democracy, Constitutional rights… these are just a sampling of serious issues in the news today. Things are happening, changes are coming…and not necessarily for the good.
 
                                          “I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something
                                              about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”
                                                                              -Lily Tomlin

Do you stand by and do nothing? Say nothing? Or do you take a stance? Will you march?

How will history look at you? What will you tell your kids of your involvement or lack of? So much of what we do and say today will affect their future.

There are two sides to every issue and surely you must have thoughts or feelings one way or another. Whatever your opinion, reach out, speak up! Have a lively debate. Listen to the opposing side. Involve your kids in a meaningful dialogue. The innocent often offer simplistic but common sense views. Compromise is not a dirty word.

If we don’t contribute our feelings or thoughts, then a compromise/solution can not be achieved. Choosing to be silent forgoes your right to speak out after a decision is made. Your right to complain  was given up with your silence.

                                       “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less
                                        than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.”
                                                                          –John F. Kennedy

We are so concerned with being politically correct or offending someone with our point of view, that we avoid discussions. True friendship should be able to withstand an opposing opinion. There is so much more to discuss at dinner other than the hottest reality show or current celebrity status.

Get involved. Take a stance. Feel alive. It’s okay to disagree, just have the conversation. Listen. Voice your view. If you lived elsewhere, speaking openly may not be a safe option. But it is here. Don’t waste it. Be proud of your involvement…win or lose. You acted. You used your voice.

                                    “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies,
                                                          but the silence of our friends.”
                                                                       -Martin Luther King Jr.
 

Antonym of passive: active.
Now that’s a beautiful word!