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To take a stand takes courage, ownership

Deciding to take a stand for something you believe in isn’t easy.MLK

COURAGE TO TAKE A STAND — NO WIMPS ALLOWED

(Warning, I will get a bit philosophical today)
🙂

What does it mean to “take a stand”
against a burglar in your house?
against a bully at school?
against an abusive or arrogant authoritarian figure?
against a corrupt system?
against a change at school or work you find repulsive or counterproductive?

How do you take a stand and Think Like A Black Belt?

CHUCK NORRIS
Can you imagine any senior black belt shrinking back when attacked?
Can you see Chuck Norris bumbling his way through a bully’s intimidation?
Can you visualize Jet Li or Jackie Chan falling apart when faced with making a difficult decision or public statement?

When do you decide to get in the game, get dirty, and get something done despite opposition? What is the motivation between doing something or not?

I take action when I decide to take ownership, as I talked about in an earlier newsletter. I have to buy into taking a stab at improving the situation. If I don’t take the risk, my sense of personal honor and courage die a little for not employing them.

HONOR
Personal honor, for me as a senior black belt and long-time martial arts instructor, is when my personal integrity, my principles, and my standards are built into my character to the point that I will stand by them and exercise them despite opposition, doubts, or temptation.

When was the last time you made a stand for something you believed in instead of letting the situation go unanswered?

It’s tough to go against the flow, isn’t it? It seems easier to be the wallflower, the silent majority, or even the armchair quarterback.

But in the end, a person who Thinks Like A Black Belt must be able to look in the mirror and admire the integrity of the person looking back.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Lori Hoeck

Photo: BlatantNews

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Davina June 12, 2010, 1:18 am

    Hi Lori.
    As I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think that there are a lot of different ways to look at this. I found myself thinking about just what you finished off with; standing up for your honour. Then another thought occurred to me: by handling a situation where someone is offending you, in a way, by putting a stop to it, not only are you defending your honour, but you are giving them an opportunity to not do or say something they might later regret. Now, I’m getting philosophical, lol.

  • Betsy Wuebker June 12, 2010, 6:03 am

    Amen. Facebooked this one, Lori. One of the (many) things I admire about you is how fiercely principled you are. It is an honor to be associated with you, whether it’s as co-author of our e-book, or as a friend who shares many of the same beliefs.

    I am finding there are many more who are setting aside their fears to speak up and speak out. It’s a breath of fresh air. Thanks.

  • Lori Hoeck June 12, 2010, 10:07 am

    Hi Davina,
    As a senior martial arts instructor, I shy away from the phrase “stand up for my honor” because it implies too much ego or that I’m in a defensive position after someone dissed me. I prefer to stand up for principles, stand by my integrity, and stand for something.

    Hi Betsy,
    I’m glad you find more people speaking up. I overheard a conversation at a restaurant yesterday that let me know people aren’t being so silent about the fundamental transformation underway. What really gets my goat is the lack of independence in the news media. As an old-school journalist, I can’t believe how spin has become more important than presenting the facts, telling the stories of all sides, and a throwing in a modicum of perspective and then stepping back to let the audience make its own mind up about a topic.

  • Hilary June 13, 2010, 12:55 am

    Hi Lori .. I have in the last four years .. taken stands more than 3 times against the local council, against the Nursing Centre where my mother is, and against a hospital in London .. perhaps made serious complaints is a better phrase.

    However the Nursing Centre down here – one of the senior people would fit your category .. and as I was acting on behalf of my mother – but her vitriole was directed against me .. it was difficult & I had no support from the family. Social Services & thus the police were called .. and I carried on writing & documenting everything .. eventually she left under a cloud, and then the manager also left in December. Now we seem to be moving on more happily. The staff backed me & knew I wouldn’t have done what she accused me of – but she coerced them .. & it was very unfair on my mother .. but my Ma understood. Fortunately our massage-therapist-healer, who is so calm & spiritual, kept us going and was there everyday when I was banned!!!!! to check on things & kept me informed with a daily commentary.

    Anyway we’re past that – but being in this situation .. acting on behalf of my mother .. has been difficult .. and my family show traits too .. I’m sure I do to – but just at the moment I need to be as balanced as I can be & take that forward .. my uncle supported me too when he was alive .. so by default I’ve learnt & fought my corner (our corner).

    Anyway .. the road ahead is easier and the new Manager is excellent & supportive … so those loads have gone (relatively) .. but the stories linger on! – tales to tell for the future – so others can glean something from the experiences.

    Thanks for these posts – I mut come back and read properly .. as I didn’t think I needed them – but realised soon after that I actually did – which distresses me .. as it’s family .. but there we go.

    Have a good Sunday & week ahead .. Hilary

  • Walter June 13, 2010, 11:35 pm

    There are times when taking a stand get complicated. I do believe that we must take into consideration the consequences when we make our stand. I oftentimes see people who take a stand based on their pride rather than reason. While taking a stand is ideal, I would not find it always applicable. There’s a time to be firm and a time to sway. 🙂

  • Lori Hoeck June 14, 2010, 1:51 pm

    Hi Hillary,
    Acting on behalf your mother is a noble thing — trust me, I know the protective feelings that come up there! Glad it worked itself out.

    Hi Walter,
    There is a time to bend with the wind, but I’m referring to those moments you must take a stand or life is made worse.

  • Barbara Swafford June 16, 2010, 1:52 am

    Hi Lori – aka Quote Master,

    Don’t forget to include this quote in your “Book of Black Belt Quotes”,

    But in the end, a person who Thinks Like A Black Belt must be able to look in the mirror and admire the integrity of the person looking back.

    Thank you for this thought provoking post. It reminds me of what I don’t want to be, i.e. a wallflower 🙂

  • Lori Hoeck June 16, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Hi Barbara.
    You a wallflower?! Not that I’ve ever seen!

    Oooh a book of black belt quotes…hmmmm…