If you believe in everything, you believe in nothing. So, you can’t have it both ways. Having a strong sense of belief in something, such as inclusion or environmental justice, means you need to fight for what you believe in. Being a pacifist doesn’t work because there is always an opposing view challenging your beliefs. As such, we must stand against these opposing views.
I often get the sense that people think believing in justice means staying silent in the face of discrimination. In fact, it’s the opposite. When you believe in something strongly, you need to actively oppose and be okay with it. For example, I believe in the rights of children and feel at peace opposing child abuse or practices that undermine their rights.
So, consider what you believe in and what views might be trying to undermine this position. Ask yourself, “What can I do to ensure these views don’t prevail?” It sounds challenging, but remember, everything worth fighting for in life will imbalance you, and that’s okay because it’s worth it. Life was never meant to be a popularity contest. Stand firm in your beliefs and be prepared to defend them.