Why we need to speak our minds more...

In the light of the horrific attacks in Paris and other places around the world, our thoughts have gone haywire, and it is impossible not to have your own opinion on our current world.

Racial tension is high, nationalism is high but as we know, these are not racist or xenophobe attacks. These are attacks from a small group of radicals, who's beliefs do not actually fit in with any religious teachings or reading.  If people don't speak up and stand up for themselves, and turn a blind eye to what is going on, then it will continue.

This is the same in our personal lives. If you see things that you really don't appreciate or agree with, you need to stand up. It could be something simple, like the lack of road safety near a school, or seeing an animal being mistreated.  You might think that someone else will sort it out, and make the problem go away, but what if everyone is thinking the same thing.

It's time to let yourself be heard. People are not going to hate you for speaking your mind, and you just might make a difference.  If you don't complain about a bad haircut, there will be some poor hairdresser losing his reputation, and causing upset one client at a time. If you went back to him and said, I'm not happy with my wonky fringe, you are giving him the chance to make good his mistake and learn from it.

If you don't say anything about the drivers speeding down your road in the dark evenings, then you might be risking your or someone else's life by these inconsiderate drivers. If you spoke to your local council and expressed your views, and others did too, then measures can be taken and lives could be saved.

If you allow someone else to bully you, mentally or physically, but it's not so bad that you need to go to hospital/stay off work then you might be allowing them to do it to others. Others who are not as strong as you. Stand up, tell them what you don't like about their actions and let yourself be heard to stop them from ruining your life and others.

Shout from the rooftops. If you aren't concerned about doing it for your own welfare (although you very much should be) then do it for others. Do it to save lives, save embarrassment and encourage others to do the same.