Standing up for our right to free speech with a feeling of defeat and negativity could jeopardise what we wish to achieve. Many of us complain about the erosion of free speech, censorship and other people’s silence on important topics, but how much does that improve matters? Complaining definitely raises awareness of the problem, which is the first step to sorting it out. Without awareness nothing can be done. Pointing out what is wrong may also rally likeminded individuals and groups around a common cause or campaign. But negative thoughts and statements only go so far in resolving the issue. Being more optimistic about the future and the outcome of our battles can move us closer to our desired goals. Cultivating a sense of gratitude for what is going well, while remaining focussed during the fight, can also assist us. Optimism As difficult as it may be to summon at times, a glimmer of optimism can support us in achieving the future we wish to see. Shining a light during times of darkness and illuminating our path ahead. The free speech landscape is continuously narrowing under new laws, online censorship and societal changes. The trajectory of which leads us to a potential future steeped in sanctions for simply expressing what we believe. A world of social credit systems, de-banking for voicing our opinions, being outcast from our groups and having our freedoms curtailed. As bleak and depressing as this future dystopia sounds, pointing out the real danger of it manifesting is necessary. Many people have no idea that we are moving in this direction as a society, and therefore have no concerns at all. However, focussing our attention on the problem must be balanced with actively creating a range of solutions. In order for us to bring about these solutions we will require at least a dash of optimism. Cultivating a belief that our efforts to defend our hard won civic freedoms will eventually bear fruit. Knowing, on an intuitive level, that we are going to win. Visualising with absolute clarity the future we each wish to see.There are excellent reasons why a more optimistic outlook on life is better than a pessimistic one. If we adopt a pessimistic attitude, and enter the realm of depression, we can easily jeopardise our health. Our immune system can weaken and levels of cortisol and other stress hormones begin to rise. Stress hormones attack white blood cells, which are a crucial part of our immune response. When cortisol levels increase, our ability to respond effectively to infectious diseases decreases, and our ability to fight various cancers is reduced. Optimism, on the other hand, creates a buffer against the probability of experiencing depression. Not only does optimism reduce stress, it also increases dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy, motivated and more confident to take risks. Optimistic people are happier, have more productive relationships and they cope better in challenging situations. Within the context of our free speech, and expressing controversial or politically sensitive opinions, optimism can be a powerful ally. Staying focussed on our goals, and feeling confident that we will attain them, will help us navigate our way on our quest. Particularly during times when we are attacked by others for voicing our opinions. Gratitude As a free speech advocate, and having been attacked for being one, I have found myself slipping into pessimism at times. Reputational damage, harm to my livelihood, smears in the press and other negative consequences of speaking my mind, occasionally take their toll. Many of us who have publicly commented on controversial topics have been attacked and subsequently incurred losses. When this happens, our survival instinct kicks in. We wonder how we will overcome our challenges, how we will pay our bills and meet our family commitments. Things which we may have previously taken for granted without much worry. Our urgent need for survival can then lead to desperate thoughts and actions. I am not immune to this myself and is one of the reasons for me writing The Hero’s Voice. I would like my experience of having my free speech attacked to be of value to others. Being honest about how difficult it is, but also how important and enlightening it can be. Author and professor of psychology, Dr. Robert Emmons, is regarded as the world’s leading expert on gratitude. His research has revealed that expressing gratitude improves our feelings of self-esteem. His research also shows less obvious outcomes. For example, expressing gratitude can lead to a strengthened heart, a more robust immune system and decreased blood pressure. Dr. Emmons’ research also demonstrates that our academic intelligence expands and our capacity for forgiveness increases when we say what we are thankful for. I find that I feel immediately uplifted, lighter and more relaxed when I have listed the things for which I am grateful. My negative self-talk recedes and I appreciate the things which are going well in my life. During this time of upheaval, as a result of speaking out, making the effort to be thankful for what is going well has helped me enormously. This has then enabled me to become more optimistic and therefore work out a way to solve my problems. A light in the darkness “If we realise that we live in a powerful world full of energy, and that energy is a creative energy of the universe, and our power is the spiritual power of aligning ourselves, then we are very powerful” Vandana Shiva Going against the grain and voicing our opinions about controversial and politically sensitive subjects can get very dark. It invites attacks and smears. Our lives may become difficult if we get marginalised by friends, family and colleagues. We may worry about our finances and work opportunities and wonder how we will cope. These are all valid concerns and inevitable consequences if we are in a minority of people speaking out. In my case, I was the only headteacher or school principal out of more than 20,000 to voice my concerns about lockdowns, masking kids and the vaccine rollout to children. I was easy pickings for those who disagreed with my views. I then incurred a range of losses, including all of those listed above and more. But going very deeply within myself to find optimism, and listing the many things for which I am grateful, has helped. This has then inspired another journey, which Vandana Shiva captures so well in her quote above. A spiritual dimension to the free speech quest and discovery of The Hero’s Voice. The feeling that I am on the side of light and love in a great battle against darkness. Really looking hard for the sparks of light within me. Making connections with likeminded individuals and opening myself to helpful synchronicities along the way. Perhaps this is the true purpose of these turbulent times? To align with the divine and for each of us to express our individual truth. Eventually creating the future of freedom we each want for our children and for ourselves. Either way, fostering a sense of optimism and gratitude may open doors which are hard to find when we feel pessimistic and defeated. Traits which we discover while on our quest and which pave the way for the outcome we desire.
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