I took a self-assessment quiz the other day, and the results suggested I am a rebel. I laughed, closed the tab, and dismissed it as a highly flawed waste of time. Nobody adheres to rules, follows formulas, and the “right path” better than I do. But as these things happen, I started thinking. What does it mean to be a rebel?
The first impression that comes to mind is a troublemaker who won’t accept directions, instructions, or social norms and who disrupts everybody’s pleasant day. Have rebels gotten a bad rap? Sure, they challenge the status quo, question everything, and wonder “what if.” They challenge the idea that events must follow a prescribed manner and balk when the answer is “because it’s the way we’ve always done it.” What if there is a better process or a simple solution? What is the point in obeying every rule if we can’t cut loose and dance?
I see many of my peers get caught up with following self-proclaimed gurus and their “10 Steps to Success” rules. I know I have fallen into the trap and experienced feeling inadequate, stupid, uncomfortable, constrained, and a complete failure when I didn’t achieve the promised outcome. Then I stop and remind myself one size does not fit all. Those authorities are experts of their history, their journey, but not mine. Thank goodness we are all different, or the world would be an incredibly uninteresting place. We don’t travel the exact path. We can’t live another person’s life. We are distinct individuals, rare creatures, with unique perspectives, and we all harbor the heart of a rebel.
How will you celebrate your inner rebel?
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer
Jo Hawk 
Over the years, I have had all of my faults highlighted by so many people that my opinion of myself was less than glowing. But I have grown into my faults to such an extent that I am quite happy in my own skin…
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I hear you. The attacks have been demoralizing. It has taken forever to come to the conclusion that they criticized me because of their own insecurities. Wish I had figured it out before now. 😥
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I try not to let hurtful remarks upset me, but they do hurt…
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💕💗💕
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Doesn’t rebel mean you fight the evil Empire? I can see you doing that. And if rebellious means not following someone or something in an unthinking way, then easily I see you doing (or is it not doing) that. In response to yet another insightful question, I encounter many opinions throughout the day; and I have my opinions, too. But I have a greater interest in ecumenism that somehow combines bias with larger concerns. Maybe that’s not rebellious but simply naive. Wish me luck?
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Ha. So, now I am a rebel Jedi? You make me laugh. But you are correct, I don’t tend to create opinions without thinking things through to a probable conclusion.
I would never consider you naïve, you are too thoughtful and show true concerned for the welfare of others. If that is the face of naiveté then we need more than luck. All the best Christopher.
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