Aren’t Rebels Bad?
Society often paints rebellion as a bad thing. Stability and structure are key to society humming along nicely. But without a bit of rebelling, society loses out. On good ideas, on adapting to a changing world, on getting the best out of everyone. And the best Rebels are Kindly ones. A couple of my favourite rebels – Rosa Parks and Galileo were Rebels who made a great impact in equality and science respectively – are great examples of rebelling for good.
Why be a rebel at all?
Do you want a bigger life, full of experiences rather than stuff? Are you too small, old, conventional, quiet, bullish, young, or impatient to change the world? Clue – you aren’t. Do you want to challenge things and not burn bridges? Are you ready to choose your life, try to make the world a better place? Time to Rebel Kindly.
Me, a rebel?
I was the quietest, meekest kid in school. Yet I’m a rebel. Sometimes on the inside and sometimes on the outside. I’ve rebelled against expectations and conventions. Travelled the world and worked in four continents. Learned to lead, listen and give things a go. Been through the pain of practicing speeches and ended up able to do presentations at the drop of a hat, from CEOs to ten year olds to librarians.
Although a generation X-er, sometimes I feel like a millennial. I’ve always wanted a life that I craft rather than letting things just happen. Experiences and relationships not belongings, baggage. So I’ve rebelled all my life, though not always Kindly. I became a parent late in life and took time to experience the pleasures of that instead of working. During my sabbatical, I’ve spent a bit of time thinking and diving deep. Certainly, this Rebel Kindly idea has been inspiring me to be kinder and think about how what I’ve learned can help others.
What is a Rebel?
Rebellion is good. But be a Kindly Rebel. What’s that?
Rebel = passion and Kindly = compassion
It’s someone who thinks or acts against convention or expectations, to make things better. Make our world better.
Passion is good for starting a fire of rebellion. The way to stop that fire fizzling out or burning things to a crisp is kindness. Rebel is your spark, Kindly is your fuel. Sustainable heat and warmth and comfort are the reward.
Rebel Without a Cause
If you’re not acting against expectations, then it’s not rebelling. For instance, when I was a student, I was an indie kid. Sort of like an emo kid but more cheerful. However, that wasn’t rebelling. Half of the university was an indie kid. And I wasn’t trying to make the world a better place. I was just trying to find out who I was – a good first step I suppose.
Rebellion is not:
- All about you – have a cause even it’s just your own happiness
- Reacting to things – “nobody tells me what to do”
- Ever finished – there’s always something else you can make better
- Being a follower – you’ve got to lead the way
- Easy – maybe you’d worked that out already! It’s hard, lonely, scary and fulfilling
- Perfect – nothing is
- Intended to harm – people, the world, other’s mental state
- A solitary pursuit – you’ll most likely need people to help along the way
- Expensive – it takes time, effort and maybe money but is a good bargain.
How to Be a Good Rebel
Get ready! And now start. Right where you are, and who you are. With the skills and resources you have. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it. Here’s how to start:
- Be clear on where you are heading, what change you are trying to make
- Be Kindly. How can you do it in a way that is compassionate, authentic, gentle and strong.
- Try and Fail. Do some Kindly reflection. What went well? Could you try something differently next time? Who can you ask for help? Did you learn or gain anything?
Rebel Without Permission
Are you a Rebel who hasn’t started yet. Time to start! Why?
- We need your ideas, your passion, your action in the world
- You will learn and grow and live a bigger life
- Be an inspiration, exploding your Kindly ways into the world.
Kindly Does It
So you’re already out there doing your rebel thing. It’s time for Rebel Kindly. Why?
- Being kind makes you happy and others happy
- RebelKindly makes you, your world, the world better
- The changes you make are more likely to stick.
Be a Kindly Rebel
You may not always be a good rebel. You may rebel in a huge way or a tiny way. It may be a bold action or changing thoughts just in your own head.
Above all, you might fail – no, you will fail! But pick yourself up, be kind to yourself, and rebel again. And remember that when you look back sometimes your big embarrassing failures are the most interesting times. They are the times when you can develop empathy, so you can be more understanding of others when they mess up. You’ll work out what you’re good at, and what needs more work. What you could ask others to help you with. And every little failure builds your grit and stamina to go out and try again.
So are you ready for it? Ready or not, let’s do it anyway, try a little Kindly Rebel in your life. Share with us what happens. And start!
If you need some inspiration, read about being kind and how anyone can be a rebel. And if you need a spur to action, read about how change is all around.
