Are You Fighting AGAINST or Fighting FOR?

Too often we think of fighting as “fighting against.” I have learned that when you “fight against” someone or some policy, that person or policy may actually be reinforced. Rather… we are called to fight for a vision that can be shared.

Simone Campbell

The above distinction struck home.

As someone who wants to do my part to reduce suffering in the world, I realized that I often frame the struggle in terms of what I’m against vs what I’m for. I’m against people needlessly trapped by destructive habits. I’m against restricting rights for marginalized groups. I’m against unfair income inequality. Simone Campbell’s wise words made me reassess. What am I fighting for? How am I practically engaging in that fight in meaningful ways?

Here’s what I came up with:

1. I’m fighting for INDIVIDUAL healing by writing and sharing what I’m learning in this personal development blog.

2. I’m fighting for CULTURAL healing by staying informed on important issues, voting my conscience, and advocating for others, especially marginalized groups (writing political leaders, attending rallies, etc).

3. I’m fighting for ECONOMIC healing by donating financially to organizations that effectively eradicate poverty like Heifer International.

The reduction of suffering in the world is an issue I continually struggle with. As a straight, white, American male who is wealthy when compared to most of the world, I’m the epitome of privilege. I feel guilty at times—while some of my relatively comfortable life comes from hard work, wise choices, and practicing delayed gratification, much is the result of factors I had nothing to do with. In my desire to reduce suffering, thinking though what I’m fighting for is helpful.

What are you fighting for? What practical steps are you taking to influence that battle? Take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Clarify what you’re fighting for. Take an honest look at how you spend your time, energy, and money in that fight. If you do, you’ll find life-giving focus, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

Simone Campbell, “The Shackles of Our Time,” ONEING 3, no. 1, Emancipation (2015): 38, 39. As shared in the July 5, 2025 Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org)