Defeat and futility, or motivation? When everything seems to be working against you, it's easy to start feeling defeated, and like your efforts are futile. OR... you can take a step back, and be motivated by the challenge. Dig in. Climb on top of it. Shout at the top of your lungs, "I'm doing good work, and I will not be stopped!" Bravery involves risk, but it's saying, "I'm afraid, and this is difficult, but I'm going to do it anyway." No matter what your "cause" is, go into it with passion, compassion, knowledge & education, a plan, and a goal. What is it you're trying to accomplish?.. How will you achieve that? Be specific with your goals, know exactly what it is you're fighting for and what the outcome will look like, so that your efforts will be clear and focused. Gather together with people who believe in you, but also learn about all the other perspectives, so you remain aware and on the right path, assessing all the way, and making changes where necessary to achieve that end goal. Be a good person in the process. And as you go, remember that you matter, you can make a difference, and you can lead by your example when you earn others' respect through your actions. Change causes discomfort and creates challenges, but it's only through positive changes that we make things better. Keep going, keep believing. The world needs change.