The courage of one's convictions has a definition that states; to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in-spite of criticism.  I love the strength of this statement and its even deeper meaning.  It can be easier to do the right things and act accordingly when people are looking at us.  However, it is when one is by themselves that this ability can become vulnerable, as it means that our own integrity and character are the defining platform for how we proceed.  There are also people that are very good at being the antagonists who enjoy and relish the role of criticizing.  When people have done good things and if there was an audience around them, the possibility that a person in that arena scrutinizing their act can become a possibility.  Through out history, there have been many examples of great people that did great things, yet faced severe criticism that could have derailed their achievements.  Those individuals, however, were strong in their convictions and were resolved in what they attempted to achieve.  We could all learn a thing or two from those great examples of the past.  Doing the right thing when nobody is looking and being thankful when times are tough, is probably the harshest test one can face.  One is capable of accomplishing and passing through these tests, however, it can be a tough experience.  What I do know about tough experiences is that they make us so much stronger, yet, we tend to not realize this until much later.  To act in accordance of one's own beliefs, also has another famous saying that refers to those individuals that march to the beat of their own drum.  I enjoy that type of individuality because it becomes a living example of how everyone is unique in their own way.  Talents and gifts vary as much as the variety of people that occupy them.  Therefore, don't forget to live for the sake of individuality and never listen to anyone who is a naysayer or that can be critical of you because you choose to do things differently.  The world is stronger because of our differences and the quicker people realize how valuable this is, we may be able to reach our destination of living harmoniously at a faster pace.