Reflection: Choice

I came back to the U.S. for one day, the groceries I ordered were taken 15 minutes after delivery I am starving, my umbrella was taken when I left it at the door for five minutes. I tell myself, hoping the people who took these items actually really needed them. I choose to believe that they have no other choices (in their eyes).

I also admit that for a moment I judged the situation. My jet-lagged brain and empty stomach were fixated on my empty fridge. I know life can be really hard, I’ve experienced that myself since before I was born. I thought about all the things they could do to change their lives, if they chose to. Then I realized that this, in itself, was a judgment.

Choice matters, but it can be blocked by a healthy mindset. Sometimes people choose the easy path, even when it is not the right one, because it feels less painful, or less demanding. Society can do more to focus on the root issues e.g. mental health support, education and opportunities. It’s a complicated problem. Even with support, change must come from the person themselves, in their own time.