For Those of Us Who...

For many of us who never fought for our freedom, it’s almost impossible to understand the depth of commitment by those who have.

For those of us who never went hungry, it’s hard to imagine someone not eating when we see the abundance at the grocery store.

For those of us who haven’t experienced a suffocating, abusive relationship, to comprehend why anyone would stay in one.

For those of us who haven’t worked a day job to pay our bills & keep food on the table, it’s potentially not even a thought for us to take a minimum wage job, “to get through” or take on two jobs, until a better one comes along.

For those of us who haven’t earned the money to pay for our first apartment, house, car, expensive item, etc. – it’s difficult to feel that level of accomplishment and satisfaction from earning what we have bought or done. 

For those of us who haven’t lost a paycheque (or many) due to circumstances beyond our control, it’s hard to figure out why others are upset, angry and feeling undue pressure to conform.

For those of us who haven’t suffered ongoing physical pain, it’s hard to realize why others just don’t get up and go about their day.

For those of us who haven’t felt anxiety about life or living, or drastic lows in our lives, it can be a revelation to understand that giving hope to others is a kindness beyond money.

For those of us who breezed through traditional school & perhaps never failed a test, hard to empathize with those who struggle to read, write, study & comprehend what has come so easily to us.

For those of us who lead with our minds, thinking, thinking, thinking about everything, it’s baffling how anyone can lead their life from the wisdom of their hearts and how they make decisions based on things resonating or not.

For those of us who constantly find fault and negativity with life, living and others, it’s mind-boggling & perhaps seeming insincere to see others consistently upbeat, inspirational & conquering their issues.

Life is a potpourri of experiences, relationships, situations, and circumstances. Each one truly gives us opportunities. Opportunity to think outside our limited box. Opportunity to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone of ‘knowing’. Opportunity to feel the struggle & pain of another. Opportunity to dive deeper within ourselves and find the ‘best of us’. These opportunities can awaken the generous, kind, loving, compassionate, patient & discerning nature we were born with.

The way we stretch ourselves to become better, to do better, to be the best we possibly can be every day, and accept our perfectly imperfect selves, is to realize we can’t possibly know the life, experiences, & perspectives of others. 

So, for those of us out there in the world, doing our best, be kind, be inclusive, be open, be compassionate, & be respectful. Do your best every day to be a good human and perhaps keep your eyes on your progress to heal and not that of others. 

May you know just enough struggle to build a resiliency of character and a depth of empathy & understanding for yourself & those around you.