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Because an idea or way of doing things is
popular, doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Just because an idea or way of doing things
is popular, doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. However, part of the way
that something becomes popular is that many of us don’t take the time to
determine what’s right for us; we simply do what most of the people we know
are doing. In this way, our decisions about life are made by default, which
means they aren’t what we call conscious decisions. Many other options may be
available, but we don’t always take the time to explore them. This may be the
result of feeling overwhelmed or pressured by family, peers, and humanity at
large — to do things their way, the way things have always been done.
Regardless of the cause, it is important that, as often as we can, we decide
for ourselves what to do with our lives rather than just drift along on the
current of popular opinion. It is not always easy to make decisions
that go against the grain. Many people feel threatened when those close to
them make choices divergent from the ones they are making. Parents and
grandparents may be confused and defensive when we choose to raise our
children differently from the way they raised us. Friends may feel abandoned
if we decide to change our habits or behavior. Meanwhile, on our side of the
fence, it’s easy to feel frustrated and defensive when we feel unsupported
and misunderstood simply because we are thinking for ourselves. It can be
exhausting to have to explain and re-explain our points of view and our
reasons. This is where gentleness, openness, and
tolerance come into play. It helps if we are calmly persistent, consistent,
and clear as we communicate to those around us why we are making the choices
we are making. At the same time, we have the right to say that we are tired
of talking about it and simply need our choices to be respected. Our lives
belong to us and so do our decisions. Those who truly love us will stand by
us and support our choices, regardless of what’s popular. |
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