This past year I have tried to implement several lifestyle changes, some more successfully than others. Throughout the years I have made changes that many people saw as either selfish or foolish. My motivations have always been the same, and I promise you they are not selfish. Foolish? Perhaps.
It is not easy. Trying to do what you believe to be right. Trying to lead by example. Problem is, when you lead by example that usually implies there are few others that are the example you are looking to be. Which means that most (not all) of the people surrounding me are very different from myself, with different beliefs and different opinions. Straying from the norm leaves you vulnerable, and I have come across my share of ridicule and judgement. Those who do not understand or who live with blinders, they are the ones I try to be an example for and they are the ones least likely to accept me. I feel alienated.
People want conformity. Change is unsteady and requires effort with no guarantee of success. When you do not conform to today's expectations and standards then you risk disrupting the norm, and in the norm people feel safe. Problem is, today's norm is not sustainable, is not ethical and is not survivable.
I choose health over wealth. I have more than I need anyways. I choose ethically instead of conveniently. Food has never tasted better. I choose educating over personal legacy. The next generation can do more for this world than I ever could alone. I choose environment over economy. Without the environment there is no economy, there is no us.
1 comment:
I like your choices! I read a great post by Seth Grodin this morning that kind of fits here. I am not sure if people want conformity or more specifically, support for their current thought process and values. I think people are always looking for justification to maintain their own status quo. Anything outside our current belief system tends to be met with resistance and even aggression. People used to have more open minds and sought knowledge and wisdom rather than just support for their existing ideas. I'm glad you're pushing the envelope.
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