How I Overcame Judgment:A Journey to Growth and Understanding
May 16, 2024
Earlier this week, I shared the various choices I've made to enhance my physical and mental well-being (you can read that here). Among them, I reflected on a choice I wish I had approached differently: my decision regarding Covid vaccinations.
However, that topic goes far beyond a mere jab; it touches on the complexities of personal beliefs and societal influences, especially as influenced during a global crisis.
Like so many, I found myself swept up in the pandemic, grappling with the implications of vaccination and the behaviours of those around me. At one point, I admit, I was quick to judge. If someone dared to lower their mask below their nose, I'd scoff at them. If someone went the wrong way down the grocery store aisle, I glared at them. And if someone opted out of vaccination, I regrettably bought into the narrative perpetuated by media, branding them as uneducated or extreme. In my mind, they were nothing short of societal pariahs.
Yet, thankfully, this narrow-minded perspective didn't last for long. As I began to expand my horizons, consuming diverse viewpoints and honing my critical thinking skills, I realized the error of my assumptions.
My sweeping generalizations about vaccination status were not just incorrect, but offensive.
I had allowed fear to cloud my judgment, blindly accepting the narrative fed to me by a news cycle.
But growth requires effort. It demands a willingness to challenge the status quo, even when it's easier to go along with the crowd. The choices I discussed earlier in the week stemmed from my pursuit of knowledge and a willingness to question long standing beliefs. And let's be honest – that's not always comfortable. It's far simpler to conform than to stand apart. This is baked into us via societal norms and a core need to be seen, heard, and understood.
To those I once judged for their vaccination decisions, I extend my sincerest apologies. I now recognize the strength and autonomy inherent in their choices – qualities I initially failed to appreciate. Their resolve to make decisions aligned with their beliefs, despite societal pressure, is commendable.
It's a reminder that strength comes in many forms, and true courage often lies in defying the norm.
I recognize now that my journey toward understanding was as much about humility as it was about knowledge.
It's humbling to admit when we've been wrong, but it's also liberating. And in this case, it's a necessary step toward fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly divided world.
Breathe it in, be deliberate, and be good to yourself!
Chelsea
aka The Deliberate One
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