These last 11 months have taken me on a journey I never expected. I honestly did not believe that I would be able to keep consistently* blogging for more than maybe a couple of months.
photo credit: Nicholas_T
I assumed that I would run out of things to say and that I would just be talking to myself. I didn’t think that anyone shared my views on the world, so this has been quite an eye-opening experience for me. I set out to be honest and to explore and share my ideas and views on how things are and how sometimes the status quo isn’t for everyone.
But what I’ve really learned is that not everything you do will ever be perfect. Even when you set yourself a guide to living the way you want there will always be things that you will compromise on and things you will just go without. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices and live with them.
Like the other day, I went shopping to find a white singlet (tank top) and due to my budget and the lack of ethical clothing providers in my area I had to shop in a store that I always try to avoid. I actually felt a bit ill shopping there but I just couldn’t afford to borrow a car and drive for an hour just for one top.
When it comes to priorities and how we perceive value, everyone is different.
We can’t assume that everyone cares about buying locally or that they make conscious decisions when they shop. That is not important to everyone, and as much as I think it would be amazing if there was more awareness, sometimes we just have to let it go. We make our decisions, they make theirs. No one likes being told what to do. All we can do is make the best decisions for ourselves and be happy in the choices that we make.
When it comes down to it, most people don’t buy handmade because they are making a bold statement of ‘oh look at me, I’m saving the world by buying handmade’. They buy the products that they like the look of (handmade or not).
It’s the good design and the quality that slowly changes peoples minds. And sometimes it doesn’t. I am not you and you are not me. It can be so easy in this online world to point out the apparent flaws of others but tolerance is as important as ever and in the end it’s us that have to live with our own choices and the way that we treat people.
So what do you think? Do feel that too?
* I have been less consistent lately but I think I’ve found a better flow for me now.
I do think you’re right; ultimately, the majority of the population makes the decision based on what they like, handmade, local, ecofriendly, or not.