The limited choice of lifestyle

Do we absolutely have a choice in how we live? I tell you very clearly, no! Not in absolutely every case do we have the choice to determine how we live.

The saying goes that everyone has a choice in how they live. We are often impressed that our life choices are our responsibility and that we can live the life we want. However, there are situations where we are not always in full control of our lifestyle. External factors, such as societal norms, economic conditions or geography, can limit our options and thus in some way dictate how we live.

Social norms and expectations

The society we live in has certain ideas about what a "successful" or "full" life should be like. These norms and expectations influence our decisions, from our educational choices to our careers to our family plans. If we don't conform to these norms, we can face stigma or exclusion. It seems like we have limited options when it comes to living our lives the way we want.

Economic conditions and social inequality

The economic situation we are exposed to can have a significant impact on the way we live. Accessibility to education, jobs and health care can depend heavily on financial resources and social background. People who grow up in economically disadvantaged areas often do not have the same opportunities as their privileged fellow human beings. Here it becomes clear that our way of life is often influenced by external factors that are beyond our control.

Geographical conditions and cultural influences

Our geographic location and the cultural environment in which we grow up can also influence our life choices and opportunities. In some regions there are strict traditions or religious requirements that can restrict our behavior and our way of life. The resources available to us can vary greatly by location. The environment we live in can mean that we have limited options in how we want to live our lives.

I've had to experience first-hand, economically, what it feels like to lose practically everything.

I fought my way through to the last with administrative procedures, without any support from my own country, where you pay your bills and taxes conscientiously and on time for the rest of your life. No RAV, since self-employment meanwhile controlled. No social welfare office, because bridal dresses are capital and, for me, dead capital that can neither be sold because the market is oversaturated by the pandemic, nor processed into "food".

Had to give up my apartment, close my business. Debts are generated in such a way that I no longer know how to repay them with a wife who will soon be 57 and have been working for around 10 years. Job found, job lost again, because there was economic hardship there too. I don't even want to think about what I'll be facing financially in 10 years. Classic example of "woman, supplementary benefits and no money in old age" in Switzerland...

Luckily found a job again, hoping not to fall through the cracks again.

Of course, this also has health consequences, despite maintaining my resilience and belief in the good.

Lack symptoms, physical limitations, painful rheumatism and uncontrollable fever attacks that continue to this day, greetings from Corona, sleepless nights to this day, etc...

I was forced to stop doing it because apart from going for a run, everything costs money. So I also unintentionally mutated into a "hermit crab" in society, because I couldn't even arrange to meet friends outside for coffee, for example. Because coffee outside always costs money.

I'm not sure if the society that has never experienced this can understand what I'm talking about.

It is important to recognize that we are not always in full control of the way we live. External factors such as societal norms, economic conditions or geography can influence our decisions and limit our choices. However, we should be aware that, although limited, we still have control over how we react to these circumstances and which paths we take. It is about making the appropriate decisions in the context of our individual possibilities and looking for alternatives in order to achieve a lifestyle that is as fulfilling as possible for us.

This is no joke and I've been thinking for a long time about writing these bold lines. On the other hand, what do I have to lose, so I'm finding the courage to do this now:

If any of you want to do another good deed, I'm happy to accept donations by arrangement.

heartbeat@heartbeatwords.com

Welcome and thank you for reading to the end.❣

Gabriela