As we ride on the rough roads of the 21st century, figuratively speaking, we notice our maps are showing less roads. Even with a global market, diversity acceptance, the internet and instantaneous global communication, we are finding we are losing the ability to choose. Our choices have become slimmer and we have become angry about it. When we lose choice, we lose control. We also feel we cannot make the best decisions for ourselves. It can be shopping, healthcare, jobs, housing or anything where there is a noticeable decrease in choices. With a decline in income comes a decline in choice. When we lose options, we feel like we are victims to the choices we have left because we are losing control.
Having the ability to choose is a strength, it’s empowerment. One size does not fit all, and we are for the most part, able to and want to choose what is right for us. I believe part of our collective angst is the loss of choice. The sooner we recognize it, the sooner we can take it seriously. There may not be much we can do in the bigger picture but taking advantage of when we do have choice is a start. For me, I like to shop for groceries at a variety of different markets. I am supporting different markets and I am giving myself more choices of groceries. Supporting the variety, preserves the variety.