I asked my nonagenarian dad what is the right thing to do when someone's behavior is troubling. Unsurprisingly, he said that it's important to speak up. I asked this question because there were two recent observations I made that troubled me. I worried that people's actions were limiting others' potential and happiness in life.
As dad and I talked about the specific situations, I actually decided that I was too distanced from the events to speak up now, but I'll keep a close eye on the situations, and if there is the opportunity to offer some help, I'll do that. I'll reserve my words until I know and see more. I don't want to jump to conclusions without accuracy or the positive opportunity to help.
We all navigate life's situations differently. It's easy to jump to conclusions and judge others when their actions seemingly don't match your values or beliefs, but we have to be wary of judging others since we don't walk in their shoes and we rarely know the whole story. Most people choose wisely given the great number of parameters they have to consider with any decision.
I remember way back when I made a decision about one of my children's schooling. It was an unconventional decision, but I knew that it was the right decision given the many facts related to the situation--facts too personal to share with most at the time. The decision was made carefully, and in the long run, it was a perfectly good decision. I knew what was necessary at the time--a time that was challenged by a large array of personal events.
We have to mostly trust and support each other's decisions in life, and when decisions seem out of place or worrisome, it's good to meet that with a sense of curiosity and observation. Keep an eye open, watch with care, and sensitively do what you can to help out in time if possible. Onward.