We put blinds on our windows for privacy, or to block out unwanted light. But it’s awfully easy to close metaphorical blinds to the things that we’d simply rather not see: racism, sexism, the environmental cost of a comfortable lifestyle, broken relationships…the list is pretty much endless. It can be hard to actually let in the view, but it matters that we see what is happening outside our windows.
How have you chosen to open the blinds to uncomfortable, important truths?
This is personal and has been more difficult than I had imagined. I think all of us spend a lot of time denying the fact that we are going to die. Be that as it may, I recently decided to invest in a pre-planned burial plan since none of my relatives are nearby and therefore unable to make arrangements. My friends know that I will be counting on them to do so; it seems that the thing to do is try to have arrangements clarified (as much as possible) so that they will know of my wishes and that are paid for. When it came to the arrangements and paying for it, I could hardly envision my not being here. Although I am glad that it is arranged, I still at times question myself about my decisions.