As it’s getting warmer out, I’m starting to see some people standing at intersections holding signs asking for money. I know it can be easy to judge or make assumptions that they are lying or that if they really needed money why don’t they just go get a job.
I think, growing up with a disability I’ve learned how hurtful it can be for people to judge or make assumptions about me. So, that mindset has really translated to me really taking a step back and reminding myself not to assume anything about anyone. We don’t know them. We don’t know their stories. What if we did know that their stories are very difficult, that maybe we had no idea what they were going through. Maybe we wouldn’t have judged them.
That’s why when I see someone holding a sign at an intersection I don’t assume. I try my best to go into it with a neutral, open mind. I feel like that’s how we all should approach each other, with a willingness, curiosity, and openness to really get to know each other and hear each other’s stories. Because you do never know what each other is going through until you ask.
Kari Storm 