India was absolutely incredible. Such an eye-opening experience. Driving the hour into the city almost daily made me more grateful for everything I have than I could have ever imagined. Stray dogs, starving children, homes made out of rope and cloth, but yet these are the nicest people I have ever met in my life. How can they be so happy when they have next to nothing? Leaving a two dollar tip bought us the royal treatment everywhere we went. Two dollars? Here, a two dollar tip would be downright offensive to a server, but there, it's enough to live off of for a few days. Instead of being consumed by computers, television and video games, they spend time with each other. They dance and listen to music and laugh and eat (Well, the men have most of the fun, while they women stand by). The point is, they have so few material possessions, which are so important to Americans, and yet they seem so much happier.
Since I've been back, I've been bombarded with bad news and I can't help but feel completely defeated. But as soon as I feel that way, I have this overwhelming guilt of being selfish. Sure, things haven't gone my way for the last couple of weeks, but I have food on the table, a roof over my head and an incredibly supportive family. It could be worse! Right? Of course it could, but at what point do we get to actually feel sad or defeated or disappointed without having to compare it to someone else's troubles? Do we ever?
While I am so very appreciative of all I have (opportunities, material possessions and otherwise), I have found myself falling victim to self-pity. At this point, I just need a tiny shred of good news to lift my spirits and reignite my optimism. But until then, I guess I'll just remind myself that, It could be worse!
