No Complaining

I don’t know quite how it began. I complained a little about this, maybe even in jest, then about that, then I was looking out for the negative things, just so I could complain about them. I found I wasn’t as positive as I’d once been, and kept complaining about more and more. Until one day I realized I was just becoming more and more negative, and that that isn’t who I want to be.

See, complaining really does change one’s outlook. If I’m always looking for things to complain about, then I’m missing all the good. The problem is that complaining and looking for the bad becomes an ingrained habit. So how does one replace a bad habit with a good one? I’ve personally decided that every time I complain, or am tempted to do, I should instead find two things to praise and be thankful for. Of course, I can’t just do it on my own, so I also ask for God’s grace to be able to do this. I trust that, with His help, this, and any other obstacles in my spiritual life, can be overcome. Here’s to no more complaining.

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The Illusion of Choice

Pre Roe v Wade – a woman is in a difficult situation. Deadbeat partner, not enough money, abuse, or just alone, and pregnant. Her choices? Continue the pregnancy, or find someone willing to perform an illegal, and dangerous, abortion. The underlying problems remain, and she still has little to no support, with or without the abortion.

Post Roe v Wade – a woman is in a difficult situation. Deadbeat partner, not enough money, abuse, or just alone, and pregnant. Her choices? Continue the pregnancy, or go to a provider for a legal abortion, most of which are safer for her (though never completely safe). The underlying problems, however, remain, and she is likely to still have little to no support, with or without the abortion.

I long for real choice. I long for the time when a woman is in a difficult situation and instead of society saying, “we won’t help with your abuse, or mental health, or financial woes, or find a support team for you, but we’ll end your pregnancy for you,” we say, “hey, we’re here for you. You need help getting out? We can do that. You need help paying the rent or buying food? We can do that. You need a community to help you? We’re here!” I’m not naive – I know this isn’t going to magically take care of all problems, nor will it be easy. But until then, I don’t see real choices, just different ways women and families aren’t supported.

Update: I shouldn’t say that I don’t see any real choices, as Catholic Charities does provide that help. More is needed, though, and many women are not aware of this support. I also feel we need more federal support (for example, paid maternity leave).

2nd update: I know I’m just discouraged of late because I keep hearing how women need abortion because of these bad situations. I hate that it’s seen as a need. I know just having support isn’t always enough. I pray for all in these situations, and for the babies.