Humble Beginnings? Who Are We To Judge?

In 2025, as we face uncertain times, can we do ourselves and others a favor and normalize starting over?

We all have to start over at various points in our lives, and we never know when we may have to change our situations due to events such as death, natural disasters, financial difficulty, or just learning how to navigate life. I've seen this picture circling social media, and it's gotten mixed reviews from those who laugh to those who understand a person's situation.

For our young people who are just navigating life, I encourage you to go out and take advantage of everything positive offered to you. A roof, a basic car, a steady income, food, and utilities paid are great to start with. So, if your apartment only has an air mattress, a small television, a laptop, a phone, and food, you're doing well.

We live in this stigma in this country where folks want you to be "established" by a certain amount of time by their choosing. We set ridiculous deadlines for each other to brag about what we have instead of others. We always bragged about having a dollar or two more than others, especially when that's all. We must stop putting a price tag on folks' lives and success.

We'd be much happier if we spent time focusing on our pockets and success. Instead, we waste time monitoring the pockets of others (like celebrities) and generally speculating where their money goes. We do this not knowing that many also live within a budgetary means. In other words, they work to maintain the lifestyle they're living. So, just because you see a multi-room house with multiple bathrooms, a swimming pool, and possibly a tennis or basketball court in the back does not mean that person didn't earn it. In addition, who are we to say they don't deserve it?

While a few live above their means, others understand the concept of generational wealth and learn how to save and live within their means. That doesn't mean they don't deserve nice things like vacations, multiple cars, private schools for their kids, and possible hobbies like working out in their gym or having a complete game room. While many of us don't make what celebrities make, we are working towards a lifestyle that makes us happy. We, too, have multi-room homes with multiple bathrooms and more than one car in the garage, and we can go on trips and have a few dollars saved in the bank.

Who's to say you don't deserve the lifestyle you work hard for? Believe it or not, there are those with fewer dollars in their pocket telling you you don't deserve your life either. The only difference is that you'll likely respond with, "My lifestyle is none of your business," or ask, "Why are you in my pockets?". While I understand that your opinion about others is yours, remember to keep that same energy when folks express their views about you and how you live.

Circling back to the man or woman living in "humbling means,” this is their beginning, whether it's the true beginning of life or starting over. If you don't want to date someone at this stage, it's okay. If you think this person is a loser, it's okay. However, there was a time when you started not just like this but similar and just as many more who had to start over.

Never judge someone until you walk in their shoes and find out how much your feet hurt. That's going to go over so many folks' heads. In other words, don't judge folks because you never know what situations you could be put in.