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Conflicting US Travel Feelings
(thelemmy.club)
Im traveling to visit my parents next month for a few weeks, unfortunately home for them is Texas. It’s been three years and I’m not exactly thrilled to go back (only happy to see them & my sibling).
I’m stuck between having a list of things we need to bring back (ie: can’t buy abroad/cheaply), wanting to eat international food that can’t be found here, and really really really not wanting to support the government. I know it’s a drop in the bucket, but everything sounds so… expensive and destructive.
I agree about supporting small businesses. There are so many people here who may meaningfully benefit from support while they live under a government thats treating them poorly. There is value in that :). Those folks who prepare those international foods are often immigrants and they could use every bit of support right now.
Buy the things you'd like to get, ideally from small local folks where you can, otherwise pick up the things you'd like from where you can get them. Sometimes it is easy to suffocate under the weight of wanting to fix, or not be part of the problem, and that is admirable, but it is okay to attend to your wants and needs when you are not doing so destructively. And there are often ways to do so that are entirely complatible with values :)
I hope you have a lovely time with your family, and that the place you're living now is treating you well ☺️. Make sure to enjoy it for all us folks still back in America, wishing things were different ❤️
Nice ideas and perspective. I appreciate it. Having something positive to focus on and making small adjustments gives one more agency. Here’s hoping things take a turn for the better soon.
I'm glad they were helpful thoughts :)
Sending love, take good care of yourself! ☺️