“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.”
Paulo Coelho
Today I can truly say I appreciate the experiences that life has afforded me. I didn’t always enjoy the experiences, but I appreciate them.
It is easy for us to judge others and impose upon them our views on how we think they should or should not be living their life. Don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with offering suggestions, we just have to be mindful of the time and place in which we chose to give advice.
I remember a few years ago, a friend of mine a decision that I thought was crazy. I wondered to myself what sensible person would make such a choice until I found myself dealing with a similar situation. The only difference with her story and mine, was that I felt stuck, and could not pull myself out of the pit I was in. I felt like I was crossing a high way with blinders on and speeding cars were coming at me, but I felt powerless to make a change. At that time, all I wanted was for someone to take the blinders off my eyes and help me to navigate the changes I was going through.
But instead of guidance, I got criticism. Everyone had an opinion, but only few people took the time out to find out what was really going on with me.
Our views on life, is based on our experiences. Two individuals could have the same life experience, but their interpretation of the situation will be different.
Why?
Because of environmental, sociological, emotional and physical conditioning, everyone views the world differently. What some people called morally wrong, others think is normal. Your standards are yours only. Give others the opportunity to figure things out on their own, but love them through the process without passing judgement.
So what am I really saying? reserve your judgement of others. You never know what life has in store for you around the corner, that will cause someone else to judge you, when all you need is helping hand.
Positive Affirmation: Today, I will make a conscious decision to withhold judgement on another. I will seek to understand why others make the decision they make and loving offer suggestions when the time is right.