A Mile In Their Shoes...
We encounter countless people every day. Strangers, if you will. We see them at the supermarket, the gas station, the mall, the gym, or even in the car traveling next to us. Despite the fact that we’ve never seen these people, that we know nothing about them, we judge them—based on their appearance, the kind of car they drive, the items in their cart. We sit back, and we judge.
It’s a habit worth eliminating! After all, what do we really know about that person? Not until we’ve walked a mile in their shoes, lived their lives, felt their pain, are we allowed to judge, and even then, why judge at all? Does that make us feel superior in some way? Hardly!
Each person carries their own set of hardships, worries, insecurities, and fears. They’re rarely visible, but I can assure you, they’re there.
Next time we feel compelled to judge, to create an inaccurate story of a stranger’s life, let’s not. Let’s not make any assumptions, but concentrate instead on our own life. Isn’t that work enough?
Well Street
Years ago I read that when we feel inclined to judge others, it's a reflection of how we're feeling about ourselves.
I know this applies to me. When in a positive mood, I feel open toward others, and smiling comes easily.
Sanatana
Yes, that's true. The late Wayne Dyer used to say, When you judge others, you are not saying anything about anyone. You're only defining yourself as someone with a need to judge others.
Slipstream
Indeed, my life is plenty to take care of. I'll tend to my own garden and let others tend to theirs.
Homeless Valley
Sage advice. If only everyone could stick to it.
Sanatana
If only, but people have such a need to judge others. It's probably to distract everyone from their own flaws.
Evangel
As the old saying goes: A camel cannot see its own hump.
Sanatana
Love it! Yes, it's so true.