I tend to be a little “hyper-judgmental”.
I overhear a conversation at a restaurant and immediately assume that the table next to me is filled with idiots.
I watch a parent under/over discipline a child and wonder if you should have to pass a 12-month course before conceiving.
In retrospect, it’s clear I’m making the following 3 mistakes:
- Take the immediate situation out of context.
- Assume that my viewpoint or approach is better.
- Discount their background.
The third is where I need the most work. I’m quick to forget that everyone comes from completely different experiences which shape the person they become.
A new and improved version of CJ is working hard to assume that others have the best intentions and are doing the best they can with the resources at their disposal.
I think we can all agree that the world could use a little more grace.
(Note: The above applies to everyone in my life except the old guy standing next to me naked in the gym locker room responding to texts while I’m getting dressed. There’s no excuse for this nonsense.)
—CJ
