Such a thought-provoking post! I judge myself deeply, deeply harshly, but now that I've reached a certain age (I can't BELIEVE I've just typed those words!) I have begun to become delightedly 'so what?' about it. My judgment of others - and yes, I think I've always found I've had an opinion on others - has lessened dramatically, and it's such a RELIEF. It's not that I'm evil - at least I hope I'm not - it's that I have always compared, compared, compared, and that has required an ongoing analysis of who and what I'm comparing myself WITH. Long may being 48 continue, oh YES!
Cheers to that, Rebecca! I can't say for sure that you're not evil, buuuuuut... haha, no, but really: most people just want to be happy and feel good and safe and loved. And yet we get covered up with harsh judgements. Many of the worst of which come from us. And it makes us defensive--hence, comparison and judgements on others.
So here's to shirking the heavy load that's giving a F about what anyone else thinks--and what they're doing! Here's to doing you at 48 and every gorgeous age!
I’ll admit I was a fairly judgmental person when I was younger (I suppose most young people are). As I age, I judge others less and less. Part of this comes from being old enough to be secure in who I am, and just not really giving a crap what others do with their lives and their bodies. But beyond that, the more life experience I gain, the more I realize I can’t possibly understand others’ experiences or what they are going through at that moment. And if I can never truly put myself in their shoes, how can I judge the decisions they make?
So right!! And same! I come from a long line of judgers. ;) I realized it was a mental reflex to critique someone's outfit or hair (NEVER aloud, as in this essay!!). Then I realized, no one gives a damn, Skye. They didn't ask for your approval. So I broke the habit by noticing that pattern and instead wishing them a wonderful day haha. It was simple but so changing. Thank you for sharing this. I think your awareness is a truth we'd all do well to consider. :)
Such a thought-provoking post! I judge myself deeply, deeply harshly, but now that I've reached a certain age (I can't BELIEVE I've just typed those words!) I have begun to become delightedly 'so what?' about it. My judgment of others - and yes, I think I've always found I've had an opinion on others - has lessened dramatically, and it's such a RELIEF. It's not that I'm evil - at least I hope I'm not - it's that I have always compared, compared, compared, and that has required an ongoing analysis of who and what I'm comparing myself WITH. Long may being 48 continue, oh YES!
Cheers to that, Rebecca! I can't say for sure that you're not evil, buuuuuut... haha, no, but really: most people just want to be happy and feel good and safe and loved. And yet we get covered up with harsh judgements. Many of the worst of which come from us. And it makes us defensive--hence, comparison and judgements on others.
So here's to shirking the heavy load that's giving a F about what anyone else thinks--and what they're doing! Here's to doing you at 48 and every gorgeous age!
I really appreciate such a lovely response, Skye - thank you! YES to shirking the heavy load! 😊
I’ll admit I was a fairly judgmental person when I was younger (I suppose most young people are). As I age, I judge others less and less. Part of this comes from being old enough to be secure in who I am, and just not really giving a crap what others do with their lives and their bodies. But beyond that, the more life experience I gain, the more I realize I can’t possibly understand others’ experiences or what they are going through at that moment. And if I can never truly put myself in their shoes, how can I judge the decisions they make?
So right!! And same! I come from a long line of judgers. ;) I realized it was a mental reflex to critique someone's outfit or hair (NEVER aloud, as in this essay!!). Then I realized, no one gives a damn, Skye. They didn't ask for your approval. So I broke the habit by noticing that pattern and instead wishing them a wonderful day haha. It was simple but so changing. Thank you for sharing this. I think your awareness is a truth we'd all do well to consider. :)