Perspective

I think we have all been in the situation where we have been cut off in traffic or seen a mother scream at her children in public. I used to be quick to think they were not being smart and should handle things differently but I have learned recently, finding myself in similar situations, that I need to be a little more forgiving. I have been so late for something that I have been speeding or maybe I was trying to hand something to my child who was screaming in the backseat and cut someone off. I have also recently had to raise my voice to my child in public in order to get them out of danger and people around me heard. I have had many bad days where my mind was elsewhere and I may have offended someone without knowing it. In any case, I have come to be a little more compassionate because I don’t know what a person is going through to make them act the way they do. There could be a death that is making things hard, maybe that person hasn’t slept in three days because they have been in the hospital with a sick child or maybe they were late to their sister’s wedding because their car wouldn’t start or their child had to go to the bathroom. What ever the silly or important case may be, I have learned to give most people the benefit of the doubt.

Some people are lonely, hurt or even were brought up without proper teaching. There are so many circumstances that can alter someone’s mood and so I have learned to allow a little leeway and not be quick to gossip or spread rumors. I am very careful what I say about people because most of the time you don’t know where they are at in their lives.

I don’t think I am a very good judge based on first impressions. Most people I meet are not the same person I met when I met them for the first time. We get such a small glimpse into their lives that I find it unfair to base all my opinions on a small meeting. I feel like I have come a long way in learning to be on both sides of the story. I give my impression but then I also give the benefit of the doubt. I have a long way to go because I still do it subconsciously but I have taken the first step, which is being aware and trying harder to notice and not be so judgmental.
I am but a small part of this earth. 4 billion people are trying to lead their own little lives and everyone has their own trials and stressful times. We need to be a little more understanding and forgiving. I am trying every day to see things in a much bigger picture and realize that most things just don’t matter in the long run. I am working toward finding out what is most important. Find a little more compassion, a little more patience and a little more acceptance for those who come across your path everyday.