Let’s get really real about something today.
Judgment.
I think this word has become so loaded with “PC” implications that it’s lost its meaning.
It kind of shocks me that so many people claim they never judge anyone.
Ever.
Really?
You must be a better person than me.
I judge people all the time. Probably more often than I ever realize because it’s subconscious.
It’s so ingrained that I don’t even don’t know I’m doing it.
And neither do you.
But we all do it. Anyone who says they don’t isn’t thinking it through.
What is a judgment, after all?
It’s an extension of an opinion that we form about another person, place, or thing.
Do you not have opinions?
Yesterday, I saw someone petting their dog.
I formed the opinion that they love their dog. I then judged them to be a good person, based on that opinion.
Also yesterday, I saw a rather disheveled-looking man riding his bike. He had a wild look in his eyes, he was unkempt, and he was wearing a gold helmet that reminded me of a tin-foil hat.
I formed the opinion that he’s a little “off”. I then judged him to be someone not like me and to stay away from. All from that opinion.
Here in Asheville, there are a lot of creative people. They dress creatively. They dye their hair creative colors.
I form the opinion that they’re non-conformists. I judge that I love that about them.
They all make me smile.
These opinions and judgments happen in a matter of seconds.
And they’re not all bad! Look, I formed a very kind judgment on the dog owner. And the creative Ashevillians.
I don’t know when the word “judgment” got so loaded.
But I think it does us all a great disservice by implying that we shouldn’t judge anyone for anything.
Whether that’s true or not is irrelevant.
What’s relevant is that we do. We just do.
And why put more pressure on ourselves by thinking it makes us bad people?
I think we should use our opinions and judgments as learning tools, personally.
What do my opinions and judgments tell me about myself?
Wouldn’t that be a far better use of my time and creative energies than shaming myself for having them?
I think so.
What do you think?
Sending you all so much love.