Your comment reminded me of something that happened the other night.

A bunch of us were out to dinner. I was playing the part of the rude person at the table who was continually texting while trying to be involved in the conversation at the table.

I apologized a couple times for my rudeness and explained that a dear friend wasn’t feeling well. I was trying to be there for her, as well as be at the table.

And then I thought of all the times I’ve harshly judged another for doing the same thing.

Next time, I’ll leave the table and make an actual call.

Next time I see a ‘texter’, I won’t harshly judge in case that person has some pressing business to tend to, too.

Jessica, you said: “But now it’s different. Now that I have a deeper understanding of how everyone is trying their best, how you never know what someone is going through on the inside…”

It reminds me of one of my grandmother’s sayings that I thought of as so profound when I was a kid: “Don’t judge the way someone walks until you’ve walked in their shoes.” I don’t ALWAYS remember her words, but I have to say it’s been a guide to me through my life.

You are a true practitioner of the art of loving.

You are a great example of loving across all lines and beyond all stuff.

I liked the story of lunch with your friend. That was such a kind way to be with her – instead of jumping on the bandwagon or calling her out on it. Sometimes I forget to make that choice in those situations.

Thanks for the fine example.

I just saw a flyer about Reiki the other day and thought of you. Gotta check that out.

I was at lunch with a friend today and several times she commented (negatively) on other people’s appearance and clothes. She’s not usually like that (she’s dealing with a lot of stress) so I didn’t call her out on it but I was clearly not following along either. I think she got it eventually and said “I don’t know why I’m ragging on people today.” That kind of stuff never bothered me before and I would usually join in. But now it’s different. Now that I have a deeper understanding of how everyone is trying their best, how you never know what someone is going through on the inside, I’ve lost my nasty judgmental habit. (Mostly, anyway).

Beautiful post, as usual.

I so know what you mean about sourcing bottomless pits.

I had to quit doing that in my marriage. I don’t mind doing that (sometimes) for others. Hell, maybe Cindy needs 674 compliments to tip the scale and she’s on 673. You could be that 674th comment. Or not. But it puts a little more sunshine into the day to say nice stuff, even if it isn’t received in the way it was intended.

BTW… I love your character.

One day, I was picking up a book and I complimented her purse. Her co-worker said, “Oh, that will make her day!” And suddenly, I was tired of sourcing bottomless pits. I knew that what I said was met with her mental denials (cuz I’ve been there myself), and really don’t make a difference in the long run.

Here’s to being a character … and loving our own!

Let’s get down from the pedestals we’ve put each other on (too damn many expectations) and play in the grass.