I was at the Target intersection today and saw a guy with a dog on one corner waiting for his green light. His dog did his business, the light changed, and the two entered the crosswalk, seemingly without a care in the world. “WTF!” my head said. I rolled down my car window as I began mentally rehearsing what I would scream at him. My lines included various expletives, including body parts and F-bombs.
Dear God,
Help me remember I do not know where another person is coming from. Furthermore, the amount I judge another is the same amount I am judging myself. Help me to calm my own nervous system today.
Suddenly I stopped myself. Wait. What would compassion look like here? I don’t know what his world looks like right now. If I am so into shaming this guy, what must my stress level be right now? Is there something in me I need to look at right now? That’s probably the best he can do. I rolled up my window and drove on.
Call to Action:
Next time you are tempted to judge someone, notice what is being triggered in you that you may be avoiding by focusing on another person’s actions.
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