I always start the year with good intentions and things to think about and apply to my life. I find that if I really commit for a month or two, it becomes second nature and I just have to remind myself every now and again to get back on course.
This year, I have (as always) personal goals that I want to work towards. But I do want to share something that I already started in the fall…
I’m doing my best to cut out judgment. Let me just say this has been extremely difficult as well as extremely rewarding. I don’t think I’m this horrible person. I don’t think I’m a saint either. However, I was surprised by how judgmental I was being without even realizing it. Seriously, I never thought of myself as a judgmental person, until I started making an effort to deliberately stop myself from having judgmental thoughts.
All. The. Judgments.
I did not like what was happening and I decided to try to change it. While I still catch myself passing judgment, I do it as much and I stop myself before it goes too far.
There’s BIG judgments and I think, for the most part, people try their best when it comes to this. But it’s those small, even the teeny tiny judgments, that are the hardest to shake. I found myself questioning why a woman at Starbucks added six sugar packets to her coffee, questioning the shoe choice of that stranger crossing the street, or (ugh) even judging someone for judging someone else.
Again, I definitely still pass judgment. I wish I could flip a switch and put a complete halt to it altogether. But, it’s life and I am a mere human. It happens, but I’m doing my best to stop those thoughts.
One of the hardest parts was realizing that when I was around certain people, I was even more judgmental. I found myself slipping into a group think mentality. There were friends who made it easy for me to turn up the knob-of-judgment. No bueno. Once I made the decision to curb my judging, I realized those friendships weren’t aligned with the type of person I was striving to be.
I have been repeating one of my favorite phrases over and over again, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” It’s a good reminder in general and certainly helps when I find a judgment in my thoughts.
xoxo
PS I also noticed that so many of my judgmental thoughts weren’t even towards other people… they were towards myself. It’s been a weight off my shoulders to relieve myself of feeling pressured to judge myself. A great bonus, if you ask me!
I love the idea of focusing on just one (or a few) major, constant commitments throughout the year. In 2015, my personal goal is to be more present in my own life, rather than living it all in my head.
Great post!
-Brie
http://www.keepnotsettling.com
Thank you for this reminder, we are our worst critique. I also, decided to focus on just several goals. Every year I feel overwhelmed and then discouraged for not meeting those goals.
Happy New Year
http://love-pink-forever09.blogspot.com/
This is definitely something i've been working on myself. A lot of times the things I judge other people for are the same flaws I have. Being kind is definitely a good resolution for anyone for 2015
-Dani
The Postcard Journals
Great post! I always do my best to be kind to people, even strangers! You never know what someone's going through and just offering a smile can change their day! My personal goal for the year is to be happy. Happy New Year Carly!
Lori,
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/
What a great New Year mentality. I am going to adopt it too!
Happy New Year, Carly 🙂
xo. Kaitlin || http://the-curated-life.blogspot.com/
i was just thinkg about that! I noticed that about myself, too, and I definately don't like that mentality so I'm really going to try to change that! Anyway, great post, as always, and happy New Year!! 😀
I was just talking about this with friends. Sometimes finding a compliment to say about someone every time you have a judging thought emerge helps, but I love the idea of keeping this quote in mind, too.
xo
Alex
mrsmasondixon.blogspot.com
I think this is a great New Year's resolution! Being less judgmental is something I have been working on too, and it always makes me more positive when I refrain from judging others or myself!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
Happy New Year! This is such a great post, and a good reminder to not pass judgement on others.
xoxo Nicole
http://www.brazenbrunette.com
Happy New Year! This is such a great resolution! I think we are all more judgmental than we'd like to think. This is definitely something I could work on!
xoxo, Abby
http://www.classy-sassy-prep.blogspot.com
Great post! We can all use a gentle reminder to be kinder to others and kinder to ourselves.
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I love your outlook on starting the new year!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I definitely judge people way too much and way too harshly. I know some of my judgments of others are just a reflection of qualities I don't like in myself, and I'll catch myself thinking or saying those things and realize I need to stop.
In 2015, I want to just be mindful of everything – what I eat, how I spend my money, etc. I think it'll make me a better person, at least I hope so!
<3
kimberrleigh
I have decided to focus on a few goals myself on my blog. I feel this year will be my year to step out and try my hardest to achieve my dreams. Have a wonderful New Year!
Preach! Every single one of us is battling something. For me, it is patience. I expect people to do things for me, change in an instant, listen to everything I say. I have to be patient and realize people take time to do things and communicate differently than I do. I can be tough!
I agree about your opinion. I love the idea of focusing on just one (or a few) major, constant commitments throughout the year.
Have a great year
Hope to see you soon on my blog
xx
http://liveitcolorfully.blogspot.com