No, it isn’t today nor should it be any other day. 

When we judge others, it is based upon our preconceived notions of what is right, proper or otherwise fits into our narrow mold of the perfect human being or situation, as we perceive it.  While we are so caught up in our own misconceived perception, we risk stagnation.  We actually find ourselves caught living in a world of hate and criticism, which only propagates to fill our lives with the same.

For those who believe in karma, focusing on the judgmental and hate filled thoughts opens the door to ‘bad karma’.  People can find themselves wallowing in negativity every day, often not realizing they’re creating their own mess. On top of this, complaining that life didn’t turn out the way someone wanted is moot; it gets them nowhere.  Taking a step back and evaluating past choices, decisions and lifestyle can do a lot to offer clarity. Thought process leaning toward beauty, opportunity and love can be considered ‘good karma’. You get back what you give out.

“By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Why, on occasion do we find ourselves so righteously perfect that we cast such a negative biases on someone else? Does race, creed, sexual preference, color, religion, clothing style, weight, body type, height, living arrangements, or even family skeletons determine the heart and spirit of a person? Are others any less deserving of kindness and respect than us?

“It is just as cowardly to judge an absent person as it is wicked to strike a defenseless one.  Only the ignorant and narrow-minded gossip,  for they speak of persons instead of things.” Lawrence Lovasik

Unfortunately, we’re not mind readers and aren’t privy to the personal and internal trials and tribulations of the passerby. Without getting to know them, without asking for more information, how can we make an informed assumption? What a different world this would be if we based opinions on fact or action, not on appearances or other superficial stereotypes.

What if we all tried to view someone using our heart versus our eyes?

When we judge and ridicule others, we speak volumes about our own flaws.

Shush our inner critic for a while, dig deep for compassion and understanding and open our hearts to the possibility there is more beauty within others than we can see.