We are often in situations where we find ourselves judging others. When someone is not friendly enough. When we do not like the tone of voice of someone we are talking to. When someone looks at us in a way that leads us to form an opinion about them. 

There are any number of examples when we make snap decisions about someone or a situation without having all the relevant facts in hand. I believe that it is important that we try to give people the benefit of the doubt as things are not always what they seem. 

One word replies or replies that do not make sense by someone who is going through a bad patch in life can be misinterpreted. We are probably also guilty of rushing to judge someone on the basis of their appearance, be it positively or negatively. We are likely to point at failings in others that we see in ourselves. We cannot get to know someone without being close to them. 

Let us strive to find ways to relate better to one another. All of us want to feel included and welcome. If we take the time to understand each other better our lives will be more satisfying and we can change someone else’s life. 

Technology, with all its benefits and ways of making our lives better, is partly responsible for skewing our lives and creating confusion and worry. We have too much insight into other people’s lives. Because of this we often judge others and feel judged. We believe that what we read on the internet and the social media is real. We should ignore much of what we see and take the time to think and reflect on it not rush to react. 

There are enough challenges to cope with in life; we do not need to create more unnecessarily. Let us strive to live in harmony. It is hard to do but let us try. People sometimes do not realise that they can make a difference because many problems are too big to be addressed individually or because they do not care. 

However, showing someone empathy can make a difference to our world. We can only do this if we feel confident in our own skin. Negativity, doubt and judgement not only bring down a person’s morale, but can also have a detrimental impact on our lives. 

We need to remember that we can create a positive change and that all of us have the same needs – to be cared for, to be safe, to be content and to be accepted. It is challenging to find the courage to do what is right. But, at the end of the day, we have to live with ourselves and the decisions we make. I believe that we create a sense of peace and contentment when we show compassion and understanding with others.