Judge not lest ye be judged

"We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path."

~Paolo Coelho

Strong words to live by. I have been beyond aggravated lately with a certain person that has taken it upon themselves to sit in judgement of myself and my family members. Really? Is your life so fantastic that you must scrutinize others so harshly? Even though you are an integral part of our lives, please, I implore you to take the time to actually get to know us. It is not fair to take snippets of what you know about someone and make sweeping judgements. You think your path is great? I am happy for you, truly I am. It is wonderful that you are content with your life. I think it is encouraging how you have been working toward bettering your life, but you know what? Our lives are not so abysmal as you might think. What is good for the goose is not necessarily so damn great for the gander! Let me live my life, let my family members live their lives, and please feel free to live your life. I do not sit in judgement of you, and we all know I could have a field day with that. Rather I choose to love you, faults and all.

Being on the receiving end of judgement has really given me pause to think. How often do I judge others? How often do I criticize others' decisions, choices, or paths in life. Knowing how belittling judgement can be, I am definitely making a concerted effort to take pause and think before I form opinions or judge others or criticize. I have not walked in their shoes. I have not lived their life. Each and every person, thing, event, issue in our lives serves to shape who we are and what we are. I have no right to pass judgement on you. Please do not pass judgement on me. It is hurtful and unneccesary, and beside next time you do it I swear I might just haul off and bitch slap you!