Do you judge others?

Have you ever walked down a busy city street and saw someone or something that made you feel uncomfortable? Maybe it was what

appeared to be a homeless person sitting on the edge of a sidewalk playing a guitar for spare change, or perhaps an elderly woman pushing a cart of cans? The hard truth is that we all make and pass judgement calls, even when unwarranted. Whether you walk into a work space, a retailer, a restaurant or a grocery store and you see someone that appears less than desirable to you, do you automatically start openly making judgment calls about that individual? Do you question yourself about how this individual came to be the way he or she is?  You are not alone. Sadly, for the most part, many people judge others based on appearances alone -- automatically assuming others are somehow less worthy or not good enough for society.  

Our upbringing, family values, environments, the company we keep, and our formed inhibitions all play roles in the way we view people, places and things. Regrettably, our opinions have been shaped by so many aspects of our lives that when we judge others, we do not give it a second thought. But you have the power to change yourself. While you cannot always physically change others or the circumstances you may see, you can transform your perception about people and apparent circumstances. You must come out of your comfort zone and willingly change your view. Doing so has a dramatic impact on those you judge and the perception others may have about you. When you transform your outlook about others and the world around you, you begin to see opportunity instead of fear and animosity.

Allow me to tell you a remarkable story about a man that played an accordion and "ate fire" on the streets of Quebec as a circus act start-up  He was not a wealthy man, and I am certain passerbys probably made impolite judgement calls about him and his value to society. The man got together enough money for a one-way ticket to attend the Los Angeles Arts Festival in the late 1980s in the hope of realizing his dreams. Today, that man is the CEO and founder of the infamous Circue du Soleil -- which he introduced to the United States in 1987 and which has expanded to every continent on Earth. Guy Laliberte is now worth an estimated $2.5 billion. His true story is just one among hundreds. Never judge a book by its cover because anyone is capable of greatness and success.

Famed playwright, William Shakespeare once said, "A right judgment draws us a profit from all things we see." You must toss your preconceived notions about others and start seeing the hope, dreams and innovations they may offer society. When you do, you are more willing to be kind and compassionate to those in need. Remember, the Universe plays an important role in your life - each encounter is an opportunity for you to make a difference. In the end, you may just play an essential part of realizing the potentiality of those you help. In the bigger picture, these same individuals may one day offer you that same opportunity. Practice patience and tolerance on the trails of your life. You do not know who you will encounter -- he or she may one day be a great, prosperous and successful individual.

Joan Marie Ambrose -- Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker

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