Perception

Isn't that an interesting word? Funny how we make almost all of our decisions based on this word. I fear that sometime our perceptions are more than just a thought, but turn into a judgement that we have difficulty letting go of.

I know in our family, we have taught that smoking and drinking is not a good thing. However, I don't believe that we have ever taught that people who smoke and drink are not good people. It is my concern that this judgement has come from our perception of a thing and not the people. The two are associated together and judgements are made.

As I have thought about this today, I have learned that sometimes we don't even go to those extremes, these perceptions and judgements are made because someone does something differently than we do, eats something we don't, dresses a way that we don't, or views life differently than we do.

I find myself doing the same. Lately, I have decided to try to over look those perceptions. I am trying to see things from both sides of the situation. It is not easy. I am not changing my values, principles, or morals. I am just trying not to judge the people because of the perceptions of things they do, have, or the way the act. I guess I try to separate the person and the act or thing.

Try it. You may find something that you have never seen before.