Why do we judge?

     Why are we always the first to judge our own decisions? Or judge someone else's decisions? I don't mean just about our looks, we judge each other on race, religion, skin color, and sexual preference. This weekend we watched Free State of Jones, this movie is incredible. One man stood up and helped change history, and he didn't let anyone stop him. I don't know how many times I cried while watching this. I firmly believe it isn't our place to judge others for their decisions.
    
     I don't understand the attraction to another woman but I have many friends who are in same sex marriages. They are completely happy and that makes me happy. Do I have to understand their attraction to the same sex? No, I see two people in love and that is what matters. This applies to all things that the world seems to be fighting about. We are all unique but we have one thing in common; we all bleed red. We are all fathers, mothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and family.

     My picture says " look in the mirror, that's your competition." This is so very true. My challenge from now on is to be a better version of me. If you start judging yourself or someone else, stop and look in the mirror! How do you see yourself?  We all have our own battles, there is no reason to add to anyone else's battle.

     I found another blog today that inspired me for when I am doubting myself, great advice! Check out the whole blog at the link below!

---Blogger Lynn Newman http://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-immediate-and-easy-ways-to-silence-your-inner-critic/
     "If you’re working on something and all of a sudden you start questioning yourself, if you feel your energy decreasing, if you’re getting stuck, bored, or tired, recognize the judge is speaking to you.
     Listen, but don’t take his words to heart. See him so that he doesn’t hang out in a distant corner manipulating you from above.
     Identify him with presence rather than pushing him way. Because what we resist will persist!
     Once you see him, here are 5 immediate and easy ways to respond to your inner critic. It’s so simple that it may seem unrealistic, but it works. Memorize it and keep it close like a mantra.




When your inner critic acts out, say:

1. So what?

So what if you think that? That doesn’t mean it’s true.

2. Who cares?

You think your judgments means something to me? They don’t!

3. Big deal!

Oh seriously, big deal! Really, big f’n deal!

4. Why not?

Why shouldn’t I do this? You’re telling me I can’t? I won’t? I’m not worthy of it? Why not? I’m going to continue doing this anyway, because I can! No matter what you say, I’m going to just keep diving in.

5. What if it doesn’t matter if I am __________________ or not?

     Fill in the critic’s judgment here. For example, what if it doesn’t matter if it’s good enough or not? If it’s weird and people might find me strange?
     What if it doesn’t matter if it shows my talent and I will be recognized by others for it or not?
And even, “What if it doesn’t matter if it’s beautiful or not, because I’m going to keep giving myself permission to keep on painting anyway no matter what you say!”
     Feel how these questions empower you, and whatever you are doing, keep doing it anyway. Keep meeting the dream, the project, your creative expression.
     Keep going, forging ahead, building one block at a time.
The inner judge rarely goes away. As long as we have minds, he will continue to find ways to torture us. But we can identify him and say: “I see you, judge!”
When we identify the inner critic like this, we take away his power and regain our own."