Allergies. ‘Tis the season. I finally caved and popped a Claritin last night. And of course had a miserable night of sleep. Gah. I did, however, have an excellent run this morning. Somehow I pulled out just above 8 minute miles. Can’t even believe it. I felt like crap while I was running, but couldn’t bare to slow down. Maybe I just wanted to get done quickly. Or maybe it was nice and cool and I could go faster without much more effort.
One of the houses on the street next to mine is affectionately dubbed “Beauty-Land” by my son. I’m certain I’ve mentioned Beauty-Land to you before. It’s basically a landscaper’s wet dream or nightmare. Could go either way. There are tons of different plants and flowers, and to the average onlooker it looks atrocious. But to the horticulturist I’m sure it is an amazing space. In any event, Boo loves Beauty-Land. I run past it almost every time I run. And I always say to myself, “here comes Beauty-Land!”
One day Boo, Little Bee and I were on a walk, and met a new neighbor walking with his toddler and dog. He was very nice, and I’m very glad to have met him. When we came across Beauty-Land, Boo exclaimed, “here comes Beauty-Land!” The new neighbor said, “that’s what you call this? We call it ‘Atrocious-Land.'” I kind of chuckled a little bit because, let’s face it, it’s kind of a mess. A very well-maintained and organized mess. But a mess I wouldn’t like in my yard nonetheless. I also didn’t want to be rude to my new neighbor because he was obviously trying to be funny and relate to his new neighbor (me). After the awkward chuckle, I kind of gave him a quizzical look and changed the subject.
The reason I bring this up is this: I used to be judgmental. We all are to some degree or another. I’m not sure if it’s from getting older, dealing with an uncomfortable situation with a group not too long ago, or if I’m just happier in general, but I don’t judge anymore. I don’t know your life story. I don’t know how you got to be where you are today. I certainly don’t know anything about the people who live at Beauty-Land. Who am I to judge you? I don’t laugh at the way people run. I don’t care what you wear to the mall. This is your life. Live it the way you imagined.
I used to try to heap advice on new parents because I have it all figured out. I know everything about everything when it comes to kids. Except that I don’t. Not really. Not at all. And anyone who says they do is kidding themselves. I might make mention of a silly parenting moment to my husband behind closed doors, but I don’t really care what you do. It’s your child. Parent how you need to parent. It’s a kid-eat-parent world out there. Do what you have to do to survive!
My message to my readers is please, stop judging. We teach our children to follow the golden rule. We need to lead by example. Ask yourself the following questions: Is it really necessary to make fun of someone or something just to get a quick chuckle from your “audience?” Is your comment going to add intellectual flare to the conversation? Will the judgment better society in any way? If the answer is no, move on to the next topic of conversation.
Let’s promote happiness, love, positive body image, exercise, green space, eating clean — things that will be positive in our lives and in our world. There is too much anger, resentment, gun violence, sadness, and judgment. Throw it away. Brush it off. Choose to be great!
I run past Beauty-Land almost every time I run. I always say to myself, “here comes Beauty-Land!” and it brings a smile to my face.
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Is there a Beauty-Land in your neighborhood?
How do you combat judgmental friends or family?
