Who Made You Judge?

Let me share a moment of my truth. As a young girl, I loved my mom unconditionally. As a single parent, my mother was loving, caring, and resilient. Once I became a young adult, I found myself judging her parenting, lifestyle, and decision-making. It put tension in our relationship. After seeking much self-help through my church and counseling on the issue, I realized I was the one in anguish. My relationships would suffer if I continued putting judgments on people. Mainly, I longed to be at peace with my mother. I had to be self-aware and call the elephant in the room what it was “judging her.” I have flaws. I am not free of making poor decisions. Consequently, I had to see myself reflected in that judging mirror. After I decided to focus on myself and not focus my energy on judging others, my life has been less stressful.

Why are we looking at judgment relating to self-care? Primarily, the goal is to decrease stress and increase our well-being. Many research studies indicate a relation between greater daily stress severity and poorer mental health is very strong. After all, it’s your life. It is important to let go of judgments to fully enjoy life.

With so many daily challenges already rearing in our day-to-day interactions, we should avoid unnecessary mental burdens. Judging others is a pointless mental stressor. This is a notion many shy away from in conversations. Mainly, because it hammers on why we judge others in the first place.  No one wants to be seen as unscrupulous, but people likewise dislike allegations of narrow-mindedness, which are almost inevitable when one’s clearly stated principled evaluations on some controversial topics are voiced publicly. Although this topic of judgment is bloodcurdling to confess, it is one we should not ignore or shun.

Many individuals engage in self-care daily with food choices, exercise, sleep, and dental care. Self-care is inclusive of our minds and helps us take our power back. It is not selfish to make your happiness a priority. Moreover, part of our contentment is not allowing erroneous pressures into our auras. 

Dr. Stredic, EdD

Author of Metamorphosis Through Life: Quotes and Affirmations (barnesandnoble.com)

Facebook (DrLatonyaStredic) Instagram (@DrStredic20) Twitter (@DrStredic)