The word I want to guide my actions this year is nonjudgement. I chose this word for several reasons; highest among them is that I needed to keep my criticism in check and stop being too judgemental. While trying to be helpful, I was parceling out free advise and jumping to conclusions quickly even when that was absolutely unnecessary & uncalled for.
Have I stumbled? Am I forging ahead?
Practicing nonjudgement is not a walk in the park. I still pass comments (Ahem! lets call it what it is- judgements) on Amaze not preparing enough (!!!) for ACT, Awesome for not participating fully or plethora of little going ons during the day. You may ask: “What has changed?” First, an informal poll of affected parties have shown that the frequency of my “comments” has gone down significantly. I am more aware of what passes of my lips & its impact. Rather than back paddling, I acknowledge the error & course correct. It gives the minions an opportunity to tease me by hollering “Nonjudgement” every time I err. It definitely has cut down on hurt feelings.
Practicing Nonjudgement has allowed me to take a pause and saved me from being drown in my emotions. Now, instead of jumping to problem solving mode, I try to listen without judgement. Instead of “I told you so”, I offer “what do you think is the best way to solve this?” In place of “you are right / wrong” or “you should have…”, I say “I hear you.”
What is your word of the year?
Peace (and nonjudgement)