Judge and Jury

You shouldn't judge another person's journey.
You don't know what difficulties they've survived, what achievements they've celebrated, or what obstacles they've overcome.
You don't know the weaknesses they are aware of and are trying to turn to strengths.
You don't know the mistakes they wish they hadn't made; mistakes they may still be paying for.
You don't know the strength it takes for them to take each step through their day.

I'm tired of judgement. 
I'm tired of feeling like someone is judging me.  I've caught myself looking someone up and down before or staring at them.  Usually, I think they look amazing and wish I could imitate their look.  I've learned to tell them what I was thinking, otherwise they might think my thoughts were negative about them.
I'm tired of feeling like people will look down on my success.  When I succeed they will think it was easy for me.  They will not celebrate my success because they will only think of their failure. 
I'm tired of people having expectations of how my life should look.

Everyone is different and unique.
Everyone has immensely different strengths and weaknesses.
Everyone has different goals, different desires.
We cannot know another person's journey.
We cannot fully understand their day.

However,

We can have compassion.
We can celebrate our neighbors' achievements with genuineness.
We can be sad with them as they go through trials.
We can stand behind them and support them when their path is at its most difficult.
We can start talking and listening and stop judging.

I've been judged off and on all my life. 
When I had cancer, some people wondered why I looked so good.
When I had back surgery, some people thought I wasn't tough enough.
When I shared how I felt, some people pushed me out of their lives.

I know who I am. 
I know I make mistakes.
I know I am not perfect.
I know I am always growing and changing.

Before judging that next person and putting them into the box you have formed, talk for a minute, listen for an hour then know them and know they are an ever-changing person just like you.  Know they are trying to live successfully just like you.

I know some of you are sick.  Some of you are going through a very difficult time.  Some of you are tired of fighting a battle with an end farther away than you would like.  Take courage.  You will survive.  Take one step at a time.  Seek out those who care for you.  Know that you are strong and amazing. 

If we ever meet, I will see how beautiful you are and never judge you.  I know your journey is difficult sometimes and beautiful and easy sometimes.  I know you are strong, but you feel weak.  I know you are unique and special.  Even if some of our story is similar, I know it is still different and I would love to hear your story,  celebrate your successes, and struggle with your struggles while sitting by your side.