“Remember, everyone has a story. When you’ve lived my life then you can judge me. “
Booth Stephen dipenuhi oleh luggage koleksi terbaru yang dikhususkan sebagai display di Hongkong Gift show saat itu. Stephen baru saja selesai mencurahkan segala beban pikiran serta isi hatinya dan kini tertawa lepas setelah segala kegalauan sirna dalam sekejap.
“Stephen, you know what , I used to think you were scary and arrogant.”
“I get that a lot, Sarah. I know I can come across as intimidating.”
“Setelah mengenal lebih dekat, saya sungguh senang menemukan teman sebaik kamu.” Melepaskan senyum dan Stephen membalas dengan senyum lebar.
Dalam hati saya merasa tidak hanya menemukan seorang teman tetapi percakapan singkat itu juga sebagai pengingat bahwa kita semua mempunyai stories that shape who we are so I should stop judging.
I notice that judging others based on small flaws is so easy. When I perceive Stephen’s attitude as arrogant, superficial impressions paint a false picture of who he truly is and what he has been through.
I know it sounds cliché, but treating others how I want to be treated extends to how I judge and think about them.
Instead of rushing to judgment, I should always try to connect with them, listen to their stories, and withhold judgment until I fully understand who they are. After all, who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly?
“Judgment is the fog that obscures the clarity of truth. Clear it with emphaty before forming conclusions.”
