what did you learn today?

[xise]

Today I learned that I need to try something new to reduce my judgement of others.

In the past, if people brought up something bothering them, unless they were clearly venting, I would offer my opinion if they were open to it.

Now I notice that with some people, they do not follow your advice, nor do they try anything new themselves to rid themselves of the situation. And yet they bring up the same sort of issues bothering them, perhaps venting, yet claiming to want a solution. In the past, I would go over my original advice, as well as additional things they could try if they didn't like that original advice. Inevitably, these people would ignore my advice (which I'm fine with), but also not try anything themselves to resolve the situation (which drives me crazy - why not try something to self-improve!!?!)...and then frequently I would just begin to form a negative opinion of them, but because at some level I find it difficult to accept their approach.

Today, I endeavor to not offer my opinion unless explicitly asked.

Today, I endeavor not to get upset at those who asked for my advice, did not follow my advice, nor took any action to change their situation - I will understand these people are more venting then truly seeking advice, and who doesn't understand the need to vent now and then? Usually when you are venting you make the problem seem bigger than it is, and usually that's why you don't actually do much to change the situation - because many times we vent and not seek advice on problems which we do not believe are serious, I think, at some level, instead it is just an emotional release.

I know too I suffer from self-judgement, which I'm working on as well (I know, such beautiful mirrors we all are ). We'll see how it works!!