Judgmental -- The writer of today's page doesn't use that word, but describes a compulsion with focusing on other people, and knowing exactly how other people should behave.  By always trying to impose their own rules on others, the writer was neglecting their own life.

We don't know what is best for others, because we don't know what lessons their Higher Power is trying to teach them. Not only did this habit of judgement take away the writer's humility, but it was also a form of denial -- a way to avoid looking at their own life.

Today's reminder:  I grow in my ability to relate to others when I allow them to be exactly as they are. The greatest gift I can give to myself is my own attention

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I have to admit, judging others has been one of my character traits.  I might not have told you my opinion about what you are doing or saying (I'm too polite for that), but I certainly had one. My judgments brought me a lot of resentment and stress. I was judging and criticizing myself, too. I was sure I knew what I and others "should" do.  My higher power is teaching me to let go of my judgments.  Often, they are flat-out wrong.  

When I first started attending Al-Anon meetings, I met some people whose personalities I didn't like.  I judged one person as being bossy and another person as being just too cheerful and enthusiastic. Now, I have learned more about them, I have sought advice from them, and I have great admiration for them.  One of them is now my amazing sponsor, and I cherish my time with her.

I judged my alcoholic husband's family as being "not good enough" -- until I had a spiritual awakening and realized they too, just like me, had been affected by the family disease of alcoholism, and I got some compassion.

Looking at myself, improving myself -- has made me less judgmental (I still have my moments!).  I think compassion is a lighter weight to carry around than judgment and resentment.