It’s easy to judge others for not living up to the standards that we set for ourselves. For most people, it’s a matter of thinking that you’re a better quality person than the next guy. Sometimes, we look up to folks that we think are better quality than us. What does that even mean?
When I was younger, I viewed things in absolutes. Things were black or white, with no room for gray. As we age, we can see the subtleties, the gray in things. If we don’t know someone’s back story, it’s easy to overlook that there might be one.
So, when I say that we’re all doing the best we can, I’m talking about every person. We all carry emotional and psychological stuff around with us. Sometimes it will get in the way of us being who we can be. Often, we let damaging experiences define who we are. We will dwell on them, instead of acknowledging them as part of who we are, but only part.
Some people are parents and they are not prepared or equipped to be parents. Some people enter relationships that they are just not ready to be a part of. Some people will not be able to bear the stress of their job, or life in general. Some enter a grieving process and can’t let go. These are all real struggles, and they can affect the way we live our life.
Does it sound like I’m making excuses? I’m not. People will and should be accountable for their actions, one way or another. Is that karma? We all have to answer for things we do. We all have regrets for things that haven’t gone so well in our past.
I’m saying that a person does their individual best. They see things through their lens, and live life through their own filter. Their best may not be very good, according to our standards. Our best may not be good enough in their point of view.
The important thing is to consider that everyone is doing their best.
– Cat
The Hokey Pokey 