I complain a lot about getting older. I'm not old by any means, but let's just say I'm closer to 40 than 30. However, I will say that my 30's have been so much better than my 20's. I'm much more confident. In my 20's the "confidence" was more bravado and recklessness. Now, it's more comfortable and assured. I think I like the latter much better. I don't care as much about what others think. (Not that I cared too much to begin with.)
I've gotten to see the world in all of its glory and wretchedness. And I love it all. It has added to who I am and how I view life around me. It has made me appreciate what I have and love people for who they are, where they are. I find myself judging less and less. And, even when I find myself starting to judge someone, I have a tendency now to catch myself and ask, "Why do I think I have the right to judge?" I have not walked a mile in their shoes. I have not had to make their decisions. Someone loves them. They are someone's child, father, brother, sister, mother, friend.
I've been around a fair number of 20-somethings lately. And, I've started to hear more and more bravado/insecurity-induced judgments being made. I've read it in blogs, heard it in class and just out wandering on campus. My one suggestion to everyone is, go out and see the world. Not the glossy front that places put on to hide reality, but the real world. See how real people live and work and exist.
I love the quote from Mark Twain: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
Happy Travels!
I've gotten to see the world in all of its glory and wretchedness. And I love it all. It has added to who I am and how I view life around me. It has made me appreciate what I have and love people for who they are, where they are. I find myself judging less and less. And, even when I find myself starting to judge someone, I have a tendency now to catch myself and ask, "Why do I think I have the right to judge?" I have not walked a mile in their shoes. I have not had to make their decisions. Someone loves them. They are someone's child, father, brother, sister, mother, friend.
I've been around a fair number of 20-somethings lately. And, I've started to hear more and more bravado/insecurity-induced judgments being made. I've read it in blogs, heard it in class and just out wandering on campus. My one suggestion to everyone is, go out and see the world. Not the glossy front that places put on to hide reality, but the real world. See how real people live and work and exist.
I love the quote from Mark Twain: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
Happy Travels!
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