JA Meeting

Hi, my name is Clare and I'm a judgaholic.

Hi, Clare.

I've heard that the first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem. So, here I am, recognizing. I have an unhealthy addiction to jumping to conclusions, preconceptions and stereotyping.
At first, I thought I had control of my judgments but it has become clearer and clearer that I am not wearing the pants in this relationship. Prejudice rules my life. It affects my whole world. I lie to cover up its strangle hold over me; I am ashamed.
I have always judged judgmental people most harshly, they're hiding from something, they don't have the courage to break this terrible habit and face the world head-on, they surrender control of their perception, mind and karma to an ugly outside entity because they are scared. Now I know how helpless they are, we all are, how strong and clever this demon is. It feeds on human nature. It whispers, "You need me. This world is far too much for you to handle on your own. You are just a lost and confused child without me to organize everything and everyone into systematic little piles, boxes to be neatly stacked. I ease and order life for you. This is a partnership." What it doesn't mention is the cold, robotic, soulless tendencies of its generalizing, the parts that it overlooks for the sake of its system, the beautiful, unique humanity in everyone. I have found myself persuaded, time and time again, to give in and allow one tiny, insignificant stereotype, just one harsh write-off, one "well, I didn't want to be your friend anyways." But, as everyone in this room knows, one turns into two so easily. And two into three and three into four and four into a round on me for everybody and, before we know it, we're waking up with a pounding headache in an unfamiliar and potentially hostile environment, our delicate veil smashed to pieces around our naked feet...
Well, I say No More! No more assumptions, no more preconceived notions, no more write-offs, no more boxes. Just love. And best wishes all around.
As Plato so succinctly put it: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.