A Pause Before the Assumption

As the year draws to a close, I take a deep breath and I’m thankful for the quiet wisdom that lives in the pause – the space between what we see and what we think we know.

It’s so easy to jump to conclusions. To fill in the blanks of someone else’s story with assumptions drawn from our own experience.

But the truth is, we rarely know the full picture.

Behind every person is a world unseen. A private history. A tender ache. A quiet battle they may never speak aloud.

What we may mistake as rudeness might be grief.
What seems like apathy could be exhaustion.
What we call failure might, in fact, be incredible courage – just to keep going.

I’m grateful for the reminder that everyone is carrying something. And while that doesn’t excuse hurtful behaviour, it does soften the lens through which we see each other.

So instead of assuming, let’s be curious. Let’s offer understanding instead of judgment.

Let’s choose compassion – not because it’s always easy, but because it’s always needed. A kind word. A moment of grace. A willingness to listen before leaping to conclusions…

It could be the very thing that helps someone feel seen.

During this festive season, may we meet each other – and ourselves – with gentler eyes.

I’d love to know:
What helps you stay grounded in compassion when judgment arises?

For me, I take a long deep breath in and exhale slowly through pursed lips. I soften my shoulders and my brow, then I put myself in the other’s shoes.

May your holidays be filled with grace and compassion in action.

With love,