April 9th, 2018
Jumping to Conclusions
Appearances can be deceiving.
In fact, what we perceive to be one way can actually turn out to be the complete opposite.
As an example, if someone is crying, they could be doing so because they are feeling sad... or because they are very happy!
Things aren't always as they seem.
Intellectually, we all know this to be true.
Yet, it is much, much harder to apply this knowledge and awareness in dealing with every day situations.
We tend to personalize all manner of events and situations and circumstances.
For instance, in my life, I struggle with being overly sensitive to others' emotions.
If I see someone upset, for example, I often assume that they are upset with me and that I did something wrong.
I will then overcompensate, people-please, and generally feel bad about myself/ guilty over a mood that has nothing to do with me at all.
Similarly, if I fail to get an interview, I might jump to the conclusion that they hated me or that I am stupid, etc. The reality might be that they loved me and that I am very qualified and competent, but that they felt that someone else was a better fit and they would love to take me if they could.
The reality is that the world does not revolve around us!
Things often happen independent of whether we did or did not do something.
People are typically so preoccupied and immersed in their own realities and lives that they are likely not reacting because of us.
Yet, sometimes we don't even realize that we are making assumptions.
The next time you find yourself feeling bad/ upset about a situation, as yourself:
Do I know this assumption to be true?
What else might be true in this situation?
Jumping to Conclusions
Appearances can be deceiving.
In fact, what we perceive to be one way can actually turn out to be the complete opposite.
As an example, if someone is crying, they could be doing so because they are feeling sad... or because they are very happy!
Things aren't always as they seem.
Intellectually, we all know this to be true.
Yet, it is much, much harder to apply this knowledge and awareness in dealing with every day situations.
We tend to personalize all manner of events and situations and circumstances.
For instance, in my life, I struggle with being overly sensitive to others' emotions.
If I see someone upset, for example, I often assume that they are upset with me and that I did something wrong.
I will then overcompensate, people-please, and generally feel bad about myself/ guilty over a mood that has nothing to do with me at all.
Similarly, if I fail to get an interview, I might jump to the conclusion that they hated me or that I am stupid, etc. The reality might be that they loved me and that I am very qualified and competent, but that they felt that someone else was a better fit and they would love to take me if they could.
The reality is that the world does not revolve around us!
Things often happen independent of whether we did or did not do something.
People are typically so preoccupied and immersed in their own realities and lives that they are likely not reacting because of us.
Yet, sometimes we don't even realize that we are making assumptions.
The next time you find yourself feeling bad/ upset about a situation, as yourself:
Do I know this assumption to be true?
What else might be true in this situation?
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