I went to the Monday morning class at my gym today after school drops offs. I was surprised to see a new person in the class, not because we don't often get new people but because I've always noticed this particular person taking one on one coaching from our gym's owner during the time that this morning class meets. I've always been so curious why she, someone who appears to be in about the same level of shape as many of us who have been working out for a while, would pay a gazillion times more to take a private lesson every Monday rather than joining the rest of us for a group lesson.
I judged her to be unfriendly and a little snobby since I never saw her smile.
I judged her because she was always perfectly put together to come work out while the rest of us rock messy ponytails and no makeup.
I judged her because I was sure she found herself "too good" to work out with the rest of us.
I judged her. (typed with shame)
I didn't realize the extent of my judgement until we became partners this morning for some lifting. The coach asked me to pair up with her and I was immediately struck by how kind she was. She was soft spoken and friendly. She didn't seem "too good" but very unsure of herself. She didn't seem aloof, but nervous about being with the rest of us. She complimented my lifting form and said she had noticed my chin ups before.
She was pretty much the opposite of who I had judged her to be and I feel sheepish about that.
You would think that I, someone who has been perceived as too quiet or as snobby or as unfriendly for much of my adult life (because running on the shy side while standing next to a husband who doesn't know a stranger is a tricky combination), would know better than to judge someone without knowing anything about them.
Today was a good reminder.
I judged her to be unfriendly and a little snobby since I never saw her smile.
I judged her because she was always perfectly put together to come work out while the rest of us rock messy ponytails and no makeup.
I judged her because I was sure she found herself "too good" to work out with the rest of us.
I judged her. (typed with shame)
I didn't realize the extent of my judgement until we became partners this morning for some lifting. The coach asked me to pair up with her and I was immediately struck by how kind she was. She was soft spoken and friendly. She didn't seem "too good" but very unsure of herself. She didn't seem aloof, but nervous about being with the rest of us. She complimented my lifting form and said she had noticed my chin ups before.
She was pretty much the opposite of who I had judged her to be and I feel sheepish about that.
You would think that I, someone who has been perceived as too quiet or as snobby or as unfriendly for much of my adult life (because running on the shy side while standing next to a husband who doesn't know a stranger is a tricky combination), would know better than to judge someone without knowing anything about them.
Today was a good reminder.
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| beautiful picture taken by Taylor, simply because |
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