I observe a lot more than I speak and something I’ve noticed recently is most people are going about their daily lives without ever stopping to consider how their actions may impact someone else.

Have you ever stopped and thought about all the possible scenarios for any given situation? 

Are you considering the bigger picture or only considering yourself? 

How about a scenario every one of us can relate to… being stuck behind the slow driver!

Maybe they are being cautious cause they have a baby or animal in the car. Maybe they’re a new driver who is learning, Maybe they’re an older driver. Maybe they or a loved one were recently in a really bad car accident. Maybe they’re just in a slow Sunday kind of mood. 

But none of that mattered when you made the decision they were either an idiot or an asshole, zoomed around them, cutting them off and making them hit their brakes. Now the baby spilled their juice all over and is screaming. The dog who was enjoying a car ride was thrown into the back of the front seats. The new driver is scared to learn. The older driver feels too intimidated to drive and is forced to give up their independance. The accident victim has now been retraumatized. The slow Sunday drive vibe was ruined. All because the only person you considered was yourself.

🤔Maybe the person who is quiet/distant has a lot on their mind, doesn’t feel well, is overstimulated, had something happen, has company, is tired, has been busy, etc.

🤔Maybe the person who didn’t like your social media post didn’t see it due to the algorithms, saw it, but was unable to engage at that moment, hasn’t even been on social media cause they’re taking a break, etc.

🤔Maybe the person who didn’t respond to your text message is feeling overwhelmed, forgot to reply, or is dealing with something that’s taking their focus.

🤔Maybe the friend who didn’t attend your event had a scheduling conflict, didn’t feel up to socializing, or simply needed time to recharge.

🤔Maybe the coworker who seemed dismissive of your idea was preoccupied with their own workload, didn’t fully understand it, or was feeling stressed by a deadline.

Next time you find yourself making assumptions or judging, I invite you to pause for a moment, assume innocence, and ask yourself what other scenarios you may be missing. You might be surprised.

And one way to know for sure? ASK! Deepen your connection by leading with curiosity and love.

Here’s to living your life by design, not default! 

P.S. I’m getting settled back in at home and considering running another 21 day challenge. If you would like to join this round, send me a DM and your preferred topic.