It happens to everyone at some point. We get caught up in something; an appearance, a behaviour, a word. Something that someone else does makes us judge them. Is it right? NO. Should we shift our thinking to embrace everyone no matter of ability or inability? YES. This is why this article is so amazing. We do need to be less judgemental of each other and find within all of the spark that brings us to life and can help others to follow along that path!
This article was one that I considered a feel good article because there are lots of people out there who want to help. If you just put it out there you never know who is been through it, will understand and more importantly will help. I hope it makes you feel the same.
We have to learn to be less judgmental
By Cheryl Clock, The Standard
She begins every morning of every day, with the same prayer.
Please don’t let me be judgmental today.
She says it out loud.
Please don’t let me be judgmental today.
Only then does Peggy Simmons, evening charge nurse on the GNGH’s mental health ward, begin her day.
It’s a ritual so deeply personal, so part of her life, that she wouldn’t start her morning any other way.
Peggy is 57. Healthy. Strong. Empowered. Passionate about her work with people who are easily judged. People who live with a mental illness. Bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia. Depression. Personality disorders.
This is her calling. Where she needs to be.
It’s personal. “We have to learn to be less judgmental,” she says.
It’s a message she repeats often. Peggy knows how it feels to be on the receiving end of judgment. To be part of the stigma of mental illness.
She begins her story like this: “If I had cancer and survived, wouldn’t I tell you?”
Therein lies the stigma.
When Peggy talks about her own experience with mental illness, her intent is to offer others what she once lost herself. Hope.
It was through a combination of medication and positive self talk that she grew stronger, better.
Every night at bedtime, she forced herself to write down 10 things she accomplished in the day. Getting out of bed. Showering. Gradually, the list became longer. She started writing thoughts of gratitude. Maybe the woman at Zehrs gave her a free bag.
Positive thoughts replaced negative ones.
These days, Peggy is stronger for it. She has kept her lists. Occasionally reads through them.
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