Imagine if they were non-existent

I cannot assume
the judgements I cast upon others
are replicated
upon me by other people.
I judge others harshly
in anticipation
they too will judge me harshly
so I can prepare self-defenses
in advance.
But it is possible
that other people’s judgements of me
are different,
lesser than,
or even non-existent.

Imagine if they were non-existent;
the expended energy wasted
in anxiety.

magic to witness in patience

Flowers cannot bloom all at the same time.
Even on the same plant
with multiple buds,
some bloom while others shrivel.
Each grows through its own ebbs and flows,
ever changing.

To draw inferences on a flower’s capabilities
based on one moment of observation
creates extreme expectations and judgements.
To observe over days, weeks, seasons,
creates a grounded reality, an understanding.

One method quick and easy,
the other long and patient.

We can find the beautiful magic to witness
in patience
if we choose.