A revelation has recently unveiled itself to me. In the past week, I have been surprised by people and my reaction to them. My surprise is a double-edged sword that is both bitter and sweat. On one hand, I discovered something very ugly about myself; yet on the other, I discovered something surprisingly beautiful about other people.
I will cast judgement on myself and admit that I have been a most intolerable, hypocritical bigot. I am guilty of judging the proverbial book by its cover. For that reason, I feel truly terrible about my thoughts.
I have always flattered myself by saying that I am fair and non-judgmental. However, as I discovered over the past few days, I do not always practice what I preach. Although it pains me to admit it, I have wrongly judged a person. Yet, at the same time, part of me is elated that I was wrong. This man, who I prematurely judged, killed all of the stereotypes in which I feared he would fall.
I am mortified about my thoughts and feel like an idiot. I will continue to be careful when judging people, but I shall no longer have a fine print in the back of my mind that states: "...and look out for this type of person, in particular." No. Now I will give the same severe caution to every person I meet, no exceptions.
Although this was a blow to my ego and self-righteousness, I also feel as though I have grown so much over the past few days. I have learned a lesson that cannot be fully conveyed in a mere classroom, seminar, or workshop. To reinforce this lesson, I happened to meet two other men of varying backgrounds and beliefs who have surprised me by their outlook on life and personality.
I can't believe that in two days I can be so surprised by people in a positive manner. Generally, I have been a pragmatist towards human behavior, well maybe a pessimist or a cynic would be a better word. But my experiences this week have shown me another side. It is my sincere hope that good surprises continue, rather than disappoint.
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