The woman looked at me warily. I knew she wanted to condemn my choice at the moment, but she didn't. I registered her disdain, but was able to put that aside since the individual didn't know all the particulars related to the situation--it wasn't an easy situation, and it was a situation that I had been deeply invested in over time. I knew the situation wasn't perfect, but I also knew that perfection was highly unlikely in this scenario. Instead, a best-possible outcome was what we were reaching for.
Similar to the woman who wanted to judge me, I wanted to judge a situation another person was involved in, but also like that woman, I didn't know the details. I was looking at the situation with a faraway perspective and a fraction of the facts and details. I didn't judge. I couldn't judge. Instead, I chose what I could do to support the scenario at hand.
As a new mom, I remember when strangers would judge my actions, and as a parent of three, I find myself wanting to give new moms a little advice, but for the most part, I don't give that advice unless I'm asked. We have to give people the space they need to do what they think is best. Yet, that said, if we do believe that there might be danger or destruction, we have to speak up since we never want to simply let things happen that can hurt or harm others.
In general be wary of judging or the judgement you receive. Instead live your best life and do what you can to actively support others' best living too. Onward.