Are you setting yourself up to believe that there are people in this world that are just out to get you and you alone? Your first thought is of malice rather than comprehension or understanding. By first assuming a negative judgement of another actions up front, we may be creating barriers that needn’t be considered at all.

Begin with a positive lens to more deeply and rationally judge the intent of another’s actions before you would react. You’ll likely find out with more certainty in due time, but don’t begin with a hasty judgement that all approach you with malice in their actions.

Hoping to make sense of it all by assumptions of the moment is irrational. Remain calm and open to the broad range of possibilities in your assumption of the intent of others. Look forward with patience. Assume no malice up front. Address only the real barriers to find the better way. The world may not be out to get you after all.

“Everything turns on your assumptions about it, and that’s on you. You can pluck out the hasty judgement at will, and like steering a ship around a point, you will find calm seas, fairer weathered a safe port.” — Marcus Aurelius —

MITM