First impressions are very tricky for me.  I know that I am not to be judgmental therefore, putting love first and giving people time to be their true selves is something I strive to do daily.  It is a priority of mine to rid myself of all judgmental thoughts, particularly when it comes to first impressions.  At times I falter, but the effort is there. 

I am aware that the first impressions I give off are not always those of love.  Not because it’s not there, but because I am a comfortable introvert, that gravitates to the periphery by choice. 

When necessary, I have no problem crossing the line to be an extrovert, but my favorite place is the periphery.  Therefore, my first impression may not be one of exuberant love.  One has to peel back the layers to understand that I choose love.

When I am in my environment I believe it is much easier to gauge an accurate first impression of me.  But when I’m at a large gathering, it’s difficult to see the true me until one takes the time to interact.

I challenge us all this holiday season and going forward to watch our first impressions. To watch the first impressions that we give off and to watch the first impressions that we allow our minds to create.

I walk into each situation thinking positively, thinking it’s going to be fun and interesting to get to know those who will be attending the event.  But it’s also important in all the holiday rush to remember to relax, be yourself, and smile.  It’s important to remember how you handle yourself often will give off impressions that are lasting.

If your arms are crossed, you’re sitting in a chair, you have no eye contact with anyone, and little or no facial expressions, it’s going to be difficult for anyone to cross that barrier.  So this holiday I choose to give myself a chance.  

I choose to put a smile on my face, to sit or stand tall with my arms uncrossed, my eyes with compassion and my listening ears.  If I offer that type of first impression, I have a good chance of connecting with people, free of any judgments.

How great it would be to live in a judgment-free world.  However, we’re human.  I have spent a lot of time trying to eliminate judgmental thoughts from my mind and open myself up to all the possibilities and all the rich personalities that exist in our environment.

Happy holidays and I pray that each of us can have a judgment-free warm and wonderful holiday season.

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