Let’s imagine a world where the only possible first impressions are showing love.  Where one meets someone and the only thing that comes to one’s mind is kindness.  Walking down the street one acknowledges people they see with a warm gesture and are mentally thinking good thoughts about them.  Someone who is visibly different is then welcomed into the circle of friends.  As the conversation starts, it all builds on being happy with people’s accomplishments and learning from each other’s strengths. 

These first impressions could also be labeled judgments.  I am guilty of making numerous impressions or judgments every day.  After reading Miracles Every Day, by Maura Poston Zagrans, I was touched by a quote from Dr. Nemeh, “It is never for me to judge.”  I thought to myself, “How often do I really make judgments?”  I have a positive attitude toward people and genuinely have their best interests in mind when interacting. 

What I did not realize was that I do make impressions or judgments often.  These impressions are not usually negative or bad, but I did not realize how often I make quick judgments.  Most of these judgments are not verbalized.  Most are quick impressions that run through my mind.  But they are impressions that I have no right to be making. 

I decided to make a conscious effort to review my thoughts and start eliminating those that are judgmental.  First, it is very difficult to stop my mind long enough to evaluate my thoughts!  What I find is that some thoughts will quickly move into my mind and be gone.  Again, I think to myself, “Why did I have that thought?  Who am I to be critical?”

I have been playing this, “catch my first impressions” game, for enough time now that I am able to quickly change my thoughts as the impressions creep into my mind.  It might be a driver who passed by and did something unusual.  I am not responsible for the driver’s actions and it is not my job to judge.  Maybe it is the employee who is treating the customer differently than I would want to be treated.  I don’t know why the employee is behaving that way, but who am I to be the judge?  

This does not mean that I am indifferent about things or that I don’t have opinions.  I have first impressions regarding me.  I have opinions on many things, but I try very hard to eliminate judgments about others.  When an impression about something other than myself pops into my mind, I quickly ask for forgiveness and change that thought to something productive. 

Channeling first impressions into more positive, productive thoughts is something I would love to see in this world. 

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