Stop Judging & Start Loving.

You just never know what other people are going through. I was working at a high-end department store in California. As a fashion enthusiast, I was thrilled to be working for a Fortune 500 company that happened to sell my favorite clothing articles. My managers coached me in customer service techniques throughout my shifts. I worked hard to learn the proper selling techniques and policies that the company expected.

One thing that I never thought the company would teach was the principal of judging. Management would often say “Don’t ever judge a customer.” I was surprised. Not judging a customer? Doesn't that trait just sort of come with the job? I tried to emphasize this principle in my everyday work, but I found it hard to not pass judgments.

I worked in the women’s apparel department where the price tags ranged anywhere from $100.00-$1000.00 per clothing article. I witnessed women max their credit cards, use several different forms of payment, and even pay with cash for hefty bills. I tried not to judge others when I noticed women wearing shoes that cost more than my college tuition.

One day, a customer came into my department without any hair. She didn’t have eyebrows and she barely had eyelashes. She fashioned a floor length skirt and a sharp, red, lip color. She awkwardly entered the store and started shopping around. This was the first customer I had seen like this. Rarely, do you see a woman without makeup and designer shoes in a high-end department store.

Before I could think too much about the situation. The woman came up to me and said, “excuse me, can you help me find some clothes?” I instantly felt ashamed for almost passing a judgment on this nice person. Throughout her shopping experience that day she confided in me about her struggle with cancer. She expressed to me her painful chemo treatments and exhausting symptoms.

 As I stood at the register ringing up her items, she said, “it took me 2 hours to get ready today, the thought of coming to a mall was terrifying.”   She then jokingly poked “Be grateful for your hair, you don’t realize how hard it is to get ready for the day without it.” I watched as she exited the department store with a smile on her face. I stood speechless. In my head, I heard these words-- “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”  I learned a lesson that day in the department store.

Let's stop judging people and start loving them.

5 Ways to Choose Happiness Every Day

Let's be honest. Life can be hard, stressful, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming. With the stresses of everyday life, it is crucial to stay positive each day. Though choosing happiness can be easier said than done these tips can render any hopeless situation.

1. Breath.

Though this tip sounds obvious, breathing can ease any stressed mind. If you ever find yourself unable to focus (due to stress) then stop and focus on your breathing. Take deep breathes for one or two minutes at a time. This simple tactic will help your mind and body collaborate and relax.

2. Exercise.

Even if you feel like you don't have any time (or motivation) make some time for exercise. Whether you prefer morning walks or weekly yoga classes, do whatever it takes to stay active. Making exercise a priority will help improve your overall happiness level. If you care for your body then your body will take care of you.

3. Serve a Friend.

Chances are if you ever feel overburden then someone else does as well.  One of the best remedies for a sorrowful heart is to serve someone else. Even if you have only five minutes then send a quick text, make a phone call and let someone know that you are thinking about him or her. This simple act will help your mind think about someone else.

4. Count your Blessings.

We have more blessings than we can remember. Simple objects are taking for granted every single day. Take a second and write down 10 blessings that you have. By participating in this practice you will be able to see how many blessings you really do have.

5. Do something for you!

Eat some chocolate, take a bubble bath, or watch 20 minutes of Netflix. Sometimes you just need to take some time for you! There is nothing wrong with devoting 20 minutes to you. This healthy practice can ease your burdens and change your mood.

Though these steps may seem simple, implementing them may be difficult. Try to focus on one or two steps every week. Eventually, you will feel comfortable implementing all five of them in your daily routine. When life seems unbearable just remember that this is normal. There are times we all feel mad, sad frustrated or overwhelmed. Try to gain perspective and choose happiness every day.